📷 Image: Wikimedia Commons / Gtmkumar57
Local
Retired Teachers Assigned to Run Flood Relief Shelters in Raghopur, Vaishali – List Reveals Lax Oversight
✍️ Amar Ujala · Muzaffarpur
🗓 08 Sep 2026, 01:47 PM
👁 24
An official list from the district disaster office shows retired teachers have been named in charge of flood‑relief shelters and community kitchens in Raghopur block, raising concerns over the adequacy of the response.
The disaster management office of Vaishali district released a roster that names several retired school teachers as supervisors of flood‑relief shelters and community kitchens in Raghopur block, an area still grappling with the aftermath of monsoon‑induced flooding. The list, obtained by local media, places these former educators in charge of coordinating food distribution, maintaining temporary accommodation and overseeing basic health and sanitation services for displaced families.
Officials argue that the appointments were made to quickly fill vacant positions, but critics point out that managing large‑scale relief operations typically requires experience in logistics and emergency response, not merely teaching credentials. The inclusion of retirees, many of whom are over 60, has prompted questions about the district administration’s preparedness and the criteria used for such critical assignments.
When approached for comment, a senior officer of the district disaster response team said the government is reviewing the roster and will consider reassigning duties to personnel with relevant disaster‑management training. Meanwhile, non‑government organisations operating in the region have offered to support the shelters with additional volunteers and supplies until a more robust management structure is put in place.
The incident comes as Bihar continues to face severe flooding across several districts, with thousands still in temporary camps. Authorities have urged the public to remain vigilant and cooperate with relief teams as they work to restore normalcy.
Officials argue that the appointments were made to quickly fill vacant positions, but critics point out that managing large‑scale relief operations typically requires experience in logistics and emergency response, not merely teaching credentials. The inclusion of retirees, many of whom are over 60, has prompted questions about the district administration’s preparedness and the criteria used for such critical assignments.
When approached for comment, a senior officer of the district disaster response team said the government is reviewing the roster and will consider reassigning duties to personnel with relevant disaster‑management training. Meanwhile, non‑government organisations operating in the region have offered to support the shelters with additional volunteers and supplies until a more robust management structure is put in place.
The incident comes as Bihar continues to face severe flooding across several districts, with thousands still in temporary camps. Authorities have urged the public to remain vigilant and cooperate with relief teams as they work to restore normalcy.