Patna has recently seen a wave of speculation surrounding the status of Dr. S. Siddharth, the Additional Chief Secretary (ACS) of the Bihar Education Department. Reports began circulating in some media outlets claiming that Dr. S. Siddharth had submitted his resignation under the Voluntary Retirement Scheme (VRS) and that he had already sent his application to Chief Minister Nitish Kumar. These reports even mentioned a specific date, stating that the resignation letter was submitted on July 17.

This unexpected news caused a stir across administrative circles in Bihar, particularly because Dr. S. Siddharth is known for his active involvement in educational reforms. Social media also picked up the story, leading to public debate and discussions about the potential reasons for such a decision, if true. However, shortly after the reports surfaced, Dr. S. Siddharth issued a direct statement to clarify the matter and put an end to the confusion.

Dr. S. Siddharth Breaks Silence, Dismisses Reports as False

In a message sent through the official media group of the Bihar Education Department, Dr. S. Siddharth denied all reports of his resignation. He confirmed that he has not submitted any resignation letter and that he continues to perform his duties as the ACS of the department. His denial came shortly after multiple news portals and social platforms started sharing unverified information about his supposed exit from the department.

The clarification from the IAS officer came at a critical time when public trust in government institutions often depends on transparent communication. By addressing the matter himself, Dr. Siddharth ensured that speculation did not damage the credibility of either the department or his own service record. His statement was brief but clear, directly contradicting the details mentioned in earlier media reports.

A Well-Known Face in Bihar’s Administrative Structure

Dr. S. Siddharth is no stranger to the spotlight. He is widely known for his focused administrative style and strict attention to policy implementation, especially in the education sector. Over the years, he has built a reputation as a firm yet fair officer who consistently works towards improving government school infrastructure and student attendance. He is part of the 1991 batch of the Indian Administrative Service and has served in various capacities throughout his career.

His leadership in the Bihar Education Department has often been highlighted for bringing systemic reforms. He has placed strong emphasis on ensuring that students regularly attend government schools. He has also worked to increase accountability among teachers. One of his known methods of supervision includes video calls made directly from his office to schools across Bihar. Through these calls, he personally checks if students are present and if teachers are attending school on time.

Commitment to Transparency and School Monitoring

As part of his efforts to reform Bihar’s government schools, Dr. Siddharth has relied on surprise checks, consistent monitoring, and direct communication. Under his leadership, the department has introduced processes that aim to keep teachers more accountable for classroom activity. This includes random digital attendance checks and tracking the performance of school staff. His approach has been appreciated for its efficiency and results, especially in districts where attendance and performance had remained poor for years.

He is also known for being approachable and grounded in his communication style. While most senior bureaucrats rely on filtered information through staff or subordinates, Dr. Siddharth has made it a habit to interact directly with stakeholders, whether they are students, parents, or school staff. His method of staying connected through technology is seen as a step toward a more responsive administration.

Known for a Simple Lifestyle and Connection with Common People

Besides his professional achievements, Dr. S. Siddharth has also been in the news for his down-to-earth lifestyle. On several occasions, he has been spotted interacting with citizens at local tea stalls, engaging in informal conversations to better understand public sentiment. His habit of directly engaging with the people has made him a respected figure both within and outside government circles. In one instance, he even prepared sweets at a local shop, which drew considerable public attention.

These actions reflect his belief in accessible governance, where bureaucrats are not isolated from the public but actively engage with them. Such gestures have earned him a reputation not just as an efficient officer but also as someone deeply invested in grassroots issues.

Recent Retirement Rumours Amid Previous VRS Cases

The speculation around Dr. Siddharth’s resignation gained momentum after another senior IAS officer from Bihar, Dinesh Kumar Rai, recently opted for VRS. This triggered a series of assumptions that more officials might follow suit. Dr. Siddharth’s name quickly entered the discussion, especially considering that he is scheduled to retire officially in November 2025.

Many assumed that he might be planning an early exit from service, possibly due to internal department issues or personal choices. However, with his latest clarification, those rumours have now been laid to rest. His statement reaffirms that he remains committed to his responsibilities and will continue to serve until his retirement date.

A Key Player in Bihar’s Education Reforms

Dr. Siddharth’s role in the Bihar Education Department has been instrumental in driving various reforms. From digitisation initiatives to stricter attendance policies, he has overseen several changes that aim to improve the quality of education in the state. His leadership has been particularly visible during major policy shifts and when the department faced public scrutiny.

He has often advocated for using data and technology to address the inefficiencies in government schools. This includes introducing student tracking systems, encouraging teacher training, and improving infrastructure through regular assessments. His direct involvement in policy execution is considered one of the reasons behind the visible progress in some districts.

Media’s Role in Spreading Unverified Information

The incident also sheds light on the importance of responsible journalism. The resignation reports related to Dr. Siddharth were picked up by several platforms without official confirmation. In today’s fast-paced digital environment, the spread of unverified news can affect public perception quickly. Dr. Siddharth’s swift clarification served as a reminder that government officials often need to directly intervene when misinformation gains traction.

This episode underlines the need for media outlets to verify information through official sources before publishing, especially when the story involves high-ranking government officers. As more public officials communicate directly through social and internal media channels, there is now a growing need to filter fact from fiction responsibly.

Retirement Still Months Away, Officer to Continue Service

As of now, Dr. S. Siddharth continues in his role with no change in his position. His official retirement is expected later this year in November. Until then, he is likely to remain active in the department and continue working on initiatives aimed at improving the state’s education sector. There is no official communication from the government or from his office that indicates any early departure from service.

Given his track record and ongoing projects, it is expected that he will remain involved in the administrative work and reform processes. His presence is considered essential at a time when the department is navigating various challenges, including infrastructure gaps, teacher shortages, and policy implementation delays.

A Clear Message Against Rumour and Speculation

Through his brief but impactful clarification, Dr. S. Siddharth has delivered a clear message. He is not stepping down, nor has he submitted a VRS application. His denial puts an end to the ongoing speculation and shifts focus back to the real issues in the education sector. This includes the ongoing efforts to improve school attendance, enhance teaching quality, and make governance more efficient.

The rumours, though widespread, now stand corrected. Dr. Siddharth remains in office, committed to his duties and determined to serve the people of Bihar through a disciplined and transparent approach.

Modified at July 23, 2025 – 12:20 AM