Bihar Assembly Sparks Debate Over Critical Lack of Computer Teachers
Synopsis
The Bihar Assembly is embroiled in a debate over the alarming shortage of computer teachers in government schools, with opposition members demanding immediate action to fill vacancies and enhance educational standards.
Key Takeaways
Bihar needs 26,000 computer teachers for effective education.
The government has only announced 460 vacancies.
Education Minister promises phased resolution of teacher shortages.
DMs are now responsible for balanced teacher deployment.
Ongoing issues in the assembly include pensions and public health concerns.
Patna, Feb 24 (NationPress) Alarm has been sounded regarding the state of computer education in Bihar's public schools, as the opposition scrutinizes the government in the Legislature over a critical shortage of computer teachers.
During discussions in the Bihar Legislative Assembly, CPI(ML) MLA Sandeep Saurabh highlighted that the state is in dire need of approximately 26,000 computer teachers, whereas the government has only announced vacancies for 460 positions.
He insisted that at least half of the necessary roles should be filled promptly to facilitate effective implementation of computer education.
Echoing these sentiments, Saharsa MLA Indrajit Gupta pointed out that while computer education has officially been introduced in government schools for Classes 6 to 10, there has been no appointment of computer teachers to date.
This has led him to claim that computer education is merely a formality on paper.
In response to these accusations, Education Minister Sunil Kumar informed the assembly that the state had previously grappled with a severe shortage of teachers in Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics, which was prioritized.
He assured members that the issue of computer teacher shortages would now be addressed systematically.
Further commenting on the teacher distribution issue, Indrajit Gupta alleged that some schools are overstaffed while others are in critical need of teachers.
The minister clarified that District Magistrates (DMs) have been given the authority to conduct local assessments and ensure an equitable distribution of teachers across schools.
As the legislative session commenced in the Bihar Legislative Council on Tuesday, both ruling and opposition members raised various issues, triggering intense debates.
BJP MLC Naval Kishore highlighted the issue of degree college employees not receiving their pensions, urging that all outstanding pensions be settled before Holi.
Following this, RJD MLC Sunil Singh demanded immediate and decisive action from the government regarding a gang rape incident in Supaul.
Senior RJD leader Abdul Bari Siddiqui raised concerns about tuberculosis (TB) patients, noting that while the state has over 1.5 lakh TB patients, only 4,440 are reportedly receiving nutritional support, which he termed alarming.
In response, Health Minister Mangal Pandey stated that 2,14,858 TB patients were registered in 2025.
He confirmed that all TB patients receive food baskets during their six-month treatment.
Additionally, starting from 2024, every TB patient will receive Rs 1,000 per month in direct financial aid.
During the same session, MLC Ashok Kumar raised the issue of a lack of an ultrasound machine in Rajauli, Nawada district.
The Health Minister assured that ultrasound services would be arranged promptly once the issue is brought to the government's attention.
Point of View
Particularly in technology education. The government's response to these concerns will be crucial in determining the future of computer education in the state. A balanced approach is essential to ensure that all students have equal access to quality education.
NationPress
6 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the current shortage of computer teachers in Bihar?
Bihar currently faces a shortage of approximately 26,000 computer teachers, with only 460 vacancies announced by the government.
What steps is the Bihar government taking to address this issue?
Education Minister Sunil Kumar has assured that the shortage of computer teachers will be resolved in a phased manner.
Are there any proposals to improve teacher distribution in Bihar schools?
Yes, District Magistrates (DMs) have been empowered to conduct local assessments to ensure balanced deployment of teachers across schools.
What other issues were raised in the Bihar Legislative Council session?
Other issues included pending pensions for degree college employees and a demand for action regarding a gang rape incident in Supaul.
How is the state supporting tuberculosis patients?
The state has confirmed that all TB patients receive food baskets during treatment and will receive Rs 1,000 per month starting in 2024.
