The Bihar Cabinet has recently approved a series of important decisions aimed at enhancing social welfare, infrastructure development, and the overall well-being of the state’s residents. Among the significant announcements, the increase in social security pension for more than 1.11 crore beneficiaries, along with several measures to empower local governance, have been approved. The Cabinet meeting was chaired by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, who emphasized the government’s commitment to the welfare of the people of Bihar.

One of the most noteworthy decisions is the increase in the social security pension, which will now be ₹1100 per month, up from the previous amount of ₹400. This change will significantly impact the lives of millions of citizens, providing them with a stronger safety net.

Social Security Pension: A Major Relief for Over 1 Crore Beneficiaries

The Bihar government has approved an increase in the social security pension for more than 1.11 crore people in the state. Previously, beneficiaries received ₹400 per month under the Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension Scheme, but the new decision will see that amount rise to ₹1100. This change will not only affect elderly people but will also benefit widows and people with disabilities under various social security schemes.

Chief Secretary Amrit Lal Meena explained that the increase in pensions would come at an additional cost of ₹9202 crore, which would be allocated from the state’s treasury. The schemes affected include:

• Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension

• Indira Gandhi National Widow Pension Scheme

• Indira Gandhi National Disability Pension Scheme

These schemes together cover approximately 43,02,984 beneficiaries. With the increase of ₹700 in their monthly pension, the government will incur an additional expenditure of ₹3508.90 crore.

Furthermore, other important pension schemes like the Lakshmi Bai Social Security Pension Scheme, Bihar Disability Pension Scheme, and the Chief Minister’s Old Age Pension Scheme will also see an increase of ₹700, which will result in an additional expenditure of ₹5693.94 crore. Altogether, the total expenditure for this increase in pension will amount to ₹9202.84 crore.

This move aims to improve the quality of life for elderly and vulnerable sections of society by providing them with a more substantial and reliable income source.

Empowering Gram Panchayats: Increased Approval Limit for Development Projects

In another significant move, the Bihar Cabinet has approved the decision to increase the approval limit for Gram Panchayats. Under this new initiative, Gram Panchayats will now be allowed to approve projects worth up to ₹10 lakh, double the previous limit of ₹5 lakh. This change is expected to expedite the implementation of rural development projects, empowering local self-governance and enabling more effective community-level development.

Moreover, the administrative and technical approval powers of program officers and assistant engineers have been enhanced. This decision is expected to streamline development processes at the grassroots level, making it easier to implement infrastructure and welfare projects in rural areas.

Increased Allowances for Panchayat Representatives

In line with Chief Minister Nitish Kumar’s vision for strengthening local governance, the Cabinet also approved an increase in the monthly allowances for Panchayat representatives. These allowances have been raised from ₹400 to ₹6000, depending on the position held.

The new allowances will apply to various positions within the Panchayat system, including:

• District Council President: Increased from ₹12,000 to ₹18,000

• District Council Vice-President: Increased from ₹10,000 to ₹15,000

• Panchayat Committee Head: Increased from ₹5,000 to ₹7,500

• Panchayat Committee Vice-President: Increased from ₹2,500 to ₹3,750

• Sarpanch (Village Head): Increased from ₹5,000 to ₹7,500

• Up-Sarpanch (Assistant Village Head): Increased from ₹2,500 to ₹3,750

• District Council Members: Increased from ₹3,500 to ₹3,750

• Panchayat Members: Increased from ₹800 to ₹1,200

• Gram Kachari Panch (Village Court Representative): Increased from ₹800 to ₹1,200

The Cabinet’s decision will result in an additional expenditure of ₹548.62 crore, aimed at motivating and supporting elected Panchayat representatives to enhance their contribution to governance and development.

Grants for Death of Panchayat and Village Court Representatives

In a compassionate move, the Bihar Cabinet approved a ₹5 lakh grant for the families of Panchayat and Gram Kachari representatives in the event of their natural death while in office. This grant will benefit nearly 2.5 lakh elected representatives, providing financial security for their families in the unfortunate event of their passing during their tenure.

Affordable Meals for OPD Patients and Relatives in Medical Colleges

As part of efforts to enhance healthcare accessibility, the Cabinet approved the provision of affordable meals for outpatient department (OPD) patients and their relatives at all medical college hospitals in Bihar. The meals will be offered at an affordable rate of ₹20 per meal, prepared in Jeevika Didi’s kitchen, a social initiative designed to provide nutritious meals at low cost.

This initiative will first be implemented in medical college hospitals, and later extended to other healthcare facilities in the state. This move aims to provide much-needed relief to patients and their families who often struggle with the high costs of food during hospital stays.

Construction of Marriage Mandaps in Every Panchayat

In a step to further empower women and support community events, the Bihar government has also approved the construction of marriage mandaps (wedding halls) in all 8,053 Gram Panchayats across the state. This decision was made following a demand raised during the Mahila Samvad (women’s dialogue) forum, where women highlighted the need for affordable and accessible venues for marriage ceremonies.

The project will be carried out in phases, with an estimated cost of ₹40.26 billion. The construction and maintenance of these marriage halls will be handled by the respective Gram Panchayats, providing them with the necessary infrastructure to support community events.

The Bihar Cabinet’s decisions are a part of the state’s broader commitment to social welfare, economic development, and empowerment of local governance. From increasing social security pensions for vulnerable populations to empowering Gram Panchayats and Panchayat representatives, these steps are designed to uplift the lives of Bihar’s citizens and promote inclusive growth.

Moreover, the government’s focus on affordable healthcare, support for women, and infrastructure development underscores its determination to create a more equitable and prosperous Bihar. With these initiatives, the state is on its way to improving the living standards of its people while strengthening local governance and self-sufficiency.