Patna: In a major administrative crackdown, the Bihar Education Department has taken disciplinary action against six senior officials over allegations of negligence in duty and financial irregularities. One official has been suspended, while strict departmental proceedings, including dismissal and salary-related penalties, have been recommended against others.
The action was taken by Education Minister Mithilesh Tiwari and is part of a broader effort to improve accountability within the education system. The orders are stated to be effective from May 8, 2026.
Officials Facing Action
The disciplinary measures cover officials from various districts and education bodies across Bihar. The accused include district education officers (DEOs), programme officers, and board-level administrators.
Key officials named in the action list are:
- Former District Education Officer-cum-District Programme Officer of Banka, Pawan Kumar
- Former District Programme Officer (Elementary Education & SSA), Bhojpur, Md. Irshad Ansari
- Former Secretary, Bihar Sanskrit Education Board, Rajesh Kumar
- Former District Education Officer, Supaul, Ramashish Mahto
- Former District Education Officer, Banka (now retired), Devendra Kumar Jha
- Block Education Officer, Madhepur (Madhubani), Marjina Khatun
Allegations Against the Officials
Negligence in Duty
Several officials, including Pawan Kumar and Rajesh Kumar, have been accused of failing to perform their official responsibilities diligently, leading to administrative inefficiencies.
Financial Irregularities
Serious allegations of financial misconduct have been levelled against multiple officers, particularly:
- Md. Irshad Ansari, accused of financial irregularities in education scheme implementation
- Devendra Kumar Jha, facing allegations related to financial mismanagement
- Marjina Khatun, accused of accepting illegal money in exchange for countersigning school leaving certificates
Suspension and Disciplinary Measures
One of the most significant actions in this case is the suspension of Block Education Officer Marjina Khatun, with the suspension order effective from May 18.
Additionally:
- Recommendation for dismissal has been made against Md. Irshad Ansari
- Salary increments of some officials have been halted
- Pension deductions have also been proposed in certain cases
- Departmental proceedings have been initiated against all six officials
Government’s Stand
The Education Department has stated that strict action is being taken to ensure transparency and accountability in public education administration. The move is aimed at sending a strong message against corruption and negligence within the system.
The disciplinary action against six education officials highlights the Bihar government’s intensified scrutiny of administrative functioning in the education sector. With suspension, dismissal recommendations, and financial penalties on the table, the case marks one of the stronger enforcement steps in recent months aimed at curbing corruption and inefficiency.
