Patna, Dec 9 (NationPress) The second cabinet session of the recently established Bihar government wrapped up on Tuesday, approving 19 significant proposals.

Among the noteworthy decisions, the state government declared a 5% increase in dearness allowance (DA) for government employees, pensioners, and family pensioners receiving salaries or pensions under the Sixth Central Pay Commission.

This increase, effective from July 1, 2025, will raise the DA from 252% to 257%.

The proposal received endorsement from the Finance Department.

The cabinet also sanctioned a compassionate appointment for Mohammad Imdad Raza, the son of the late BSF Sub-Inspector Mohammad Imtiaz, who was martyred during Operation Sindoor.

Additionally, the government has designated Gayaji and Munger as Civil Defence districts and approved the creation of 14 new positions for their Civil Defence units.

The Directorate of Technical Development within the Industries Department has been rebranded as the Directorate of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME).

In line with a critical commitment made during the Bihar Assembly elections, the NDA government has authorized the establishment of three new departments aimed at enhancing employment, advancing higher education, and fortifying aviation infrastructure.

This includes the formation of the Youth, Employment and Skill Development Department.

This department is designed for the comprehensive growth of youth and to expedite efforts to provide job and skill development opportunities, particularly the government's promise to employ 1 crore youths over the next five years.

The Higher Education Department will be created by reorganizing functions within the Education Department to elevate the quality and coordination of higher education across the state.

Another crucial approval was for the establishment of the Civil Aviation Department of Bihar.

This department was formed by separating the Civil Aviation Directorate from the Cabinet Secretariat Department to improve aviation services and broaden air connectivity in Bihar.

Arvind Kumar Chaudhary, Additional Chief Secretary, remarked that the creation of these new departments was prompted by the government's expanding responsibilities and its commitment to delivering superior public services.

The Bihar cabinet also endorsed the renaming of several departments to better reflect their expanded roles.

The Animal and Fisheries Resources Department has been renamed the Dairy, Fisheries and Animal Resources Department.

The Labour Resources Department is now called the Labour Resources and Migrant Worker Welfare Department, and the Arts, Culture and Youth Department has been renamed the Arts and Culture Department.