PATNA, Aug. 6 -- In a significant move to prioritise local candidates, the state cabinet, headed by chief minister Nitish Kumar, on Tuesday approved the domicile policy for recruitment of teachers. The policy was announced by the CM on Monday. In another key decision, the cabinet okayed establishment of digital libraries in all 243 assembly constituencies of Bihar. The decision, part of the Bihar State School Teacher Appointment, Transfer, Disciplinary Action and Service Conditions Amendment Rules 2025, reserves approximately 85% of teaching positions for candidates from Bihar. The cabinet meeting, which cleared a total of 36 proposals, also green-lit initiatives like the establishment of digital libraries in every assembly constituency and increased honorariums for various workers. According to additional chief secretary (cabinet) S Siddharth, the domicile policy ensures that 85% of teaching posts are reserved for residents of Bihar. The reservation structure builds on existing quotas: 50% for caste-based reservations and 10% for economically weaker sections (EWS). Of the remaining 40% unreserved (general) seats, 35% are already reserved for women from Bihar. Now, an additional 40% of the unreserved seats will be allocated to candidates who have passed their matriculation and intermediate examinations from any board in Bihar. This leaves only 15% of general seats (meaning inclusive of 10% EWS earlier mentioned) open for candidates from both within and outside Bihar. Siddharth emphasised that this policy effectively ensures that 85% of seats of teachers will be filled up by the natives of Bihar, giving a significant advantage to local candidates. To qualify, candidates must have completed their matriculation and intermediate education in Bihar, ensuring that those with strong ties to the state are prioritised. The domicile policy is expected to greatly benefit local candidates by providing them with greater access to government teaching jobs, which are highly sought after in Bihar. This move addresses long-standing demands from local aspirants who felt disadvantaged by competition from candidates outside the state. The policy is also seen as a step towards reducing unemployment among Bihar's youth, aligning with the state's focus on promoting regional talent in public sector jobs. Chief minister Kumar had on Monday directed education department officials to amend the relevant rules to give priority to the people of Bihar in the teacher appointment. "We have been constantly working to improve the education system of the state ever since our government was formed in November 2005. Teachers have been appointed in large numbers in order to strengthen the education system," Kumar said in a post on social media platform X on Monday. "The education department has been directed to amend the relevant rules to give priority to the people of Bihar in the teacher appointment," Kumar added. Digital libraries In another key decision, the cabinet approved the chief minister digital library scheme, aimed at enhancing educational infrastructure. With an outlay of over Rs.94.50 crore, the scheme will set up digital libraries in every assembly constituency to support students preparing for competitive exams like JEE, NEET, and CLAT. These libraries will provide access to online course materials and digital study resources, fostering advanced education through technology. Siddharth said that the initiative will empower students by offering modern learning tools in their local areas. The cabinet also approved the amendments to the building bye-laws, which will guide the development of planned townships based on land pooling. These townships will include designated spaces for roads, parks, parking areas, and playgrounds, ensuring organised urban growth. Additionally, the cabinet increased honorariums for various workers. Physical education instructors will now receive Rs.16,000 monthly, night watchmen in middle schools will earn Rs.10,000 (up from Rs.5,000), ASHA workers' honorarium has risen from Rs.2,000 to Rs.3,000, Mamta workers' from Rs.300 to Rs.600, and cooks' from Rs.1,650 to Rs.3,300. Sanitation workers also received a pay hike, reflecting the government's commitment to improving the livelihoods of contractual workers. The cabinet approved education department's proposal to change the reference date to complete 75% attendance to avail the various benefits like scholarships, uniform and bicycle through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT), ACS Siddharth said adding that reference date will now be April 1 to July 31, 2025 as against the existing reference date of April 1 to September 30. These decisions underscore the Bihar government's focus on education, local employment, and infrastructure development. The domicile policy, in particular, is poised to create new opportunities for Bihar's youth while addressing regional aspirations for equitable job access....