Patna: The Bihar state cabinet has approved a wide-ranging set of 20 policy decisions, including the introduction of e-voting in municipal elections, the rollout of 400 electric buses and the launch of a state-level artificial intelligence mission, in what officials described as a push towards technology-led governance and infrastructure reform.
The decisions were taken at a cabinet meeting chaired by chief minister Samrat Choudhary, held a day before a scheduled cabinet expansion.
Announcing the outcomes, principal secretary of the cabinet department Arvind Kumar Choudhary said the measures were aimed at improving “technology, education, healthcare and transport systems” across the state.
AI Mission to Train Officials and Improve Governance
One of the key approvals was the establishment of the Bihar AI Mission, which the government said would position the state as a leader in the use of artificial intelligence in public administration.
Under the initiative, training programmes will be organised for elected representatives, government officials and employees, in collaboration with national and international institutions. The state government expects the programme to support data-driven decision-making across sectors including administration, finance, agriculture, social welfare and tourism, and to improve transparency in governance processes.
E-voting Planned for 2026 Municipal Elections
The cabinet also approved the introduction of electronic voting in municipal body elections scheduled for 2026.
Officials said the system is intended to make voting more accessible for senior citizens, people with disabilities and voters living outside their home constituencies. The project has been allocated an estimated budget of Rs 31.45 lakh and will be implemented with the assistance of a central technical agency.
The government said the move is expected to simplify the voting process and improve participation and efficiency in local elections.
400 Electric Buses Under National Scheme
In a major transport announcement, the cabinet cleared Rs 517.16 crore to support the operation of 400 air-conditioned electric buses under the PM-eBus Sewa scheme.
According to the plan, 150 buses will be deployed in Patna, while 50 buses each will operate in Muzaffarpur, Bhagalpur, Gaya, Darbhanga and Purnia. The scheme will run for 12 years.
Officials said the expansion of electric public transport is intended to reduce urban air pollution and improve mobility in major cities.
Anti-Erosion Funding for Flood-Prone Districts
The cabinet also approved Rs 175 crore for anti-erosion work in Buxar, Saran and Vaishali districts, which are regularly affected by river erosion and flooding.
Authorities said the investment is aimed at strengthening embankments and protecting vulnerable riverbank communities.
Medical College Renamed After Mythological Figure
In a symbolic decision, the government approved the renaming of the Government Medical College and Hospital under construction in Sitamarhi as Maa Sita Medical College and Hospital.
The announcement had previously been made by the chief minister during Janaki Navami celebrations in Sitamarhi, a district traditionally regarded as the birthplace of the goddess Sita in Hindu mythology.
The cabinet’s approval formalises the change, which officials said reflects the “religious and historical significance” of the Mithila region.
