Introduction – Para Teachers in Jharkhand (2025)
Para teachers, also known as sahayak adhyapaks, are integral to the schooling system in Jharkhand. They serve a vital function in government primary and upper primary schools by addressing teacher shortages, offering classroom support, and maintaining continuity in situations where regular teachers are absent. A significant development occurred in January 2025, when the State announced a 4% annual increase in the para teachers’ honorarium. This, alongside a broader commitment to regularization and enhanced service conditions, marked a notable recognition and improvement in the working conditions for these educators.
The importance of para teachers stems from several key contributions:
- They fill a niche in rural and tribal schools that invariably only a few regular teachers occupy.
- They work with disadvantaged learners and first-generation learners through remedial teaching and child tracking.
- They link with the community and formal education, aiming to improve access and retention.
Recent Initiatives and Salary Hike (4% per year)
The announced salary hike is set to be effective from January 2025, benefiting approximately 58,000 para teachers across Jharkhand’s education sector, following Parliamentary approval. The revised monthly honorarium, determined by qualification and assessment test results, ranges from ₹18,816 to ₹25,200.
Regularization as Assistant Teachers
A significant government cabinet decision in 2022 led to the re-designation and regularization of nearly 63,000 para teachers as assistant teachers. This move provides them with secure employment, improved salary structures, enhanced pay rise features, various leave benefits, and a service tenure extending until 60 years of age.
Latest Para Teacher Salary Structure in Jharkhand (2025)
Effective January 2025, the Jharkhand state government has implemented a 4% annual increase in the honorarium for all para teachers within the state. This enhancement impacts between 58,000 and 63,000 para teachers. The specific salary structure varies, taking into account the para teacher’s qualifications, the educational level they teach, and whether they have passed the Teacher Eligibility Test (TET) or an Assessment Exam.
The salary breakdown by category is as follows:
| Category | Monthly Honorarium (₹) | With Assessment or TET |
|---|---|---|
| TET-Passed Para Teachers (Classes 6–8) | ₹25,200 | Already at max level |
| TET-Passed Para Teachers (Classes 1–5) | ₹23,530 | Already at max level |
| Trained Para Teachers (Classes 6–8) | ₹20,384 | ₹21,788 (post-assessment) |
| Trained Para Teachers (Classes 1–5) | ₹18,816 | ₹20,112 (post-assessment) |
Annual Increment – 4% until 2027
The Jharkhand government has established an annual increment plan for para teachers, detailed as follows:
- Applicable Years: This increment applies for 2025, 2026, and 2027.
- Increment Rate: A 4% per year increase will be applied to the monthly honorarium currently in place.
- Eligibility: This increment automatically applies to all para teachers, irrespective of their TET status.
- Objective: The purpose of this structured increment is to guarantee a progressive income for para teachers, independent of a formal pay scale alignment.
Minimum and Maximum Salary (2025)
The following table outlines the benchmarked minimum and maximum honorariums for para teachers in 2025, offering a clear overview of the current compensation levels based on teaching level.
| Level | Minimum Honorarium | Maximum Honorarium |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Level (1–5) | ₹18,816 | ₹23,530 |
| Upper Primary (6–8) | ₹20,384 | ₹25,200 |
Jharkhand Para Teacher Allowances, Deductions & Benefits (2025)
The Jharkhand government has implemented an enhanced financial and social security package for para teachers (sahayak adhyapaks), aiming to provide greater job security. While para teachers do not receive the full range of allowances available to regular government teachers, they now benefit from a structured system of security and employee benefits.
Deductions, Allowances, Benefits (As of 2025)
Para teachers in Jharkhand do not receive certain allowances typically provided to regular teachers. These include:
- Dearness Allowance (DA)
- House Rent Allowance (HRA)
- Travel Allowance (TA)
Instead, para teachers receive a fixed monthly honorarium, with periodic adjustments based on qualifications and government updates.
Deductions & EPF Contributions
Significantly, para teachers are now covered by the Employee Provident Fund (EPF) scheme, offering them financial security for retirement. The contributions are structured as follows:
| EPF Component | Amount (₹) |
|---|---|
| Government Contribution | ₹1,950/month |
| Employee Deduction (from salary) | ₹1,800/month |
Other Benefits
In addition to the EPF scheme, para teachers are entitled to several other benefits:
- Annual Increment: A 4% increase in honorarium each year, confirmed for 2025-2027.
- Job Security: Continued employment until age 60, with renewals based on performance.
- Assessment-Based Growth: Opportunities for increased salaries upon passing the TET exam or internal assessment exams.
- Terminal Benefits: A one-time retirement lump sum is currently under consideration, drawing on models from other states.
Para Teacher Salary Table 2025 – Jharkhand (After Increment)
The table below details the updated Para Teacher Salary in Jharkhand for January 2025, categorized by qualification level and assessment status, reflecting the recent increment.
| Category | Salary (Jan 2025) | After Assessment Exam |
|---|---|---|
| TET-Passed (Classes 6–8) | ₹25,200/month | — |
| TET-Passed (Classes 1–5) | ₹23,530/month | — |
| Trained (Classes 6–8) | ₹20,384/month | ₹21,788/month |
| Trained (Classes 1–5) | ₹18,816/month | ₹20,112/month |
Para Teacher Eligibility Criteria & Selection Process in Jharkhand (2025)
To be appointed as a Para Teacher (Sahayak Adhyapak) in Jharkhand, candidates must fulfill the following criteria:
Educational Qualification
- For Primary Level (Classes 1-5): The minimum qualification required is 10+2 with D.El.Ed./BTC or an equivalent qualification.
- For Upper Primary (Classes 6-8): Candidates must hold a Graduation degree with D.El.Ed., or B.Ed.
TET Qualification
Aspiring para teachers aiming for higher pay levels must qualify for the Jharkhand TET (JTET) examination. Alternatively, non-TET para teachers have an opportunity for promotion to higher pay scales by passing an assessment test administered by the government.
Nature of Employment
- Employment is based on a contractual appointment, renewed annually, contingent on performance.
- The maximum hiring age for para teachers is 60 years.
- All engagements are governed by guidelines from the state education department and are subject to consistent performance management review.
4% Annual Increment and Future Salary Growth (2025–2027)
The Jharkhand Government has introduced a 4% annual increment in para teacher salaries over a three-year period, marking the first instance of a clearly structured salary progression for these educators.
| Year | Annual Increment Benefit |
|---|---|
| 2025 | 4% Implemented from Jan 2025 |
| 2026 | 4% Expected Jan 2026 |
| 2027 | 4% Expected Jan 2027 |
Based on these increments, the expected salaries by 2027 are projected as follows:
- TET passed (Classes 6-8): Up to ₹27,000 per month
- TET passed (Classes 1-5): Up to ₹25,200 – 26,000 per month
- Trained teachers: A gradual rise dependent on passing assessments and receiving annual increments.
News and Policy Updates – 2025
Government Notices
The government’s contribution of ₹1,950 and the employee’s contribution of ₹1,800 towards EPF have commenced, as per official circulars. These circulars also highlight key changes concerning salary increases, the age limit for service, and the revised structure of the honorarium.
Common Challenges
Despite positive policy changes, some challenges persist. Issues include delays in honorarium payments across various blocks and districts, and the continued pending status of assessment exams for trained but non-TET qualified para teachers.
Upcoming Developments
Discussions are underway regarding the potential regularization of para-teachers as “Assistant Teachers.” Additionally, there is active consideration for introducing benefits such as maternity leave, terminal benefits, and Child Care Leave (CCL) specifically for female para-teachers.