Bihar Government Outlines School Staff Recruitment Priorities in Assembly Session
Education Minister Sunil Kumar declared on Tuesday that the appointment of teachers remains the government's immediate priority, while confirming that peons and clerical staff will be recruited in schools during the next financial year. This statement was made in response to a question from Goriakothi MLA Deveshkant Singh during the Question Hour in the Bihar legislative assembly.
Addressing Long-Standing Vacancies in Schools
Minister Kumar acknowledged that principal positions in schools have also remained vacant for an extended period. He emphasized that the recruitment for peon and clerk posts will be conducted through the Bihar Staff Selection Commission. A comprehensive list of vacant positions has been requested from all districts across the state to facilitate this process.
The government's primary objective is to strengthen the administrative framework within schools, which is expected to lead to significant improvements in the overall education system. This strategic focus comes in response to concerns raised by opposition MLAs, who highlighted that educational and administrative functions are being severely impacted due to the shortage of clerical staff. Teachers are currently being diverted from their core teaching duties to handle record-keeping and other office tasks.
New Administrative Positions and Environmental Discussions
In a related development, the minister announced the creation of 935 new positions for assistant education development officers. These officers will be appointed for every 10 panchayats in the state, with a formal requisition already submitted to the Bihar Public Service Commission. This initiative was detailed in response to a starred question from MLA Gayatri Devi.
During the same assembly session, Environment, Forest and Climate Change Minister Pramod Kumar reported on air quality improvements in Bihar over the past five years. He noted that gaseous pollutants such as sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxide, carbon oxide, and ozone are within acceptable air quality standards. However, particulate matter, including respirable dust (PM10) and fine dust (PM2.5), continues to exceed standard limits. The Air Quality Index has demonstrated gradual improvement in recent years, according to the minister's assessment.
Heated Exchanges and Additional Demands in the Assembly
The day's proceedings began with a contentious debate as RJD MLA Bhai Virendra questioned the delay in cabinet expansion, leading to a heated argument with Minister Ashok Choudhary. Opposition members stood up from their seats and began chanting slogans, creating a tumultuous atmosphere in the House.
Further controversy arose when LJP(RV) MLAs, led by Raju Tiwari, demanded a public apology from the RJD for MLA Kumar Sarvajeet's use of the word "Bechara" in the House, resulting in an uproar among legislators.
In a separate but notable intervention, LJP(RV) member Raju Tiwari raised the issue of constructing electric crematoriums in rural areas of Bihar. He argued that traditional wood-based cremations contribute to environmental pollution. This proposal sparked objections from other NDA partners, including Panchayati Raj Minister Deepak Prakash and BJP MLA Jibesh Kumar, who contested the pollution rationale.
Deputy Chief Minister and Urban Development and Housing Minister Vijay Kumar Sinha intervened, stating that the government would seriously consider the matter. He explained that plans are underway to construct electric crematoriums and "moksha dhams" in all cities and along important riverbanks across the state.
