Setback for teachers: The education department halted the teacher’s transfer policy.

Patna November 19, 2024: The Bihar Education Department has temporarily suspended the teacher transfer policy following a directive from the Patna High Court, which imposed an immediate stay on the policy.

The court, under Justice Prabhat Kumar Singh, instructed the state government to clarify the matter within three weeks during the hearing of a petition challenging the policy.

Education Department may revise policy:

Education Minister Sunil Kumar announced the temporary suspension and stated that teachers will remain in their current postings for the time being.

How also indicated that transfers will be conducted only after completing a five-phase competency test, and revisions to the policy may be made if necessary.

“The teachers will be appointed where they are now. Transfers will take place after the 5-phase competency test. If needed, changes will be made in the transfer policy,” said Sunil Kumar, addressing the situation.

This suspension underscores the Education Department’s readiness to revise its policies in response to judicial intervention and the concerns of stakeholders.

The education minister acknowledged the challenges in this policy:

Bihar Education Minister Sunil Kumar has acknowledged the practical challenges in the teacher transfer policy, admitting that concerns raised by teacher organizations align with issues recognized by the department.

In light of these challenges, the minister clarified that teachers will currently serve as special teachers in their existing schools. Transfers will only occur after a five-stage competency evaluation.

The state government had previously instructed teachers to submit their preferences for transfer and posting by November 22, 2024.

However, with the Patna High Court’s immediate stay on the policy, this process is now suspended, and revisions to the policy are being considered.

The suspension aims to address procedural shortcomings while ensuring the policy aligns with practical realities and judicial guidelines.

Also Read: Bihar education department will prohibit teachers from calling students by their surnames.

EOM.