PATNA, Aug. 1 -- The Bihar government has initiated the rationalisation and transfer process for surplus teachers in government schools under the Bihar state teacher transfer rules 2026, education minister Mithilesh Tiwari announced here on Friday. The minister said the state currently has about 1.06 lakh surplus teachers in government schools, of whom 65,413 are posted in primary schools (Classes 1 to 5) beyond the prescribed norm of one teacher for every 30 children. Three districts-Araria, Jamui and Purnea-face a shortage of teachers. Surplus primary teachers will be redeployed in a phased manner to Bal Vatika centres and Anganwadi centres. Around 10,000 government school campuses already host Anganwadi centres, and teachers will also be posted at nearby Anganwadi centres. Excess teachers will be moved to schools facing shortages or lacking subject-specific teachers. The minister clarified that the transfer process is entirely voluntary. "Teachers who apply can choose a minimum of one school and up to 30 schools as options. Transfers will be granted only to one of the schools selected by the teacher; no teacher will be posted to a school outside their chosen options," added Tiwari. As of 29 July, the online portal has been open for two days. So far, 14,796 surplus teachers have applied online, while 7,795 have started but not submitted their applications. In total, 22,591 surplus teachers have engaged with the process. Additionally, 2,142 teachers have applied for mutual transfers. Female teachers will be transferred to a panchayat near their home panchayat of their choice (from the options they provide). Male teachers can select up to four blocks near their home block. The minister said that teachers will remain in a district cadre and will be transferred every five years. Any grievances can be raised with the district committee, with further hearings available up to the headquarters level. The department secretary will personally hear issues, and the process has been kept fully transparent through an online portal. The minister will review progress every two days and, if needed, departmental officers will engage with teachers. The education department has already sent the requisition for recruitment of additional teachers before 31 July this year. Such requisitions will now be sent regularly every July. Vacancies in subjects or languages not covered this time will be included in the next phase. After rationalisation is completed, a detailed school-wise mapping of subject- and language-wise teacher availability and vacancies will guide future appointments to ensure no school faces shortages. The minister also said the department is preparing to address the cases of contractual (niyojit) teachers who have not yet passed the capacity examination to become regular teachers, with necessary decisions expected soon. He reiterated the government's commitment to resolving issues faced by teachers and candidates. To address any difficulties during the transfer process, two toll-free numbers of the command and control centre-14417 and 18003454417-along with the e-Shiksha Kosh helpdesk numbers 9523300520 and 9430820499 have been issued....