Latest news with #SSiddharth
Time of India
4 hours ago
- Politics
- Time of India
DEOs to ensure schools run smoothly during poll work
Patna: To ensure school education is not disrupted during the electoral roll revision process, district education officers (DEOs) have been asked to monitor institutions where teachers are engaged in voter list duties. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now They will arrange for substitute teachers from nearby schools or panchayats to maintain continuity in classroom teaching. This was announced by additional chief secretary of the education department, S Siddharth, during the weekly programme 'Shiksha Ki Baat' on Saturday. Siddharth also urged teachers not to panic over transfer postings and to remain patient. He said 80,000 transfers under categories I to VI have already been completed with all but 34 teachers allotted schools. Most transferred women teachers under category 7 have received district placements while male teachers in surplus districts who opted for areas with shortages will be prioritised for transfer. Responding to a complaint from a parent in West Champaran regarding the lack of fans in classrooms, Siddharth said, "The department has allocated Rs 50,000 to headmasters of each school with instructions to install fans and switches before summer. I will personally inquire why the school in question still lacks fans." He also announced that the department is signing MoUs with major coaching institutes to support students academically. Acknowledging the shortage of subject teachers, particularly in mathematics and physics, he added that future teacher recruitment would prioritise subject-specific posts. Siddharth highlighted the introduction of tablet devices equipped with dedicated software to facilitate direct communication between schools and the department. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now "It is a two-way information system linked to the central server. Any letter or notice issued by the department will be visible and we can also access data specific to each school," he said. Patna: To ensure school education is not disrupted during the electoral roll revision process, district education officers (DEOs) have been asked to monitor institutions where teachers are engaged in voter list duties. They will arrange for substitute teachers from nearby schools or panchayats to maintain continuity in classroom teaching. This was announced by additional chief secretary of the education department, S Siddharth, during the weekly programme 'Shiksha Ki Baat' on Saturday. Siddharth also urged teachers not to panic over transfer postings and to remain patient. He said 80,000 transfers under categories I to VI have already been completed with all but 34 teachers allotted schools. Most transferred women teachers under category 7 have received district placements while male teachers in surplus districts who opted for areas with shortages will be prioritised for transfer. Responding to a complaint from a parent in West Champaran regarding the lack of fans in classrooms, Siddharth said, "The department has allocated Rs 50,000 to headmasters of each school with instructions to install fans and switches before summer. I will personally inquire why the school in question still lacks fans." He also announced that the department is signing MoUs with major coaching institutes to support students academically. Acknowledging the shortage of subject teachers, particularly in mathematics and physics, he added that future teacher recruitment would prioritise subject-specific posts. Siddharth highlighted the introduction of tablet devices equipped with dedicated software to facilitate direct communication between schools and the department. "It is a two-way information system linked to the central server. Any letter or notice issued by the department will be visible and we can also access data specific to each school," he said.
Time of India
4 days ago
- Politics
- Time of India
Ahead of polls, Bihar OKs plan to limit 35% quota in jobs for women: Non-domicile applicants to apply under general category; what it means for job aspirants
The Bihar government has approved a domicile clause for the 35% women's reservation in state jobs, restricting it to permanent residents. Non-Bihari women will now compete under the general category. PATNA: The Nitish Kumar-led Bihar government on Tuesday approved a proposal to limit the 35% reservation for women in state government jobs strictly to domicile candidates. Women from outside Bihar will now have to compete under the general category for all such posts. The move effectively brings a domicile clause into the women's quota, a long-standing demand in the state, and is aimed at ensuring that the benefits of reservation go only to Bihar's permanent residents. No impact on those already in service Officials clarified that the new rule will not affect non-Bihari women who have already secured government jobs in the state under the existing reservation policy. 'They will continue in their positions without any change,' said additional chief secretary S Siddharth. Other key decisions In the same cabinet meeting, the government also cleared a proposal to extend financial assistance to physically challenged candidates who have cleared UPSC and BPSC prelims. Under the new 'Sambal' scheme, Rs 50,000 will be offered to those preparing for BPSC mains and Rs 1 lakh for UPSC mains — a support that wasn't previously extended to Divyang aspirants from backward, EWS or general categories. Additionally, the cabinet approved the Bihar Corporate CSR Policy, 2025, to bring corporate social responsibility (CSR) activities under government oversight. A 24-member State CSR Society will be set up to monitor the implementation of CSR-funded projects across sectors like education and health.
