What Did CM Nitish Kumar Announce for Bihar State Safai Karamchari Commission?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- The Bihar State Safai Karamchari Commission aims to uplift sanitation workers.
- The commission will include diverse members, promoting inclusivity.
- It is part of a broader welfare initiative by the Bihar government.
- This decision is strategically aligned with the upcoming elections.
- Earlier announcements included pension hikes for journalists.
Patna, July 27 (NationPress) Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar revealed on Sunday the establishment of the Bihar State Safai Karmachari Commission, which aims to promote the protection, welfare, and social advancement of sanitation workers across the state.
This initiative is viewed as a significant welfare effort ahead of the forthcoming Assembly elections in Bihar.
While announcing this on X, Nitish Kumar stated in Hindi (translated), "I am delighted to share that I have instructed the department to form the Bihar State Safai Karmachari Commission to guarantee the protection, welfare, rehabilitation, social upliftment, grievance redressal, and monitoring of various welfare schemes concerning sanitation workers' rights and interests in Bihar."
He explained that the commission would offer recommendations related to sanitation workers' interests, advise the government on safeguarding their rights, and take necessary measures to evaluate and implement welfare schemes.
According to the Chief Minister, the commission will be crucial in integrating marginalized communities involved in sanitation work into the mainstream, thereby enhancing their social and economic progress.
The Bihar State Safai Karmachari Commission will consist of a chairperson, a vice-chairperson, and five members.
Significantly, at least one woman or a transgender individual will be included in the composition, marking a progressive step by the state government.
Emphasizing the commission's broader importance, CM Nitish Kumar remarked, "This commission will play a critical role in assimilating the underprivileged segments of society engaged in sanitation work into the mainstream and facilitating their social and economic growth."
This announcement is part of several significant declarations made by the Bihar Chief Minister recently amidst the election buzz in the state. Previously, he announced a substantial increase in the pension for journalists under the Bihar Patrakar Samman Pension Scheme.
The monthly pension for eligible journalists has been raised from Rs 6,000 to Rs 15,000.
Moreover, in the event of a journalist's passing, the dependent spouse will now receive Rs 10,000 monthly, an increase from Rs 3,000, for life.
On X, the Chief Minister stated, "Under the Bihar Patrakar Samman Pension Scheme, the department has been directed to provide a pension of Rs 15,000 instead of Rs 6,000 each month to all eligible journalists."
"Furthermore, in the unfortunate event of a journalist's death who is receiving a pension under this scheme, their dependent spouse will now be granted a monthly pension of Rs 10,000 instead of Rs 3,000 for life," he added.