Is the Bihar Government's Rs 51.68 crore Allocation for SIR a Political Maneuver?
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Synopsis
As Bihar gears up for elections, the government’s recent allocation of Rs 51.68 crore for the electoral roll revision raises questions amid allegations from opposition parties. Is this a genuine effort to improve voter registration or a strategic move with deeper implications? Explore the unfolding political drama in Bihar.
Key Takeaways
- Political tensions rise in Bihar ahead of the Assembly elections.
- The Bihar government allocates Rs 51.68 crore for electoral roll revision.
- Opposition parties allege targeting of poor voters through the SIR process.
- Legal challenges are mounting regarding the voter list revision.
- A committee has been formed to explore employment opportunities for Bihar's youth.
Patna, July 15 (NationPress) In the lead-up to the Bihar Assembly elections, the Election Commission’s Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the electoral roll has sparked significant political debate, with opposition parties claiming it is a covert attempt to introduce NRC in the state.
In light of this ongoing discourse, the Bihar government has sanctioned Rs 51.68 crore to facilitate the revision efforts.
This decision was made during a cabinet meeting led by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Tuesday, where 30 proposals from various departments received approval.
Under this initiative from the Election Department, the allocated funds are intended to compensate the workers involved in the SIR process.
Approximately 77,895 Booth Level Officers (BLOs) and 8,245 BLO supervisors will each receive an honorarium of Rs 6,000 for their contributions to the revision work.
Opposition parties such as the RJD and Congress have accused the government of manipulating the voter list revision to target marginalized voters and strip them of their voting rights, alleging that this exercise is a pretext for NRC implementation.
Conversely, the Election Commission has asserted that the aim of the SIR is purely to enhance the precision of the voter list.
The situation has escalated to a legal level, with petitions lodged in the Supreme Court contesting the voter list revision process.
During the cabinet meeting, the Nitish Kumar administration also endorsed a proposal to create 1 crore jobs and employment opportunities for Bihar's youth between 2025 and 2030.
This proposal, introduced by the Labour Resources Department, was officially approved.
To develop an appropriate policy, a high-level committee chaired by the Development Commissioner has been established to investigate employment avenues and advise the government.
This 12-member committee will consist of the Development Commissioner as chair and secretaries from 11 departments as members.
However, details regarding the distribution of government jobs versus other employment opportunities within the 1 crore target remain unclear.
When questioned, Additional Chief Secretary (Cabinet Secretariat) S. Siddharth stated that specific information about the number of government jobs included in the target is not yet available.
Point of View
It's essential to approach the current political climate in Bihar with an unbiased lens. The government's allocation for voter roll revision could potentially enhance electoral integrity. However, persistent allegations from opposition parties highlight the need for transparency and accountability in the electoral process. As the situation evolves, maintaining public trust in the electoral system remains paramount.
NationPress
16/07/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purpose of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR)?
The SIR aims to improve the accuracy of the electoral roll and ensure that all eligible voters are registered.
Why are opposition parties concerned about the SIR?
Opposition parties allege that the SIR is being used to target marginalized voters and is a precursor to implementing NRC in the state.
How much funding has the Bihar government approved for the SIR?
The Bihar government has approved Rs 51.68 crore to support the SIR process.
How will the allocated funds be used?
The funds will be used to pay honorariums to workers involved in the SIR process, including Booth Level Officers and supervisors.
What is the government's employment proposal for the youth in Bihar?
The government has proposed to create 1 crore jobs and employment opportunities for the youth in Bihar from 2025 to 2030.
