Nitish Kumar-led Bihar Government Introduces Amendments to Pharmacist Cadre Recruitment Rules 2024: Key points of the amendment

The Bihar government under the leadership of Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has made significant changes in the recruitment and service conditions of pharmacists under the "Bihar Pharmacist Cadre (Amendment) Rules, 2024". These amendments have been notified by the Governor of Bihar under Article 309 of the Constitution of India, which provides the authority to implement these amendments.

Key points of the amendment:

Short title, extent and commencement:

These rules shall be called the "Bihar Pharmacist Cadre (Amendment) Rules, 2024".

These shall apply to the whole of the state of Bihar and shall come into force from the date of publication in the official gazette.

Age limit:

The minimum age for direct recruitment to the Pharmacist cadre shall be 18 years and the maximum age shall be as decided by the government from time to time as per the reservation categories.

August 1 of the advertisement year shall be treated as the last date for determination of age.

Recruitment process:

The selection process will consist of a written competitive examination of 75 marks.

Candidates working in government hospitals, Panchayati Raj institutions and local bodies of Bihar will be given 25 marks based on their work experience. The total marks will be 100.

Benefits of work experience:

The benefit of work experience will be available only to those candidates who pass the competitive examination.

The work experience certificate will be issued by the concerned District Civil Surgeon or Superintendent of Medical College and Hospital.

Special provision for contract workers:

Contract workers working on regular posts will be given relaxation in the upper age limit for recruitment.

Amendment in qualification requirements:

According to the amendment, now Diploma in Pharmacy holders as well as B. Pharma and M. Pharma degree holders will also be eligible, provided they have the relevant diploma.

Through these amendments, the recruitment process will be made more transparent and efficient, so that experienced candidates can get better opportunities. The Bihar government aims to meet the shortage of pharmacists in the state through these amendments.

For more information, candidates and concerned parties are advised to follow the notification published in the official gazette.