In a significant development, the Bihar cabinet, led by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, granted government employee status to approximately 3.5 lakh contractual teachers in state-run schools. This decision, a long-standing demand from contractual teachers, categorizes them as “exclusive teachers” under the Bihar School Exclusive Teachers Rules, 2023. These teachers, working in schools managed by local bodies, including zila parishad, panchayat samiti, gram panchayat, nagar parishad, and nagar panchayats, now hold the coveted government employee status.

However, this recognition comes with a condition—teachers must pass competency exams to maintain their government employee status. The move aims to introduce a structured assessment process, contributing to the ongoing professional development of educators. While specifics about the competency exams are yet to be finalized, the government has allowed each teacher three attempts to clear the examination.

S. Siddharth, Additional Chief Secretary (Cabinet Secretariat), highlighted the gravity of this decision, acknowledging the persistent demand from contractual teachers for government employee status. The move represents a significant stride towards recognizing their contributions and providing them with a more secure professional status.

Addressing financial concerns, Siddharth clarified that the salaries of these ‘exclusive teachers’ would remain unchanged for now, with a future revision in their pay structure after successful completion of competency tests as per Bihar Public Service Commission guidelines.

The new rule also outlines a provision for the promotion of contractual teachers every eight years, offering a pathway for professional growth within the educational system. This recognition and promotional opportunity align with the government’s commitment to fostering a supportive and conducive environment for educators.

In addition to this decision, the cabinet approved a new ‘tourism policy’ to boost Bihar’s tourism sector. The policy envisions developing world-class tourism facilities and providing financial assistance for hotels, restaurants, resorts, and various tourist facilities. This comprehensive approach aims to position Bihar as a tourist-friendly destination, aligning with the government’s holistic vision for the state’s development and progress.

Source: PTI

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