Patna: The Education Department in Bihar has unveiled an ambitious initiative to secure private houses on lease for teachers, ultimately providing them with comfortable living arrangements in districts, blocks, and panchayat headquarters. This groundbreaking decision follows the recent appointment of one lakh school teachers through examinations conducted by the Bihar Public Service Commission (BPSC).
Education Department to Cover Rental Costs
In a letter issued by the Education Department, it was revealed that the department annually disburses an approximate sum of Rs 33 thousand crores for teacher salaries. In addition to this, teachers are required to allocate roughly 8 percent of their income, amounting to Rs 2,500 crore, for housing allowances. To alleviate this financial burden, the Education Department has opted for an innovative approach: granting government flats in lieu of housing allowances. The plan involves securing long-term leases for flats in apartments and rural residences.
Accommodation will be thoughtfully arranged at the district headquarters, sub-division, block, and panchayat headquarters levels, ensuring proximity to the teachers’ respective schools. The Education Department will take charge of rent payments, directly disbursing the funds to landlords or lessees on a monthly basis.
Housing for Five Lakh Teachers
In light of the recent appointment of one lakh teachers through BPSC, and with an existing four lakh teachers already serving in schools across Bihar, the Education Department has undertaken the formidable task of providing housing solutions, especially for those working in remote blocks and villages. This strategic initiative ensures that teachers can reside near their schools and dedicate their energy to their teaching responsibilities.
Education Department’s Dual Approach
The Education Department is exploring two distinct approaches to realize this ambitious housing project. Firstly, the department will reach out to individuals who have multi-story houses available near schools in districts, blocks, and villages. The existing properties can be acquired on lease.
In the second approach, the Education Department will collaborate with real estate companies engaged in constructing multi-story buildings in district, sub-divisional, and block headquarters. These developments will be equipped to meet the housing needs of teachers, with long-term lease agreements secured, and monthly rent payments guaranteed. Furthermore, the department will engage with individuals capable of constructing additional housing units within one to two years.
Application Process for House Owners
Individuals interested in participating in this significant initiative, whether as property owners or real estate companies, are invited to submit their applications through the department’s official website at https://state.bihar.gov.in/educationbihar. The deadline for applications is set for 5 pm on November 4.
To foster collaboration and gather valuable insights, a seminar has been scheduled for November 8, providing an opportunity for all interested parties to contribute their views. The seminar will be conducted at the departmental level in Patna, further cementing the commitment to improve living conditions for teachers and elevate the quality of education in Bihar.
