In anticipation of the upcoming Bihar assembly elections, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has revealed a series of significant policy changes. These changes include a financial boost for Vikas Mitras, with a Rs 25,000 allowance. Education workers will also benefit, receiving Rs 10,000 for smartphones. These announcements were made via the social media platform X.
Specifically, Vikas Mitras associated with the Bihar Mahadalit Vikas Mission will receive a one-time payment of Rs 25,000 to buy tablets.
**Understanding Vikas Mitras**
Vikas Mitras are integral to the Bihar Mahadalit Vikas Mission, which was founded in 2009. The mission aims to ensure that government schemes reach the Mahadalit community. Vikas Mitras are chosen to work in all panchayats and ward clusters across the state. They act as a bridge between the government and the Mahadalit community, informing them about the schemes and benefits available. Initially, they received a monthly honorarium of Rs 13,700, which has now been increased to Rs 25,000 by CM Nitish.
**Other Key Decisions**
On X, CM Nitish Kumar highlighted his government’s dedication to the upliftment of marginalized communities, focusing on development with justice. He noted the important role of Vikas Mitras in delivering government welfare programs to the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes. Consequently, the government has decided to provide a one-time payment of Rs 25,000 to each Vikas Mitra under the Bihar Mahadalit Vikas Mission to purchase tablets, which will help them in collecting beneficiary data and other operational tasks.
Furthermore, the government is increasing the transport allowance for Vikas Mitras from Rs 1,900 to Rs 2,500 per month and the stationery allowance from Rs 900 to Rs 1,500 monthly, to facilitate their fieldwork.
**Support for Education Sector**
Additionally, CM Nitish Kumar stated that education workers (including those in Talimi Markaz), who are vital in educating children from Mahadalit, Dalit, minority, and extremely backward classes and promoting women’s literacy through the Akshar Aanchal Yojana, will receive Rs 10,000 to buy smartphones. These smartphones will aid in managing digital activities.
The budget for teaching materials will be increased from Rs 3,405 to Rs 6,000 per center each year to boost the morale of both Vikas Mitras and education workers, encouraging them to perform their duties with greater enthusiasm and commitment.