Nitish Kumar Announces Free Electricity Up to 125 Units, Major Teacher Recruitment Drive Ahead of Bihar Polls

With Bihar set to go to the polls later this year, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Thursday rolled out a major welfare initiative—free electricity for all domestic consumers up to 125 units per month, starting August 1, 2025.

The announcement, made via a post on social media platform X, is expected to benefit around 1.67 crore families across the state. “We have been providing electricity at a cheaper rate from the beginning. From August 1, all domestic consumers will not have to pay for electricity consumption up to 125 units,” Kumar stated.

Rooftop Solar Push

Alongside the electricity subsidy, Kumar also unveiled a plan to promote renewable energy through rooftop solar installations. Over the next three years, solar panels will be installed on household rooftops or nearby public spaces—with the consent of residents.

For families under the Kutir Jyoti Yojana, which targets the economically weakest households, the state government will bear the full cost of solar plant installation. Others will receive subsidies and support to adopt solar energy.

Massive Hiring Plan for Teachers Under TRE-4

In another significant move, Kumar on Wednesday directed the education department to expedite preparations for the Teachers’ Recruitment Examination (TRE)-4, with an aim to fill over 1.20 lakh teacher posts in government schools.

The directive follows earlier recruitment drives:

• TRE-1: 1.70 lakh teachers appointed

• TRE-2: 70,000 appointments

• TRE-3: 66,603 posts filled out of 87,774 vacancies

“The education department has been asked to identify all existing vacancies and begin the TRE-4 process without delay,” Kumar said, reaffirming the state’s commitment to 35% reservation for women who are Bihar residents.

According to officials, the Bihar Public Service Commission (BPSC) will conduct the examination for primary, middle, secondary, and senior secondary level teachers, with a formal notification expected soon.

Education Minister Sunil Kumar confirmed that TRE-4 will be conducted before the model code of conduct for the assembly elections comes into effect—suggesting an accelerated timeline.

These back-to-back announcements underscore the Nitish Kumar-led government’s focus on welfare and employment ahead of the expected October–November 2025 Bihar Assembly elections, even as the Election Commission is yet to announce official dates.