Patna: The Bihar Education Department has issued a strict directive to expedite the long-delayed recruitment of Shiksha Sevaks and Talimi Markaz under the Akshar Anchal Scheme, aimed at uplifting Mahadalit, Dalit and Minority Backward Class communities through grassroots education initiatives.
Dr S. Siddharth, Additional Chief Secretary of the Education Department, has instructed all District Magistrates to complete the selection process by June 30, expressing displeasure at the current sluggish pace. In a letter circulated on Monday, he criticised the lack of progress despite a clear work calendar already being provided to each district.
“Several districts have failed to meet the expected timelines due to administrative delays,” Dr Siddharth noted, while urging officers to act promptly. “Where survey work is complete, selections must be finalised by June 15. In districts where surveys are still ongoing, the process must conclude by June 30.”
A total of 2,206 vacancies remain for Shiksha Sevaks and Talimi Markaz educators. The Additional Chief Secretary emphasised that selection targets must be met and called for fair reservation practices in cases where general-category candidates have been removed or where legal disputes are pending in the High Court or before competent authorities.
Districts have also been directed to reserve posts in disputed cases to avoid complications and delays in the deployment of education volunteers.
The Akshar Anchal Scheme is a key initiative under the Bihar government’s inclusive education policy, aiming to provide foundational learning in marginalised communities. The timely recruitment of Shiksha Sevaks and Talimi Markaz is considered vital to bridging educational disparities and enhancing literacy rates in underprivileged areas.
