In a significant move aimed at uplifting economically weaker sections of society, the Bihar government has approved a series of major welfare and development schemes during the cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Tuesday.
The government will form a high-level committee under the Development Commissioner to ensure the swift implementation of the Bihar Laghu Udyam Yojana, which aims to provide Rs 2 lakh each as entrepreneurship assistance to over 94 lakh economically backwards families identified through the caste-based survey.
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The beneficiaries span all communities, including general, OBC, EBC, SC/ST, and minorities. The scheme also covers members of Jeevika self-help groups, with a focus on women's entrepreneurship.
In a boost to grassroots workers, the cabinet approved a proposal to almost double the honorarium of around 1.40 lakh Jeevika workers, resulting in an annual additional expenditure of Rs 735 crore.
The cabinet also gave the green light to operate Jeevika Didi-run kitchens in all block cum zonal offices and collectorates across the state. The state will provide the necessary infrastructure for this initiative.
Under the Chief Minister Rural Road Upgradation Scheme, the government approved the construction of 6,485 km of rural roads covering 4,079 roads in 38 districts, with a total allocation of Rs 5,627 crore.
The cabinet cleared Rs 6,283 crore for the Kosi-Mechi Link Project, with Rs 3,652 crore from the Centre, now included under the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojana – Accelerated Irrigation Benefit Programme (AIBP). The project will bring irrigation to the Seemanchal region, including Araria, Purnia, Kishanganj, and Katihar.
To enhance public transport and support migrant workers, the government approved the purchase of 149 deluxe buses (74 non-AC and 75 AC) for inter-state routes to Delhi, UP, Punjab, Haryana, and West Bengal. A grant of Rs 105.82 crore was approved. Additionally, an incentive of Rs 20 lakh per bus will be provided to private operators under the PPP mode to purchase 150 AC sleeper buses.
To boost women's entrepreneurship, the loan limit for Jeevika-supported self-help groups has been increased from Rs 3 lakh to Rs 10 lakh at an interest rate of 7 per cent, with the state covering any excess interest burden.
In a move to recognise and encourage compliance, the Commercial Tax Department will honour the highest tax-paying businessmen and taxpayers under the Bhamashah Samman. The award will include a certificate and cash prize, aimed at boosting voluntary tax contribution under the Bihar VAT Act, 2005 and the GST Act, 2017.
These decisions reflect the government's comprehensive strategy to strengthen rural infrastructure, empower women entrepreneurs, improve public transport, and encourage economic transparency and tax compliance.