GREAT GRANDSON OF BHIKHARI THAKUR DISMISSED FROM RAJ BHAWAN

GREAT GRANDSON OF BHIKHARI THAKUR DISMISSED FROM RAJ BHAWAN

27-AUG-ENG 2

RAJIV NAYAN AGRAWAL

PATNA----------------------------Sushil Kumar Thakur, the great-grandson of the legendary figure and 'Shakespeare of Bhojpuri,' Bhikhari Thakur, has been dismissed from the Bihar Raj Bhavan. The axe fell on the job—granted by the former Governor as a mark of honor—because he failed to appear for the efficiency and competency test.

A significant administrative development has emerged concerning the family of Bhikhari Thakur, who is world-renowned as the 'Shakespeare of Bhojpuri' and a stalwart of folk culture. The Bihar Raj Bhavan Secretariat has terminated the services of the legendary folk artist's great-grandson, Sushil Kumar Thakur, with immediate effect. While this matter touches upon the tradition of honoring the families of folk artists, it also highlights the benchmarks of administrative rules, technical qualifications, and professional competence. This decision has sparked considerable discussion within administrative circles.

The story behind this entire episode began last year in Kutubpur Diyara, located in the Doriganj area of ​​Saran district—Bhikhari Thakur's birthplace. On December 18, 2025, the then-Governor of Bihar, Dr. Arif Mohammad Khan, visited the village to inquire about the well-being of the family. With the aim of honoring the legendary artist's unparalleled contributions and providing financial support to the family, he announced a job for the great-grandson, Sushil Kumar Thakur. Subsequently, an order was issued on January 23, 2026, appointing Sushil to the post of Stenographer at the Raj Bhavan on a probationary basis.

Within just a few months of the appointment, questions began to arise regarding Sushil Kumar's professional competence. According to an order issued by Deepak Kumar Singh, the Additional Chief Secretary of the Raj Bhavan, proficiency in shorthand and Hindi/English typing is mandatory for this post under the Bihar Secretariat Stenographer Service Rules. Upon being assigned duties alongside other officials, it was observed that Sushil lacked basic knowledge of stenography and the requisite typing speed, which significantly hindered operational efficiency.

A proficiency test was conducted on July 22, 2026, under the directives of a three-member committee formed to assess employee skills; however, Sushil did not appear for it. He argued that such a test should have been conducted prior to his appointment. Subsequently, demonstrating sensitivity, the Raj Bhavan granted him one final opportunity to take the test on August 6, 2026. Despite this, he remained absent and persisted in demanding an exemption from the examination. The administration viewed this as a clear case of disobedience and indiscipline.

The termination letter issued by the Raj Bhavan cited the 'Bihar Government Servant Probation Period Rules, 2024' and the landmark Supreme Court judgment in the case of *Purshottam Lal Dhingra vs. Union of India*. These provisions clarify that if an employee's performance is found unsatisfactory or if they violate departmental directives during a probation period of less than one year, their services may be terminated without a lengthy inquiry. It was on this basis that the competent authority decided to dismiss him.

Bhikhari Thakur (1887–1971) was an undisputed luminary of the Bhojpuri language and folk culture. Through plays and works such as *Bidesiya*, *Gabarghichor*, *Beti Bechwa*, and *Vidhwa Vilap*, he launched a scathing attack on social evils. The appointment of his great-grandson was a gesture of respect for folk art and heritage. However, due to administrative regulations, the necessity for professional competence, and legal constraints, this sensitive initiative ultimately ended in dismissal.