Big Moves in Bihar: Punaura Dham to Get Ayodhya-Style Makeover, New Colleges and Airport Plans Across Districts

Patna : In a significant move, the Bihar cabinet led by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Thursday approved 34 major proposals aimed at bolstering infrastructure, education, and public services across the state.

Among the headline decisions, the cabinet gave the green light to the comprehensive development of Punaura Dham in Sitamarhi—believed to be the birthplace of Goddess Sita—modeled after the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Tirtha Kshetra in Ayodhya. The Noida-based firm Design Associates Incorporated, which contributed to the Ram temple project, has been appointed as the design consultant.

In another key development, the cabinet approved feasibility surveys for airports in six districts: Madhubani, Veerpur, Munger, Valmikinagar, Bhagalpur, and Saharsa. The Airports Authority of India (AAI) will conduct the study, for which a budget of Rs 2.43 crore has been sanctioned.

To address higher education needs, the government will open new degree colleges in eight districts—Madhubani, Goraul, Shamho, Imamganj, Adhaura, Katoria, Asarganj, and Chakai. A total of 526 posts have been approved for these institutions, including 422 teaching and 104 non-teaching positions.

Public Sector Appointments and Administrative Changes

The cabinet approved recruitment for 3,837 new posts across various departments. These include 2,159 in animal husbandry, 663 in urban development, 526 in education, 244 in sports, and 185 in the revenue department. Notably, 663 posts will support the operation of 71 offices under the Integrated Urban Engineering Organisation.

Further, the cabinet dismissed Assistant Settlement Officer Raman Rai from service due to administrative irregularities, and approved amendments to the Bihar Special Survey and Settlement Rules, 2025.

Electricity Subsidy and Consumer Relief

In a major relief for households, the cabinet has sanctioned ₹15,995 crore under the Mukhyamantri Vidyut Upbhokta Sahayata Yojana for the 2025–26 fiscal year. The subsidy, aimed at offsetting electricity costs for consumers across categories, will be disbursed monthly to NTPC via the RBI to ensure uninterrupted power supply.

Meeting Schedule and Conduct

The cabinet meeting, originally slated for 4pm, was held at 11am in the Chief Secretariat’s Cabinet Hall. Departments had received prior instructions to prepare detailed documentation for the agenda items.