Patna: The Nitish Kumar cabinet has approved 44 agendas, introducing significant changes in teacher competency exams and new welfare initiatives. The special teacher manual now mandates five competency exams instead of the earlier three. Among Bihar’s 3,39,143 employed teachers, 1,87,818 have passed competency one, and 65,716 have cleared competency two. However, 85,609 teachers are yet to complete competency three and will now proceed with the new exams.
Teachers passing the competency exams will be exempt from transfers and will receive the salary of special teachers, aligning with new state provisions. Previously, such teachers could be transferred and did not enjoy the same salary benefits. Additionally, the government has mandated strict action against teachers spoiling the school environment or facing parental complaints. Guilty teachers may face investigations, ultimatums, and transfers to other blocks or districts if necessary.
The cabinet also approved the creation of 459 new posts for Block Minority Welfare Officers and sanctioned Rs 300 crore for constructing buildings for 2,500 Anganwadi centers. Of this, Rs 255 crore will come from NABARD, and Rs 45 crore from the state plan head. Furthermore, Rs 34.26 crore has been allocated for building additional rooms in Patna Circuit House.
The cabinet meeting, initially scheduled for December 20, was advanced due to the Chief Minister’s participation in the Bihar Business Connect program on Friday. These decisions mark another step forward in Bihar’s development and welfare planning.
