Patna, Feb 4 (PTI) – The Nitish Kumar-led government in Bihar has successfully filled around 7,000 long-pending vacancies across various departments, overcoming years of legal obstacles.
At a function attended by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Tuesday, appointment letters were distributed to 6,341 junior engineers (JEs), who will be posted across eight departments. Additionally, 496 instructors (anudeshak) set to join the Labour Department also received their appointment letters.
The recruitment drive was spearheaded by the Department of Water Resources, currently headed by senior JD(U) leader Vijay Kumar Chaudhary, who later briefed the media about the development.
"As the nodal department, we reviewed the obstacles hindering the chief minister’s commitment to filling government vacancies. On his advice, a proposal was submitted to the Supreme Court, which ultimately approved the recruitment process," Chaudhary stated.
This remark was seen as a veiled reference to RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav, who has served twice as Bihar’s deputy chief minister under brief alliances with the JD(U).
This latest recruitment initiative marks a significant step in addressing Bihar’s employment challenges and fulfilling the state government's long-pending promises.
At a function attended by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Tuesday, appointment letters were distributed to 6,341 junior engineers (JEs), who will be posted across eight departments. Additionally, 496 instructors (anudeshak) set to join the Labour Department also received their appointment letters.
The recruitment drive was spearheaded by the Department of Water Resources, currently headed by senior JD(U) leader Vijay Kumar Chaudhary, who later briefed the media about the development.
Legal Roadblocks and Resolution
Chaudhary highlighted that most of these positions were initially advertised in 2019 by the Bihar Technical Service Commission. However, legal challenges arose when aspirants—including contractual employees and diploma holders from non-government institutions—contested the recruitment process in Patna High Court and the Supreme Court."As the nodal department, we reviewed the obstacles hindering the chief minister’s commitment to filling government vacancies. On his advice, a proposal was submitted to the Supreme Court, which ultimately approved the recruitment process," Chaudhary stated.
Breakdown of Appointments
The Water Resources Department emerged as the largest beneficiary of the recruitment drive, absorbing 2,338 new junior engineers. Other key departments receiving fresh appointments include:- Planning and Development: 1,273 posts
- Rural Works: 759 posts
- Road Construction: 503 posts
Development at the Core of Governance
Chaudhary emphasized that since 2005, when Nitish Kumar took charge as chief minister, development has remained the government’s primary focus. He claimed that even opposition leaders now acknowledge the state's progress, albeit reluctantly.This remark was seen as a veiled reference to RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav, who has served twice as Bihar’s deputy chief minister under brief alliances with the JD(U).
Political Jibe at Rahul Gandhi
Commenting on Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s scheduled visit to Patna on Wednesday, Chaudhary remarked, "He often damages his own party. His refusal to acknowledge that the caste census was originally conceptualized by Nitish Kumar reflects dishonesty."This latest recruitment initiative marks a significant step in addressing Bihar’s employment challenges and fulfilling the state government's long-pending promises.
