Bihar Government Issues Warning to Newly Recruited Teachers Over Forming Unions

The Bihar government has issued a strong warning to newly recruited teachers against forming associations or participating in protests against the Education department's policies. Around 1.2 lakh teachers who successfully cleared the Bihar Public Service Commission (BPSC) recruitment exam in 2023, were issued 'provisional appointment letters' on November 2.

Why is Bihar Government Warning Newly Recruited Teachers?

According to a statement from the Education Department on November 11, these teachers have not been assigned postings yet and have not commenced teaching in schools. However, it has come to the department's attention that some teachers have formed an association or joined one by criticizing the Education department's policies. Such actions are considered serious misconduct under the Bihar Government Employees Conduct Rules-1976.

The Education Department has emphasized that these teachers should refrain from engaging in such activities. The department has warned of severe disciplinary actions including the immediate cancellation of provisional appointments if the teachers are found guilty. The statement specifies that teachers selected from BPSC should not form or be part of any union, as outlined in Paragraph 7 of Section 17 of the Code of Conduct of Bihar School Teachers Rules 2023. This code is applicable to all school teachers under the Bihar Government Servants Code of Conduct 1976.

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The department revealed that the provisionally appointed teachers have formed an illegal association, complete with printed letterheads. An explanation has been sought from an office-bearer of this association who is a newly recruited teacher. The department asserts that the provisional appointments of such teachers can be immediately canceled.

In response to the Education Department's statement, Raju Singh, convener of TET Primary Teachers' Association expressed support for the decision. He highlighted that newly recruited teachers with provisional appointments, cannot form or join an unregistered association, as it is illegal. Singh emphasized that such actions can only be taken after the completion of the probation period. While everyone has the right to express their views, it should align with the provisions of the law and government employees' conduct rules.

The Bihar Public Service Commission conducted the Bihar Teachers Recruitment Exam 2023 on August 24, 25, and 26, in offline mode. A total of 1.20 lakh candidates successfully cleared the examination for 1.70 lakh teacher positions in the state. Distribution events for the appointment letters took place in Patna Gandhi Maidan and every district in the state.

(News Source)