Time of India
4 days ago
- Politics
- Time of India
Govt limits women's job quota to state residents
Patna: The state cabinet on Tuesday approved a proposal to restrict the 35% reservation in govt jobs for women to those who are permanent residents of Bihar. This move means that women from other states will no longer be eligible for this quota, which was introduced as part of the state's efforts to empower Bihar's women. The decision was taken amid demands for the implementation of a domicile policy in govt jobs in the state. "With the clearance of this proposal, the women job aspirants from other states will now have to compete for Bihar govt posts under the general category," said additional chief secretary of the cabinet secretariat department, S Siddharth, during a press briefing. The decision will not affect women from outside Bihar who have already availed themselves of the 35% reservation and are currently serving in state institutions. Effectively, the cabinet's move brings a partial implementation of a domicile policy within the women's job quota, closing access to non-residents. In another key decision, the cabinet approved financial assistance for divyang (physically challenged) candidates preparing for the main examinations of the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) and Bihar Public Service Commission (BPSC), after clearing their preliminary examinations. Under the scheme, eligible candidates will receive Rs 50,000 for preparing for the BPSC mains and Rs 1 lakh for the UPSC mains. Siddharth said earlier physically challenged people from backward classes, economically weaker sections (EWS) and the general category were not receiving such support under the govt's 'Sambal' scheme. The cabinet also approved the Bihar Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Policy, 2025, aimed at ensuring effective implementation and continuous monitoring of projects funded through CSR contributions. A 24-member State CSR Society will be established under the policy to oversee the execution of such projects. "The society, constituted under the policy, will monitor all schemes implemented with CSR funds. Suppose someone wants a school built in Bihar using CSR contributions, they can do so, but its implementation will be monitored by this body, as the government wants such funds utilised under official oversight," Siddharth said. The cabinet also gave its nod to the Bihar Urban Gas Distribution Policy, 2025, aimed at encouraging the use of natural gas in households to reduce carbon emissions. The policy includes provisions to restore road infrastructure damaged during the laying of gas pipelines. In a financial move, the cabinet sanctioned Rs 105 crore as share capital for Jeevika Cooperative Bank, which supports self-help groups. The funds, drawn from the state's contingency fund, will be used both as grants and for establishment-related expenses during the 2025-26 financial year. To boost infrastructure, the cabinet approved road construction projects worth Rs 707 crore across 13 districts, as proposed by the road construction department. The cabinet cleared Rs 100 crore for diesel subsidies to support farmers during the ongoing Kharif season, particularly in light of erratic rainfall. The subsidy will assist farmers in operating diesel pumps to irrigate up to eight acres of farmland, helping offset water shortages caused by a weak monsoon.
India Gazette
4 days ago
- Politics
- India Gazette
Bihar Cabinet nod for 35% reservation for native women, Rs 100 subsidy for farmers, Youth Commission
Patna (Bihar) [India], July 8 (ANI): Bihar cabinet on Tuesday approved 43 schemes and projects, including the formation of the Bihar Youth Commission, 35 per cent reservation for women native to the State and Rs 100 diesel subsidy for farmers. Bihar Chief Secretary S Siddharth said, 'Today, 43 agendas have been stamped in the Council of Ministers, in which the most important agenda is the formation of the Youth Commission. This commission is related to the youth of 18-45 years, which will have one chairman, two vice-chairmen and seven members.' 'The beneficiary group related to this includes migrants working and studying outside the State, students pursuing higher secondary education, students pursuing degree courses, unemployed youth, economically weak meritorious students and any other group of youth on which the Youth Commission deems worthy of intervention.' The Cabinet has approved 35 per cent horizontal reservation for women native to Bihar in state government services. 'The second important decision related to general administration is that only women native to the state will be allowed 35 per cent horizontal reservation on all posts in direct appointment in all government service cadres of Bihar state,' Siddharth told reporters. Taking into consideration irregular monsoons and drought, a diesel subsidy of Rs 100 crore has been approved for farmers. 