By Neeraj Kumar
Patna: In a recent cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, the Bihar cabinet approved 25 proposals. However, government employees’ expectations of a Diwali DA announcement were not met. Among the significant decisions was the approval for Home Guard jawans and inspectors to work on holidays, akin to non-gazetted Bihar Police employees, with an additional honorarium equivalent to one month’s salary.
One of the key highlights of the meeting was the decision to lease Patna’s Moinul Haq Stadium to the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) for long-term redevelopment. This agreement, sanctioned by the cabinet, will allow the BCCI to reconstruct the stadium and organise international and national-level cricket matches there. The stadium will be leased for 30 years, with the BCCI set to bear all expenses. A five-star hotel equivalent will also be constructed alongside the stadium, and the redevelopment plan includes a stadium capacity of 40,000, with night match facilities.
The MoU between the Bihar government and the BCCI will be for an initial 7-year term, with a profit-sharing agreement of 50-50 after the first 7 years. Cricket players will benefit from enhanced facilities, which is expected to further sports development in the state.
Other decisions included amendments and approvals in various sectors:
- The Bihar Local Area Engineering Service Amendment Rules 2024 were approved.
- The formation of the Bihar Agriculture Departmental Clerk Cadre Recruitment Promotion and Service Condition Rules 2024 was sanctioned.
- New rules were also approved for the Bihar Paridhapak Cadre under the Health Department and for Office Attendant and Night Watchman Cadre Rules 2024, particularly regarding the recruitment of ex-servicemen for these positions in the Home Department.
Additionally, the cabinet approved Rs 5.9242 crore in stamp duty payments to the Mumbai District Collector for the construction of Bihar Bhawan in Mumbai.
Key infrastructure projects were also greenlit, including:
- Rs 60.93 crore for strengthening the Saran embankment under the Water Resources Department.
- Rs 181.76 crore for restoration and lining of Tirhut Main Canal from 223.11 km to 240.85 km.
- Rs 59.5650 crore for widening and strengthening a 15 km stretch in Lakhisarai.
- Rs 175.2891 crore for four projects in Lakhisarai, Jamui, Banka, and Araria districts.
These decisions reflect the Bihar government’s focus on infrastructure, sports development, and employee welfare.
