Patna witnesses protests over opening teachers' jobs to non-Bihar residents
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Patna: Massive protests have erupted in Patna as demonstrators voiced their opposition to the Bihar government's decision to allow individuals from outside the state to compete for teachers' jobs. The capital city of Bihar witnessed a significant demonstration at the Dak Bungalow crossing which resulted in traffic disruptions.
Police resorted to the use of force to disperse the crowd and detained several individuals deemed unruly. "The demonstration is being staged without any permission from the administration. We are trying to explain to the protesters that what they are doing is illegal. Use of force has been a last resort," said Deputy Superintendent of Police, Law and Order, Patna, Nurul Haq.
The protesters, who claimed to have cleared eligibility tests like CTET and BTET, criticised the police's actions, accusing the government of apathy.
Puja Singh, a job aspirant from Begusarai district, expressed her frustration, saying, "Do these people not have any shame? We are educated people and holding a peaceful demonstration over our legitimate concerns. Yet they are using force and arresting us as if we were criminals," reported PTI.
The controversy started when the Nitish Kumar cabinet recently announced a "no domicile" policy for the recruitment of teachers, drawing criticism from the opposition BJP and the CPI(ML) Liberation, which supports the 'Mahagathbandhan' government from the outside. State Education Minister Chandra Shekhar further aggravated the situation by stating that the policy was implemented due to a lack of talent within the state.
In response to the protests, the BJP announced plans to organise a "Vidhan Sabha" march on July 13 in support of the demands of aspiring teachers. BJP leader Vijay Kumar Sinha accused the previous RJD-led government of ruining education in Bihar and criticised the ruling party's "Charwaha Vidyalaya" scheme, highlighting what he deemed a frivolous approach to education.
State BJP President Samrat Choudhary voiced support for the demands of CTET and BTET pass candidates, urging their direct appointment as teachers rather than undergoing a lengthy screening process conducted by the state's public service commission. Choudhary also called for the regularisation of non-commissioned teachers and equal treatment with government employees.
The protests and political backlash have intensified the debate surrounding the recruitment of teachers in Bihar, concerns and demands of aspiring candidates, and the state's education system.