By Neeraj Kumar
Patna: The Bihar cabinet, chaired by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, approved 48 agendas in its Friday meeting, bringing significant changes for government employees and those working in sewerage systems. Among the decisions, a notable increase in dearness allowance was sanctioned, benefiting many state government employees.
A total budget of Rs 1032 crore was approved in this meeting. Specifically, the dearness allowance for those under the sixth central pay scale was increased by 9 percent, raising it from 230 percent to 239 percent. For state government servants, pensioners, and family pensioners under the fifth central pay scale, the dearness allowance was increased from 427 percent to 443 percent, effective from January 1, 2024.
The cabinet also approved a policy to estimate conceptual salary increases for calculating the retirement benefits of personnel retiring on June 30 and December 31. In a significant move for the transport sector, the Bihar Transport Department will acquire 400 new buses to be deployed across various districts.
A major decision was made to support sewerage workers. In the unfortunate event of a worker’s death during duty, a compensation of Rs 30 lakh will be provided. Additionally, compensation will be given in cases of disability.
The meeting also saw an approval of Rs 702 crore for metro projects in Muzaffarpur, Gaya, Darbhanga, and Bhagalpur. To boost industrial development, new industrial areas will be developed in 31 districts, including Arwal, Jamui, Kaimur, Saran, Sheohar, Sheikhpura, and Banka. Furthermore, the government plans to construct e-rickshaw stands in cities, starting with district headquarters including Patna.
The meeting, which was expected to yield significant decisions, did not disappoint. Alongside Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, the session was attended by both Deputy Chief Ministers, departmental ministers, and officials.
