Bihar: A clerical error in the Jamui district of Bihar has sparked protests among teaching associations after 13 teachers incurred salary deductions for being deemed absent and chastised for “bed performance” instead of “bad performance.” The mistake, which resulted from a typing error, has highlighted broader issues within the Bihar education department.

On May 22, education department officials conducted surprise inspections at several schools in Jamui. The inspections revealed that numerous teachers were absent, and many others were performing poorly. In response to these findings, the local district education officer (DEO) released an official letter detailing the disciplinary actions taken against the negligent teachers. However, the letter inadvertently exposed the department’s own “bad performance” due to the typographical error.

According to the letter, 13 teachers had their salaries cut for “bed performance.” As the letter went viral on social media, it quickly drew attention and criticism. The DEO’s office issued a clarification, stating, “Bad performance was mistakenly typed as ‘bed performance’ due to a typing error.”

Teaching associations have voiced their concern, arguing that such mistakes undermine the department’s credibility and the dignity of teachers. The associations have called for a review of the incident and measures to prevent similar errors in the future.

The concerned authorities have assured the public that steps will be taken to prevent similar blunders in the future and to prioritize increasing education quality in the district. Reports indicate that the affected teachers will have their deducted salaries restored once the correction is officially acknowledged.