Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has announced a comprehensive plan to deliver immediate relief for job seekers and electricity consumers across the state, signalling a significant welfare push ahead of the upcoming assembly elections. The initiatives include fast-tracking the recruitment of teachers in government schools and providing free electricity for domestic consumers, aimed at strengthening social support systems while boosting the state’s renewable energy goals.
Free Electricity for 1.67 Crore Families
From August 1, 2025, domestic electricity consumers in Bihar will receive up to 125 units of electricity free of cost, a move expected to benefit nearly 1.67 crore households. This initiative, applicable from the July billing cycle, aims to reduce the financial burden on families while ensuring affordable energy access across urban and rural areas of the state.
In alignment with the state’s sustainability objectives, Nitish Kumar also announced the installation of rooftop solar panels or panels at nearby public sites over the next three years for households willing to participate. Under the Kutir Jyoti Yojana, which targets the state’s poorest families, the government will fully cover the cost of installing these solar systems. Other households will receive government support for solar panel installations to encourage widespread adoption of clean energy.
Kumar highlighted that the initiative could help Bihar generate up to 10,000 megawatts of solar power within three years, substantially increasing the state’s renewable energy capacity while lowering long-term energy costs for residents.
Fast-Tracking Teacher Recruitment with Women’s Reservation
In a parallel move to address employment and strengthen the education sector, the Chief Minister has instructed the Education Department to immediately identify vacancies in government schools and accelerate preparations for conducting the Teachers Recruitment Examination (TRE) 4. This recruitment drive is expected to create significant employment opportunities for teacher aspirants across Bihar, adding momentum to the previous TRE-1, TRE-2, and TRE-3 recruitment phases that have already placed thousands of teachers in government schools.
Reiterating his government’s commitment to gender-inclusive policies, Nitish Kumar emphasised that 35% reservation in teacher appointments will continue to be applicable exclusively to women who are domiciled in Bihar. This measure aims to empower women across the state while ensuring adequate staffing in government schools.
With these major announcements, Nitish Kumar is positioning his government to address critical issues of employment, energy security, and clean energy adoption in Bihar, framing them as priorities as the state moves towards its upcoming elections later this year.
