Bihar Cabinet Approves Key Infrastructure, Healthcare, and Tourism Projects; Extends Land Survey Deadlin

By Neeraj Kumar

Patna: A meeting of the Bihar Cabinet, chaired by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, was held on Tuesday, during which 33 proposals were approved. Key decisions covered infrastructure development, land survey extensions, and reforms in health and tourism sectors.

Key Approvals and Allocations

1. Land Survey Extension and Rules
   • The government extended the land survey deadline by six months to address public grievances.
   • A timeline of 180 days for self-declaration, 60 days for claims by raiyats, and 60 days for claim settlements was finalised.
   • The Bihar Special Survey Settlement Rules 2024 were approved.
2. Infrastructure Projects
   • Minister Housing Complex: Rs 78.28 crore was approved for the construction of a Minister Housing Complex in Gardanibagh, Patna.
   • Arwal Mandal Jail: Rs 38.31 crore was sanctioned for its construction.
   • Tourism Development:
     • Rs 98.65 crore for the development of tourist facilities at Matsyagandha Lake in Saharsa district.
     • Rs 49.73 crore for the development of Karamchat Eco Tourism and Adventure Hub in Kaimur district.
3. Healthcare Enhancements
   • Approval for the construction of a super-speciality eye hospital by Shankar Eye Foundation India in Kankarbagh, Patna.
   • The Bihar State Housing Board transferred 1.60 acres of land to the Health Department for this purpose on a 99-year lease. Rs 48 crore was allocated for the project.
   • The Bihar Nurse Cadre Rules 2024 were approved, replacing the 2019 rules.
4. Other Approvals
   • Rs 354.8 crore for solid and liquid waste management activities under the Swachh Bharat Mission across 5,635 gram panchayats.
   • Rs 139 crore to cover the shortfall under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (Gramin) for the payment of contractual employees’ honorarium.
   • Introduction of the Didi Ki Rasoi programme to ensure clean and nutritious food for patients in Ayurvedic, Homoeopathic, and Unani medical colleges and hospitals.
5. Science and Innovation
   • Approval for the creation of two posts under the Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam Science City Society: one for a Control Technical Advisor and one for a Science Advisor.

The Cabinet decisions aim to address key development priorities, strengthen public services, and streamline state-level projects for holistic growth.