In response to the new policy for transfer and posting of government school teachers in Bihar, the Teachers' Union has highlighted challenges faced by teachers. It has and demanded voluntary transfers to nearby schools, if not their preferred ones
A new manual regarding the transfer and posting of teachers in Bihar issued by the Education department is being opposed by the Teachers’ Union saying that it is impractical to expect all teachers to be transferred within the same subdivision, as they may have to work in different districts.
The Teachers’ Union also pointed out that previously, women teachers had the option to work in their maternal or in-laws’ districts, but this concession has been done away with in the new policy.
The Bihar government on Monday announced a new policy for transfer and posting of government school teachers in the state, giving priority to those with serious illnesses and disabilities.
Teachers must be transferred after every five years of their posting and the department will give 10 options for them to prefer posting locations, ensuring placements in the nearest subdivision or district, the state Education Minister stated.
It should be noted that teachers had been waiting for the transfer manual for a long time, but they were quick to point out flaws in the policy soon after its release.
The Teachers’ Union has called for a reconsideration of the manual. Speaking to Local18, Ram Uday, the president of the Bihar State Primary Teachers’ Union, Jehanabad district, criticized the policy, stating that it is not in the best interest of teachers.
The Union said that teachers are facing numerous challenges, including issues with attendance due to network problems. The Union is demanding that teachers be allowed to transfer voluntarily to nearby schools, if not to the exact school they request.
Ram Uday also recalled the 1995 mass transfer, which he believes ruined the education system, and warned that the current situation could lead to similar consequences. He emphasized that since the formation of the planning unit, teachers have experienced increased mental stress and harassment, with more focus on paperwork than on improving education.
Satyendra Kumar, District Secretary of the Teachers’ Union, said that there have been confusion among teachers over the new rules, especially with regard to transfers outside the subdivision. He suggested that the government should have consulted with the Union before implementing the policy.
Kumar also highlighted the impact on women teachers, noting that the new transfer rules may even lead to marital strain or failure, as many are being transferred to remote areas with inadequate transport facilities.
He called the current transfer system impractical, adding that the policy is disadvantageous for women teachers. The Union has called for changes in the transfer policy, including reducing the number of school options from 10 to three.
