What 30 Proposals Did the Bihar Cabinet Approve, Including Pension Hikes for MISA Agitators?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- 30 proposals approved during the cabinet meeting.
- Pension for MISA/DIR agitators doubled.
- New infrastructure projects approved for airports and industrial zones.
- Expanded Minority Welfare Offices with new clerk positions.
- Amendments made to legislative salary rules.
Patna, Aug 13 (NationPress) The government led by Nitish Kumar convened a cabinet meeting in Patna on Wednesday, where it sanctioned 30 proposals across various departments.
S. Siddhartha, the Additional Chief Secretary of the Cabinet Secretariat, announced that the cabinet has significantly increased the pension for individuals incarcerated under the MISA/DIR during the historic movement spearheaded by Loknayak Jayaprakash Narayan from March 18, 1974, to March 21, 1977.
The monthly pension for those imprisoned for one to six months has been elevated from Rs 7,500 to Rs 15,000, while those incarcerated for over six months will now receive Rs 30,000, up from Rs 15,000.
To promote socio-economic and educational growth in areas with significant minority populations, the Nitish Kumar administration has also established 459 lower division clerk positions for block-level Minority Welfare Offices.
This department, operational since 1991, has experienced a surge in responsibilities due to the implementation of the Prime Minister Jan Vikas Program across Bihar.
Additionally, the Bihar cabinet greenlit several infrastructure and development initiatives, including the allocation of Rs 292.74 crore for connecting the Mithapur flyover to the Chiraiyatad flyover via Karbighiya, along with plans for greenfield airports in Veerpur, Munger, Valmikinagar, Muzaffarpur, Saharsa, and Bhagalpur. The approval also includes Obstacle Limitation Surfaces (OLS) surveys, with a budget of Rs 2 crore 90 lakh 91720.
The Bihar government has announced plans to expand Gayaji airport, acquiring 18.2442 acres of land for the purpose. Furthermore, a CAT 1 light will be installed to ensure aircraft can operate during adverse weather conditions.
Six new industrial zones will be developed under the Amritsar-Kolkata Industrial Corridor, with Rs 82 crore 90 lakh 48000 approved for this initiative.
The Nitish Kumar administration has also approved salary increases for Booth Level Officers (BLOs) and supervisors.
The cabinet has amended Rule 14 of the Bihar Legislative Assembly Members' Salary, Allowance and Pension Rules, 2006.
A Lakshman Jhula suspension bridge will be constructed at Punpun Pinddaan Sthal in Patna.