The Bihar government has announced a series of measures to improve the financial well-being of its employees and pensioners, mirroring benefits provided by the central government. A primary component of this package is an increase in the Dearness Allowance (DA) to 58%, up from the previous 55%. This was decided during a special cabinet meeting led by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar.
Arvind Kumar Chaudhary, Additional Chief Secretary of the Cabinet Secretariat Department, provided details of the cabinet’s decisions at a press briefing. The DA increase will take effect from July 1, 2025, and will apply to all state government employees and pensioners. This measure is expected to cost the state an additional Rs 917 crore.
In addition to the DA hike, the cabinet approved a number of other initiatives:
* The Chief Minister’s Boy/Girl Scholarship Scheme will provide increased financial aid, with the annual amount rising for students in various grades.
* The ‘Economic Solution, Strength to Youth’ program will now extend its benefits to graduates, providing a monthly allowance.
* Advocates will be granted a stipend for a period of three years.
* Financial aid will be provided to advocate associations to facilitate the establishment of e-libraries.
* The Bihar Student Credit Card Scheme has undergone revisions, incorporating interest-free loans and extended repayment terms.
* The Akshar Anchal Yojana for marginalized groups will see increased funding.
* Retired army drivers involved in the Emergency Assistance System (ERSS) project will receive increased honorariums.
* Development friends working with Scheduled Castes and Tribes will be provided with assistance to purchase tablets.
* Contractual ANM employees will receive increased honorariums.
**Expansion and New Departments:**
* Establishment of 45 positions at the National Dolphin Research Center in Patna.
* Approval for 172 positions for wildlife management at Sanjay Gandhi Biological Park.
* Creation of new forest divisions and corresponding positions within the Forest and Environment Department.
* Establishment of new positions within the Secretariat and relevant offices under the Department of Forest, Environment, and Climate Change.
* Creation of positions in the Fire Service Headquarters.
* Creation of positions in Beltron for retired clerks and computer operators.
* Approval of the Bihar Civil Court, Court Manager (Selection, Appointment and Other Service Conditions) Rules 2025.
* Creation of additional positions within the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF).
* Establishment of new Gavy Vikas offices and the creation of various new positions.
* Creation of various new positions for the Directorate of Museums and other state-run museums.
**Airport Development Investments:**
* Allocation of funds for pre-feasibility studies for airports in Motihari, Chhapra, and Bhagalpur.
* Administrative approval for land acquisition for a greenfield airport in Bhagalpur.
* Approval of compensation for land acquisition related to runway expansion in Saharsa.
**Additional Decisions:**
* Pensioners will be able to utilize Common Service Centers for their annual life certification.
* Approval of the Bihar Administrative Service Rules 2025.
* Amendments have been made to the Chief Minister Divyangjan Empowerment Student Scheme Sambal.
**Establishment of a Cyber Crime and Security Unit:**
In response to the rising instances of cybercrime, a dedicated Cyber Crime and Security Unit will be established. This unit will function under the Police Headquarters and will have dedicated personnel and resources. New regulations will be implemented to facilitate the seizure of assets in criminal investigations.