In a landmark decision aimed at bolstering the education sector and addressing long-standing grievances of school employees, Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar announced a massive salary hike for thousands of contractual and support staff working across the state’s government schools. The announcement, made during a high-level education review meeting in Patna, includes the doubling of wages for several categories of non-teaching personnel, with immediate effect.
This move is being hailed as one of the most sweeping educational reform steps in recent years, promising to directly benefit over 3.5 lakh school staff members including librarians, lab assistants, clerks, peons, and night guards. The hike comes amidst growing demands for equitable treatment of education workers and reflects the Nitish Kumar-led government’s renewed focus on education infrastructure, staff welfare, and rural employment.
Wage Doubled for Support Staff Across Government Schools
Under the revised policy, the monthly salaries of various categories of support staff in Bihar’s government-run schools have been significantly increased—ranging from 90% to 120% depending on the role and location. For example, the salary of a lab assistant has been increased from ₹8,000 to ₹16,000 per month, while that of peons and night guards has gone up from ₹6,000 to ₹12,000.
The Chief Minister stated, “The development of human capital begins at the grassroots, and our school staff, often underpaid and overworked, deserve better. This increase is a matter of both fairness and necessity.”
This wage revision is expected to cost the state exchequer an additional ₹1,500 crore annually but is being described as a long overdue correction rather than an expense.
Revised Salary Structure of Bihar School Support Staff (2025)
| Staff Category | Previous Salary (INR) | Revised Salary (INR) | % Increase |
|---|---|---|---|
| Laboratory Assistant | ₹8,000 | ₹16,000 | 100% |
| Librarian | ₹9,500 | ₹18,000 | 89.5% |
| Clerk | ₹8,500 | ₹17,000 | 100% |
| Peon | ₹6,000 | ₹12,000 | 100% |
| Night Guard | ₹6,200 | ₹12,400 | 100% |
| Computer Operator | ₹10,000 | ₹20,000 | 100% |
This is the first time since 2015 that such a comprehensive revision has been announced for school support staff in Bihar. It is also aligned with the recommendations made by the 7th Pay Commission and brings Bihar closer to parity with other progressive states in educational service remuneration.
Focus on Retention and Morale Boost
Education experts have lauded the decision, citing that the underpayment of non-teaching staff in schools had led to high turnover rates and lowered morale—particularly in remote districts where staff shortages are already chronic. By increasing pay, the government aims to retain experienced workers and attract new talent to government schools.
Several surveys conducted by independent education think tanks have indicated that student performance and administrative efficiency are directly influenced by the functioning and satisfaction level of support staff.
| Parameter | Before Hike | Expected Post-Hike (2025) |
|---|---|---|
| Staff Retention Rate | 62% | 85% |
| Administrative Error Reports | High | Low |
| Student Attendance Support Impact | Moderate | High |
| Staff Vacancy Rate | 28% | <10% |
CM Nitish Kumar’s Broader Education Push
This pay hike comes on the heels of several reforms initiated by Nitish Kumar’s administration. In recent months, the Bihar government has:
- Sanctioned over ₹2,200 crore for infrastructure development in rural schools.
- Introduced biometric attendance systems for both teaching and non-teaching staff.
- Rolled out free vocational training programs in secondary schools.
- Launched the ‘Smart Shiksha Bihar’ portal to digitalize records and monitor performance.
Speaking to the media, CM Nitish Kumar reiterated his government’s goal to make Bihar’s school education system “transparent, accountable, and rewarding for all stakeholders.”
He emphasized that improving wages was not a populist move but a long-term investment in the future of the state’s children. “We are committed to strengthening our schools from the inside out. Better-paid, respected, and motivated support staff are critical to that mission,” he said.
Education Sector Budget Allocation 2025
| Category | Allocated Budget (INR Crore) |
|---|---|
| Infrastructure Development | 2,200 |
| Digital Learning & Monitoring | 850 |
| Mid-Day Meal Program | 1,100 |
| Salaries (Teaching Staff) | 14,000 |
| Salaries (Support Staff – revised) | 4,800 |
| Teacher Training & Recruitment | 600 |
| Scholarships & Incentive Schemes | 1,200 |
The government has also directed the education department to audit and digitize salary disbursals through direct benefit transfer (DBT) to eliminate leakages and delay.
Reaction from Staff Unions and Political Circles
Staff unions welcomed the move, calling it a “historic correction” after years of struggle. Bihar School Support Staff Association president Rajiv Kumar said, “For years we’ve worked on minimal wages with no benefits. Today, the government has finally acknowledged our contribution.”
However, the opposition BJP termed the announcement “timed for political mileage” ahead of the 2025 Bihar Legislative Assembly elections. “Why now, after so many years? Is this to divert attention from other governance failures?” asked BJP leader Sanjay Jaiswal.
JD(U) leaders, meanwhile, defended the timing and cited that fiscal space and improved state GST collections allowed for the raise.
Gender Impact and Rural Employment Boost
Significantly, this policy is expected to benefit thousands of women who work as clerks, librarians, and computer operators, particularly in the rural school system. Many of them were previously earning less than the minimum wage prescribed for semi-skilled workers.
Women’s rights activists applauded the move, highlighting that economic independence for rural women school staff will positively affect household education, healthcare, and local decision-making.
Furthermore, the policy is expected to create new job openings across districts, giving a much-needed push to rural employment.
| Demographic Impacted | Estimated Beneficiaries (Lakh) |
|---|---|
| Women Employees | 1.2 |
| Rural Household Workers | 2.0 |
| SC/ST/OBC Communities | 1.5 |
| Minority Communities | 0.9 |
The Road Ahead
While the pay hike is a welcome move, implementation will be key. Experts warn that without strict oversight, delays in disbursement and district-level bureaucracy could dampen its intended benefits. The CM has assured timely release of funds and said the Chief Secretary’s office will personally monitor execution.
Going forward, Nitish Kumar’s administration is expected to announce recruitment for additional support staff, fill existing vacancies, and further increase capacity-building initiatives for school administrators.
The policy is already being studied by other states such as Jharkhand and Odisha, which are reportedly considering similar moves to improve rural school infrastructure and employee satisfaction.
Disclaimer: This article is based on government announcements, education policy updates, and available data as of July 2025. While every effort has been made to ensure factual accuracy, readers are advised to consult official portals and notifications for detailed information. The article does not reflect personal opinions or political bias.
