What New Initiatives Did the Bihar Cabinet Approve?
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Synopsis
The Bihar Cabinet has unveiled a series of transformative initiatives, including an artist pension scheme and substantial funding for agricultural and health infrastructure, aiming to bolster livelihoods and enhance cultural heritage as the Assembly elections approach.
Key Takeaways
- The Bihar Cabinet approved 24 proposals aimed at enhancing cultural and agricultural development.
- Introduction of the Chief Minister Artist Pension Scheme to support senior artistes.
- Significant funding allocated for agricultural extension and health infrastructure.
- Focus on youth employment through the Chief Minister’s Pratigya Yojana.
- Continued commitment to cultural heritage with investment in Punaura Dham.
Patna, July 1 (NationPress) In a significant move ahead of the upcoming Assembly elections, the Bihar Cabinet has approved 24 proposals, including the introduction of the Chief Minister Artist Pension Scheme aimed at assisting senior and prominent artistes in the state who are experiencing a livelihood crisis.
Artistes qualifying for this scheme will receive a monthly pension of Rs 3,000.
On Tuesday, S. Siddhartha, the Additional Chief Secretary of the Cabinet Secretariat, shared that under Chief Minister Nitish Kumar's leadership, the Cabinet also approved the Chief Minister Guru Shishya Parampara Yojana to foster traditional skills, with an administrative budget of Rs 1.11 crore for the year 2025-26.
Furthermore, the Cabinet granted administrative approval of Rs 36.35 crore for the centrally-sponsored National Mission on Natural Farming Scheme for the fiscal year 2025-26.
The implementation of the Sub-Mission on Agriculture Extension Scheme under the Fourth Agriculture Road Map was also sanctioned, with Rs 80.99 crore allocated for the Bihar Agriculture Management & Extension Training Institute (BAMETI) and district-level agricultural technology management agencies for 2025-26.
Additionally, Rs 30.49 crore has been approved for the establishment of soil testing laboratories under the Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana.
The Cabinet has also extended the contract-based employment of Rajiv Kumar as Director in the Bihar Legislative Assembly Secretariat for another year starting from July 1, 2025, following the conclusion of his previous term.
In a similar vein, the reappointment of Ramakant Prasad, a retired Additional Superintendent of Police (Special Task Force), has been prolonged for one year from July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026.
Moreover, grant facilities will now be accessible from the Chief Minister’s Medical Assistance Fund for the treatment of elected representatives of Panchayati Raj Institutions and Gram Kachahari in Bihar.
In a notable cultural initiative, the Cabinet sanctioned Rs 882.87 crore for the development of Punaura Dham, the birthplace of Mata Sita in Sitamarhi district, in conjunction with the development of the Shri Ram Janmbhoomi Teerth Kshetra in Ayodhya.
Through the Chief Minister’s Pratigya Yojana, the government aims to benefit 5,000 youth in the year 2025-26, and one lakh youth annually from 2026-27 to 2030-31 via internships and skill development programs.
The Cabinet also approved the Health Department's agenda, which includes the allocation of 20.60 acres of non-cultivated land free of charge for the construction of a medical college in Araria, thereby enhancing the state's health infrastructure.
Point of View
It is crucial to recognize the Bihar Cabinet's decisive actions aimed at enhancing the welfare of its citizens. The approval of these proposals not only emphasizes the government's commitment to cultural and agricultural development but also reflects a proactive approach in addressing pressing issues as elections approach. This focus on support and infrastructure signals a promising future for Bihar.
NationPress
01/07/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Chief Minister Artist Pension Scheme?
The Chief Minister Artist Pension Scheme is designed to provide financial assistance of Rs 3,000 per month to senior and distinguished artistes in Bihar facing livelihood crises.
How much funding was approved for agricultural development?
The Cabinet approved Rs 80.99 crore for the implementation of the Sub-Mission on Agriculture Extension Scheme and Rs 36.35 crore for the National Mission on Natural Farming Scheme.
What initiatives were taken for youth employment?
Under the Chief Minister’s Pratigya Yojana, the government aims to benefit 5,000 youth in 2025-26 and one lakh annually from 2026-27 to 2030-31 through internships and skill development initiatives.
