By Neeraj Kumar
Patna: Bihar’s main opposition party, the RJD, has renewed its call for the implementation of a stricter domicile policy in the state. In response, Bihar Education Minister, Sunil Kumar, made a significant announcement, stating that the existing domicile policy will remain unchanged. The minister emphasised that most appointments for teaching and other government positions in Bihar are already filled by local residents, with only a few coming from other states.
The RJD has a history of politicising the domicile issue. However, during the tenure of the Mahagathbandhan (Grand Alliance) government, which included the RJD as a coalition partner, the domicile policy was not applied to teacher recruitment or other appointments. Now that the RJD is in opposition, it has once again raised the demand for the policy.
“The domicile policy currently in place will continue without any changes. There is no need to give attention to what others are saying. The majority of those employed here are from Bihar,” said Education Minister Sunil Kumar.
It is worth noting that during the Grand Alliance government, Bihar’s Chief Secretary Amir Subhani and Education Department Principal Secretary KK Pathak stated in a press conference that, according to the provisions of the Indian Constitution, no citizen can be denied rights based on their place of birth or residence. The officials also mentioned that any attempt to enforce a stricter domicile policy would likely be overturned in court.
The RJD has consistently raised the domicile issue whenever it is in opposition, seeking to leverage it both inside and outside the assembly. The topic has significant implications for the youth of Bihar, who are most affected by such policies.
Under the domicile policy, only residents of a particular state can apply for certain jobs, with conditions that require individuals to be voters of that state. For minors, their parents must be residents of the state, while for married women, the husband must be a resident. Furthermore, applicants must own land, a house, or property in the state and provide proof of residence for at least three years.
