Will Bihar's Teacher Recruitment Crisis Impact the Upcoming Elections?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- 26,000 teaching positions announced by Bihar government.
- Protests are fueled by unmet promises of 1.2 lakh vacancies.
- Political implications as elections approach.
- Ongoing roster clearance in 2-3 districts.
- Opposition parties support protesting candidates.
Patna, Sep 22 (NationPress) As the political climate intensifies ahead of the Bihar Assembly elections, the dispute regarding the Bihar Public Service Commission teacher recruitment exam (TRE-4) remains unresolved.
During a press conference on Monday, Bihar Education Minister Sunil Kumar revealed that 26,000 teaching positions will be filled in this recruitment phase.
"The vacancies will be submitted to the BPSC in the next four to five days. Any leftover positions will be incorporated in TRE-5," stated Minister Kumar, emphasizing that vacancies are allocated based on subject matter and school enrollment numbers.
The Minister asserted that 26,000 openings are significant; however, many candidates continue to express their dissatisfaction.
A wave of protests from candidates has emerged, claiming the Bihar government has reneged on its prior promise of 1.2 lakh positions.
Minister Kumar also indicated that roster clearance is still in progress in two to three districts, after which the final list will be sent to the BPSC.
This impasse has turned into a critical election topic, as protesting candidates urge the Nitish Kumar government to fulfill its earlier commitment to large-scale recruitment to remedy Bihar’s severe teacher shortage.
On September 19, candidates braved heavy rain to march from Patna College, attempting to encircle Chief Minister Nitish Kumar's residence.
Police intervened, halting the demonstrators near JP Golambar in Patna, where they conducted a three-hour protest, voicing their grievances against the Bihar government.
Eventually, a delegation led by student leader Dilip met with B. Rajender, the Additional Chief Secretary of the Education Department, after which the protest was temporarily suspended.
The candidates argue that the Bihar government is purposefully delaying the recruitment process, leaving countless eligible youth without jobs.
"There is no alternative to government employment in Bihar. The state government must uphold its promise," protested individuals reiterated, calling for the release of the 1.2 lakh vacancies.
In recent weeks, police have clashed with protesters on several occasions, further inflaming frustration among job seekers.
As the Bihar Assembly elections draw near, the recruitment crisis has emerged as a significant political issue, with opposition parties supporting the demonstrators and accusing the government of betraying the youth of Bihar.