Bihar Government Warns Newly Appointed Teachers Against Forming Associations And Protesting Policies

The Bihar government has issued a stern warning to approximately 1.20 lakh newly recruited teachers who received provisional appointment letters on November 2 after clearing the Bihar Public Service Commission (BPSC) recruitment exam 2023. The Education Department, in a statement on November 11, emphasized that disciplinary action, including the cancellation of appointments, would be taken if these teachers form or participate in any association and engage in protests against the Education department's policies, PTI reported. 

The statement revealed that some teachers have already formed an association and criticized the department's policies, which is considered a serious violation of the Bihar Government Employees Conduct Rules-1976. The department urged the newly appointed teachers to refrain from such activities and emphasized that strict disciplinary measures would be initiated if they are found guilty.

According to the Education Department, teachers selected through the BPSC should not form any unions or be part of them, citing Paragraph 7 of Section 17 of the Code of Conduct of Bihar School Teachers Rules 2023. The department highlighted that the formation of an illegal association by the provisionally appointed teachers had been observed, and the association had even printed letterheads. An explanation has been sought from an office-bearer of this association, and the provisional appointment of teachers involved may be canceled immediately.

Despite attempts to seek comments, Bihar Education Minister Chandrashekhar was unavailable. In response to the Education Department's statement, Raju Singh, convener of TET Primary Teachers' Association, expressed support for the decision, stating that newly recruited teachers with provisional appointments cannot form or join unregistered associations, as it is illegal. Singh emphasized that expressing views is a right, but it should be done in accordance with the law and government employee conduct rules.

The BPSC conducted the Bihar Teachers Recruitment Exam 2023 on August 24, 25, and 26, offline, with 1.20 lakh candidates successfully clearing the examination for 1.70 lakh teaching positions. The distribution of appointment letters took place in Patna Gandhi Maidan and every district of the state.