Bihar Government Doubles Salaries for School Staff Ahead of Elections
Bihar's Political Landscape Shifts as Elections Approach
The political atmosphere in Bihar is heating up as elections draw near, with all parties ramping up their activities. Notably, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, who has been relatively quiet for some time, is making significant announcements. Recently, he has been focused on increasing salaries for various state employees. After recently raising the pay for ASHA and Maternity workers, he has now announced a salary hike for cooks, night watchmen, and physical education instructors in government schools.
This announcement comes just months before the state assembly elections. On social media platform X, Kumar emphasized the crucial role these staff members play in strengthening the education system, leading to the decision to double their salaries.
Details of the Salary Increases
Under the midday meal program, cooks will now earn ₹3,300 per month instead of the previous ₹1,650. The monthly pay for night watchmen has also been doubled to ₹10,000. Additionally, physical education and health instructors will see their salaries rise to ₹16,000 per month, with their annual salary increment increasing from ₹200 to ₹400.
Kumar stated that these changes are intended to boost the morale of the employees, encouraging them to perform their duties with greater enthusiasm and dedication. He highlighted that since his government took office in 2005, there has been a continuous effort to improve the education system.
Significant Growth in Education Budget
Kumar pointed out that the total education budget has seen a remarkable increase from ₹4,366 crore in 2005 to ₹77,690 crore today. This growth has facilitated the hiring of numerous teachers, the construction of new school buildings, and the development of essential infrastructure, leading to substantial improvements in the education sector.
Public Reaction and Future Implications
The recent salary hikes are expected to resonate positively among the staff and the public, potentially influencing voter sentiment as the elections approach. Kumar's administration aims to showcase its commitment to education and employee welfare, which could play a crucial role in the upcoming electoral battle.