“Rule of law only a slogan in Bihar”, Patna HC expresses disapproval over poor state of government run schools [Read order]

The Patna High Court recently slammed the Bihar Government citing the poor state of government-run schools, in a case that raised questions of teacher shortages to cater to the needs of the students (Koushal Kishor Thakur and Ors. v. State of Bihar)..Coming down heavily on the disputed termination of two teachers, Justice Anil Kumar Upadhyay said,.The manner in which petitioners have been terminated manifests that in the State of Bihar, Rule of law is only a slogan not to be acted upon.Patna High Court.In this backdrop, the Court proceeded to note of the larger crisis being faced in government schools. In particular, it was noted that there appeared to be dearth of dedicated teachers to provide quality instruction for the students in such schools..“What is worrying this Court is not the manner in which petitioners have been condemned and their service has been discharged without compliance of Principle of Natural but the resultant effect of such arbitrary action", the Court observed..The Court was unequivocal in expressing its disapproval over the apparent neglect on the part of the Bihar Government when it comes to running government schools, remarking that,.“It appears that education system in the State of Bihar has gone worst and no one is serious about the problem of the education system. It appears that the system is only spoiling the future generation as only formality of school education is done in this State.”Patna High Court.Further, the Court also opined that the situation was likely to improve only when the Government has personal stake in the issue. In this regard, it was commented,.“The system cannot be improved, so long the officials are allowed to educate their wards outside the State of Bihar. The system can only be improved if all the officials of the State are compelled to keep their wards in the Government run Educational Institutions only then the officials will see the upliftment of the standard of education.”Patna High Court.The Court has now directed the the Chief Secretary of Bihar to file a personal affidavit in an attempt to “salvage the situation.”.“Somebody in the system is required to take responsibility”, Justice Upadhyay said. Further he emphasised that, “The State has to put their derailed education system on track by imparting quality instruction to the wards of poor people who cannot afford sending their wards outside the State and they are compelled to admit their wards in the Government run Educational Institutions where basic facilities like instruction by teachers are not available.“.The matter has been listed to be taken up next on March 23..[Read the order]