Bihar

Patna: The implementation of the Right to Information (RTI) Act in Bihar appears to be in a state of serious disarray, raising sharp questions about governance and administrative accountability in the state. Information that is legally mandated to be provided within 30 days has, in some cases, remained pending for over 1,800 days, exposing systemic failure in the RTI mechanism. The issue has come into sharp focus following a public statement by Ritu Jaiswal, former village head and an independent candidate in the 2025 Bihar Assembly elections. Taking to social media platform X, Jaiswal shared screenshots from the official RTI portal, alleging gross negligence by departments functioning under the Bihar government, particularly the Revenue and Land Reforms Department. “In Bihar, seekin...

Patna/Purnea: The announcement of the Patna–Purnea Greenfield Expressway, hailed as a future lifeline for Bihar’s development, has triggered a dramatic surge in land prices across the Kosi and Seemanchal regions, even before the project’s detailed alignment has been officially released. With a massive ₹12,600 crore allocation announced in the state budget, areas falling along the proposed corridor—from Patna to Purnea—are witnessing unprecedented activity in the real estate market. Land rates have escalated sharply, while property dealers and land syndicates have become increasingly active. A Game-Changer in Connectivity Once completed, the expressway is expected to halve travel time between Patna and Purnea—from the current 6–7 hours to just about 3 hours. Key Project Highligh...

The answer sheets of undergraduate students from the 2024–28 session at Baba Saheb Ambedkar Bihar University (BRA Bihar University), Muzaffarpur, are creating quite a stir among faculty members. The ongoing evaluation has left professors bewildered, as some student responses are nothing short of extraordinary. Shocking and Hilarious Student Responses In one instance, a student wrote: “If I fail, my marriage will be canceled. I am of the right age. Please pass me, Sir. I will give you sweets as Guru Dakshina.” Far from being part of a casual phone conversation, these words appeared verbatim in an exam answer sheet, leaving evaluators shaking their heads. Another student confused historical facts, writing the name of India’s first President, Dr. Rajendra Prasad, in place of the auth...

The Election Commission of India (ECI) has initiated an investigation into allegations of tampering with Form-18 in the Tirhut Graduate Constituency of Bihar. The action comes following a complaint filed by Muzaffarpur-based lawyer Sharad Sinha. According to reports, the complaint alleged that the original format of Form-18, which is used for enrolling names in the graduate constituency electoral roll or raising objections, had been altered, compromising the transparency and fairness of the process. The Tirhut Graduate Constituency forms part of the Bihar Legislative Council elections. Election Commission Takes Serious NoteThe Election Commission, treating the matter with utmost seriousness, has directed a thorough investigation to ensure that the electoral process remains transparen...

Patna, Bihar: In a significant move for educators across Bihar, the state’s Education Department has announced the commencement of promotions and pending salary payments for teachers. This initiative is expected to benefit millions of primary, secondary, and higher secondary school teachers, ending years of delays and uncertainty regarding career progression and financial stability. Promotions and Payments to Start JanuaryAccording to department officials, the process for promotions and disbursal of pending salaries will begin from January 2026. The Directorates of Primary and Secondary Education have already started processing promotions, with a clear timetable in place to ensure timely completion without unnecessary delays. The aim is to boost morale among teachers and strengthen the ...

Patna, Bihar: A seemingly minor gesture by Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has escalated into a major political debate. During a recent event distributing appointment letters, Kumar, smiling, attempted to adjust the hijab of a Muslim woman doctor, reportedly out of a parental instinct. This act, however, has ignited heated discussions in political circles and across social media. Political Reactions and MisinterpretationsThe incident prompted a statement from Uttar Pradesh minister and Nishad Party chief Dr. Sanjay Nishad, who controversially remarked, “If I touched it elsewhere, what would have happened?” His comment, too, has drawn criticism. While some viewed Kumar’s action as harmless and paternal, others consider it inappropriate. Facing backlash, Sanjay Nishad clarified that his...

Patna, Bihar: A debate has surfaced in Bihar over whether the Bhumihar caste should be listed as Bhumihar or Bhumihar Brahmin in official records. Following the recent caste census where the community was recorded as Bhumihar, a section of the society expressed dissatisfaction. The state government has referred the matter to the State Backward Classes Commission (Savarn Aayog), but the commission maintains that policy decisions rest with the government. Two Commission Meetings Held Without ResolutionUntil now, the Savarn Commission has not taken a final decision on how to record the Bhumihar caste in official documents. Earlier, organizations representing the Bhumihar Brahmin community raised objections, asserting that the term Bhumihar Brahmin should be used to correctly reflect their ...

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is once again drawing attention with a surprise organisational decision in Bihar. Soon after Nitish Nabin was appointed to a key national organisational role, the party named Sanjay Saraogi as the new Bihar BJP State President—a move that has sparked intense political discussion. Contrary to widespread speculation, party insiders indicate that this appointment is driven not by caste arithmetic, but by Saraogi’s proven organisational capability. With Saraogi taking charge, the BJP’s organisational strength in Darbhanga has visibly consolidated. Political observers note that this consolidation is not rooted in traditional caste-based vote-bank calculations. In fact, Saraogi belongs to the Vaishya community, and within it, to a sub-group that does not comma...

Bihar has found yet another shining star in the Indian Premier League. Mohammad Izhar, a young fast bowler from the remote Thuthi village of Chhatapur block in Supaul district, has been picked by Mumbai Indians at the IPL auction for ₹30 lakh, turning years of struggle and hardship into a moment of pride and history for his family and region. Izhar’s journey to the IPL has been anything but easy. Born into a deeply impoverished family, he grew up amid financial distress, social pressure and even resistance at home. Yet, driven by an unshakable belief in his talent, he chose the cricket field over the security of conventional education and employment. A Childhood of Struggle and Determination Izhar is a left-arm fast bowler, nurtured by adversity. His mother, Shabnam, recalls how n...