Under Fire From Teachers, Bihar Govt Withdraws Directive To Cut Holidays On Hindu Festivals

The Bihar education department has decided to withdraw its controversial directive aimed at reducing the number of holidays for school teachers during festivals like Diwali, Durga Puja, and Raksha Bandhan after coming under heavy criticism from teachers of the state.

A new government circular has been issued, nullifying the earlier order.

As per the latest circular issued by the Director of Secondary Education, the previously issued holiday schedule for government and government-aided elementary, secondary, and higher secondary schools has been canceled with immediate effect.

The Nitish Kumar government was also criticised by the opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) for reducing holidays on Rakshabandhan, Dussehra, Diwali, and Chhath.

The initial announcement by the Bihar secondary education department to decrease the number of holidays for teachers from 23 to 11 had sparked significant outrage among teachers in the state.

Some teachers even threatened to stage protests in response to the decision.

Critics have argued that student attendance during the festive days would be extremely low, making it impractical to reduce teacher holidays.

During the uproar, many teachers in schools were observed wearing black badges and openly challenging the Additional Chief Secretary of the education department, KK Pathak.

This reversal by the Bihar education department signifies a shift in policy, addressing the concerns raised by teachers and acknowledging the importance of maintaining existing holiday allowances during festive periods.

The decision to withdraw the directive is expected to ease tensions and promote a more harmonious relationship between educators and the education department in Bihar.