Bihar Government Secretariat
By Neeraj Kumar
Patna: The Bihar Government has announced major relief for government employees and pensioners ahead of the Holi festival. The Finance Department has issued strict instructions to maintain fiscal discipline in the final phase of the 2025–26 financial year, ensuring that February 2026 salaries are credited before Holi, while temporarily suspending other non-committed payments until March 10, 2026.
Finance Minister Bijendra Prasad Yadav informed the Assembly that February salaries would reach employees’ bank accounts before the festival. The decision will benefit around 7.5 lakh state employees, including over 5.85 lakh teachers and headmasters. All departments and treasuries have been directed to ensure there is no delay in salary disbursement.
In a letter issued on February 27, 2026, Special Secretary of the Finance Department Mukesh Kumar Lal clarified that until March 10, priority would be given only to bills related to establishment and committed expenditure—such as salaries, pensions, grants-in-aid and honorariums for contractual staff. Unnecessary withdrawals have been curtailed in line with treasury rules.
The Finance Department noted that a surge in bill submissions during the closing months of the financial year complicates scrutiny and may undermine fiscal discipline. Treasuries have therefore been instructed to pass bills strictly in accordance with rules. Similar directions had also been issued earlier on February 6.
After March 10, payments related to other heads—such as construction works, supplies and contractual services—will resume following routine verification. The government has asked all departments, divisional commissioners, district magistrates and treasury officials to ensure strict compliance with these orders.
The move is aimed at strengthening employees financially during the festive season while maintaining the state’s fiscal balance. The Finance Minister assured that Bihar’s financial position remains stable and that there would be no difficulty in salary payments. The decision has boosted morale among teachers, employees and pensioners.
By prioritising committed expenditure and curbing non-essential spending, the Bihar Government has underlined its commitment to fiscal discipline. The step is expected to reinforce economic stability while ensuring timely salaries and greater social satisfaction during Holi.
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