'The subsidy will be applicable for paddy, maize, barley, oilseeds and jute crops, and seasonal vegetable and medicinal plants,' he said. Apart from this, the cabinet approved a Divyangjan Civil Seva Protsahan Scheme, under which differently abled people will be given Rs 50,000 and Rs 1 lakh on passing the prelims of UPSC and BPSC exams. Under the Road Construction Department, the cabinet has given the nod to Hisua bypass. Worth Rs 35.29 crore, it will be about 2.9 km long and is expected to give relief against traffic jam at Hisua Baazaar. Earlier today, Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar announced the Bihar Youth Commission stating that move is aimed at providing more employment opportunities to the youth. Sharing a post on X, Nitish Kumar wrote, 'I am pleased to inform that with the aim of providing more and more employment opportunities to the youth of Bihar, training them, and making them empowered and capable, the state government has decided to form the Bihar Youth Commission, and today the cabinet has also approved the formation of the Bihar Youth Commission.' He added that the commission will coordinate with government departments to ensure better education and employment for the youth. 'This commission will play a significant role in advising the government on all matters related to improving and uplifting the condition of youth in society. The commission will also coordinate with government departments to ensure better education and employment for the youth,' Kumar wrote in the X post. 'The Bihar Youth Commission will consist of one chairperson, two vice-chairpersons, and seven members, with a maximum age limit of 45 years. This commission will monitor that local youth of the state are given priority in private sector employment within the state, while also protecting the interests of youth studying and working outside the state,' the X post read. The Chief Minister stated that the commission will also prepare programmes to tackle the issues of alcohol and other intoxicants. 'Preparing programs to prevent social evils such as alcohol and other intoxicants and making recommendations to the government in such matters will also be its important task. The objective of this visionary initiative of the state government is to make the youth self-reliant, skilled, and employment-oriented through this commission so that their future is secure,' Nitish Kumar said. (ANI)
Time of India
5 days ago
- Politics
- Time of India
Bihar Cabinet approves 35% quota for women in all govt jobs ahead of crucial state polls
Ahead of the crucial state assembly elections, the Bihar Cabinet on Tuesday approved a 35% horizontal reservation for native women in all direct recruitment posts across all departments and government service cadres in the state. "The second important decision related to general administration is that only women native to the state will be allowed 35% horizontal reservation on all posts in direct appointment in all star and all government service cadres of Bihar state..." said Bihar Chief Secretary S Siddharth Additionally, the state cabinet has approved the formation of the Bihar Youth Commission on Tuesday, which will advise the government on education and employment for youth in the state. The commission will consist of one chairperson, two vice-chairpersons, and seven members, with a maximum age limit of 45 years. The decision was taken with a few months left before the assembly elections, amid criticisms from the opposition, alleging a lack of employment opportunities in the state. In the run up to the poll battle in Bihar, Nitish Kumar has also announced that a comprehensive development plan for Punaura Dham, the revered birthplace of Goddess Sita in Sitamarhi district, was approved. The plan includes the construction of a grand temple and other structures modelled after the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra in Ayodhya. The cabinet has approved a budget of Rs 882.78 crore for the construction of the temple at Punaura Dham, which is considered to be the birthplace of Goddess Sita, the wife of Ram. Big cash moves Caste and social justice have long dominated Bihar polls , however, cash promises are in play now. Live Events On June 21, Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar announced that all elderly, disabled, and widowed beneficiaries will receive a monthly pension of ₹1,100, up from ₹400. According to the state government, 1.10 cr people will benefit from the hike. Soon after, political rivals rushed to outdo the move. Jan Suraj leader Prashant Kishor promised to raise the pension to Rs 2,000 if voted to power, while RJD's Tejashwi Yadav claimed his party had already proposed Rs 1,500 and accused the government of acting under pressure Nitish Kumar also announced a doubling of the honorarium for 1.4 lakh workers under his flagship Jeevika project, which connects with 1.4 crore Jeevika Didis across Bihar. Additionally, self-help groups taking bank loans above Rs 3 lakh will now pay 7% interest instead of the earlier 10%, with the state government covering the difference. The move reinforces Kumar's focus on welfare schemes for women - a core segment of his support base. The Opposition RJD and Congress earlier announced to launch the Mai-Bahin Scheme, to provide Rs 2,500 per month to the Bihar women on the lines of schemes in other states. In recent elections, political parties across states have increasingly relied on cash schemes for women, with many implementing payouts after securing victory. In neighbouring Jharkhand, the Maiyan Samman scheme-offering Rs 2,500 per month to women-was seen as a key factor in the Hemant Soren-led INDIA bloc's win. Given Kumar's track record, the Bihar government is likely to announce a cash scheme for women ahead of the elections.
