Senior officials from the Bihar Public Service Commission (BPSC), the Department of Education, and the Bihar School Examination Board (BSEB) held discussions to address the modalities for announcing the results of the recent Teachers’ Recruitment Test (TRE). This test aimed to fill 1.70 lakh teaching positions across primary, secondary, and senior secondary schools in the state of Bihar. The meeting came after Chief Minister Nitish Kumar encouraged the top officials to work together harmoniously and avoid personal disputes or ego clashes.
Background
BPSC Chairman Atul Prasad and Additional Chief Secretary (Education) KK Pathak had engaged in a public spat, questioning each other’s authority and judgment regarding the verification of documents before recommending successful candidates for teacher appointments. This dispute had caused concern and raised questions about the recruitment process.
Chief Minister’s Intervention
In an attempt to resolve the issue, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar met with the three top officials, emphasizing the importance of collaboration in the state’s best interest. He urged them to set aside differences and prioritize the welfare of the state and its people.
Outcomes of the Meeting
Following the meeting, BPSC Chairman Atul Prasad announced via Twitter that candidates who had appeared for the TRE and possessed qualifications like the Central Teacher Eligibility Test (CTET) and Bachelor of Education (B.Ed) degrees would be given ample time to submit the results of their exams to establish their eligibility. This decision aimed to accommodate candidates while adhering to the Supreme Court’s recent order, which declared B.Ed degree holders ineligible for primary school teacher positions.
Impact of Supreme Court Order
The Supreme Court’s ruling affected over 3.5 lakh candidates who had applied for primary teacher positions based on their B.Ed degrees. Consequently, approximately half of the primary teacher candidates would no longer be eligible, reducing the burden of document verification.
BPSC Chairman Atul Prasad had previously asserted that all candidates, including those with B.Ed degrees, should participate in the TRE, emphasizing the need for a government policy decision. The uncertainty surrounding the fate of these candidates following the apex court’s order could have necessitated rescheduling the TRE and refunding examination fees.
Pending Results
The BPSC is expected to announce the results of the TRE later in the month. However, candidates awaiting the results of the Diploma in Elementary Education (D.El.Ed) and the Secondary Teacher Eligibility Test (STET) may experience a longer wait. The BSEB has committed to releasing both sets of results as soon as possible, as they hold significance for a substantial number of candidates.
Recruitment Advertisement
The Bihar government had issued a recruitment advertisement on June 30, inviting applications for over 1.70 lakh teaching positions across primary, secondary, and senior secondary schools within the state. The outcome of this recruitment process is eagerly anticipated by candidates and stakeholders in the education sector in Bihar.
Conclusion
The resolution of disputes and the streamlined publication of results are essential for the efficient recruitment of teachers in Bihar. The Chief Minister’s intervention and the commitment of officials to work together will likely contribute to a smoother and more transparent recruitment process in the state.
