Teacher Transfers Stalled Amid Model Code of Conduct
The transfer process for thousands of teachers in Bihar has encountered a fresh administrative hurdle due to the implementation of the model code of conduct for the upcoming Bihar Legislative Council (MLC) elections. The final publication of transfer lists has been put on hold as departments navigate election guidelines. This delay has left many teachers, who were anticipating a change in their postings, in a state of uncertainty.
According to official reports, lists concerning surplus teacher adjustments, mutual transfers, and inter-district transfers are currently frozen. Since teachers form the core electorate in these specific MLC constituencies, both the education department and election authorities are exercising extreme caution to ensure strict compliance with election rules. Consequently, the education department has formally approached the State Election Commission for explicit directions.
Role of E-Shikshakosh Portal in Online Transfers
The Bihar government had previously rolled out the E-Shikshakosh portal to streamline and bring transparency to the teacher transfer process, allowing online applications for postings. Teachers who have completed five years in a single institution were required to apply through this digital interface. However, the onset of the election code has temporarily slowed down this tech-driven administrative workflow.
Departmental insiders note that document verifications and provisional lists were already completed prior to the announcement of the code. Grievances and objections raised by teachers were also addressed, leaving only the final publication pending. Unfortunately, the timing of the election notification meant that releasing final orders without clearance from election authorities was legally not feasible.
Waiting for Directives from the Election Commission
The resolution now depends entirely on the response and directives issued by the State Election Commission. District education authorities have sought clarification on whether ongoing routine transfer processes can be exempted or if they must remain suspended until the conclusion of the electoral exercise. Officials maintain that as soon as a green signal is received, the publication of final lists will be expedited.
Teacher associations are also closely monitoring developments, with many expressing concern over personal and professional inconveniences caused by the postponement. Nevertheless, administrative assurances indicate that once formal permission is granted, the lists will be made public within days.
