Patna (Bihar) [India], August 4 (ANI): Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Monday directed the Education Department to prioritise domicile residents in teacher recruitment, starting from the upcoming Teacher Recruitment Examination (TRE-4) in 2025.

The new policy will give preference to Bihar residents in teacher recruitment, ensuring that local candidates have a better chance of securing jobs.

The Teacher Recruitment Examination (TRE-4) will be conducted in 2025, followed by TRE-5 in 2026. The State Teacher Eligibility Test (STET) will be held before TRE-5.

In a post on X, CM Nitish Kumar shared, 'Since the formation of the government in November 2005, we have been continuously working to improve the education system. A large number of teachers have been appointed to strengthen the education system. The Education Department has been directed to make necessary amendments to the relevant rules to give priority to the residents (DOMICILE) of Bihar in the recruitment of teachers. This will be implemented from TRE-4 onwards.'

The policy is expected to benefit local candidates, providing them with more opportunities in the education sector. The government's efforts to strengthen the education system, including teacher recruitment and STET, aim to enhance the overall quality of education in Bihar

'TRE-4 will be conducted in the year 2025, and TRE-5 will be conducted in the year 2026. Instructions have also been given to conduct STET before the organisation of TRE-5,' he further said.

Earlier, CM Nitish Kumar on August 1 announced a pay hike of Rs 1,650 for the cooks working under the mid-day meal scheme.

The honorarium for cooks has been increased to Rs 3,330, while the pay has been doubled to Rs 10,000 for night watchmen working in secondary or higher education schools.

'It has been decided to double the honorarium of cooks working under the mid-day meal program in the Education Department, increasing it from 1,650 rupees to 3,300 rupees. Similarly, the honorarium of night guard working in secondary/higher education schools has been doubled from 5,000 rupees to 10,000 rupees,' Kumar posted on X.

Bihar elections are expected to be held later this year, in October or November; however, the Election Commission of India (ECI) has not announced an official date. (ANI)