Bihar’s government has approved a significant package of benefits for its employees and pensioners, mirroring the central government’s approach. A key element of the package is the increase in Dearness Allowance (DA) from 55% to 58%. This decision was made at a cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar.
The announcement was made by Arvind Kumar Chaudhary, Additional Chief Secretary of the Cabinet Secretariat Department, who detailed the cabinet’s actions at a press conference. The DA increase will be effective from July 1, 2025, and will apply to all state employees and pensioners, adding an estimated Rs 917 crore to the state’s budget.
Beyond the DA increase, the cabinet approved several other initiatives:
* The Chief Minister’s Boy/Girl Scholarship Scheme has been enhanced with increased annual amounts for students in various grades.
* The ‘Economic Solution, Strength to Youth’ scheme will now include graduates, offering a monthly self-help allowance.
* Advocates will receive a stipend for three years.
* Financial support will be provided to advocate associations for the establishment of e-libraries.
* The Bihar Student Credit Card Scheme has been modified, including interest-free loans and extended repayment terms.
* The Akshar Anchal Yojana for marginalized communities will see an increase in funding.
* Honorariums for retired army drivers involved in the Emergency Assistance System (ERSS) project will be increased.
* Development friends under Scheduled Castes and Tribes will receive funding to purchase tablets.
* Contractual ANM employees will receive higher honorariums.
**Job Creation and Departmental Changes:**
* Creation 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 associated positions within the Forest and Environment Department.
* Establishment of new posts within the Secretariat and related 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 new positions in the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF).
* Establishment of new Gavy Vikas offices and associated positions.
* Creation of new positions for the Directorate of Museums and other government museums.
**Airport Development Projects:**
* Funding 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 for runway expansion in Saharsa.
**Additional Cabinet Decisions:**
* Use of Common Service Centers for pension verification.
* Approval of the Bihar Administrative Service Rules 2025.
* Amendments to the Chief Minister Divyangjan Empowerment Student Scheme Sambal.
**Establishment of a Cyber Crime and Security Unit:**
A dedicated Cyber Crime and Security Unit will be established to address the growing issue of cybercrime. The unit will operate under the Police Headquarters and will have dedicated positions and responsibilities. New rules will be implemented to address the seizure of assets in criminal cases.
