Patna: The Bihar Cabinet has approved the establishment of the Bihar Artificial Intelligence Mission in collaboration with Singapore-based Global Finance and Technology Network (GFTN), with a proposed expenditure of over Rs 190 crore to promote artificial intelligence, develop skilled manpower and strengthen the state’s startup ecosystem.
The proposal was approved at a Cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary on Tuesday. The initiative aims to train 7,000 students and young people over the next five years and provide technological support to more than 100 startups.
According to a press note issued by the Information Technology Department, the state government has selected GFTN to strengthen Bihar’s artificial intelligence ecosystem, promote skill development and encourage innovation.
The Bihar AI Mission was approved through departmental resolution number 2224 dated November 25, 2025.
Five-Month Advanced AI Certification Programme
Under the initiative, GFTN, in collaboration with the National University of Singapore’s Asian Institute of Digital Finance (NUS-AIDF) and Lynx Foundation, will conduct an advanced five-month AI certification programme.
The programme will cover 7,000 students over five years, including those from STEM and non-STEM backgrounds at undergraduate and postgraduate levels.
The initiative is intended to expand access to advanced AI education and develop a skilled workforce capable of contributing to the emerging technology sector.
AI And Quantum-Enabled Digital Sandbox For Startups
A major component of the mission will be the establishment of an AI and quantum-enabled digital sandbox platform named the Aryabhatta Technology Observatory through GFTN.
The platform is expected to benefit more than 100 startups in Bihar by providing access to advanced technological infrastructure and development tools.
Startups, entrepreneurs, students, researchers and government officials will receive access to AI/ML application programming interfaces (APIs), data pipelines, large language model (LLM) gateways and cloud-based integrated development environments (Cloud IDE).
The platform is intended to help innovators develop technology-based solutions to challenges specific to Bihar.
Bihar To Be Showcased At 12 Global Technology Forums
The press note also states that Bihar will be presented before international investors, technology companies and policymakers through GFTN’s 12 global forums.
These include the Singapore FinTech Festival, Point Zero Forum Zurich, Black Swan Summit and Bangkok Digital Finance Forum, among others.
The initiative will provide opportunities to showcase Bihar’s emerging technology ecosystem and connect local startups with global investors, technology companies and policymakers.
Focus On Building Bihar’s AI Ecosystem
The Bihar AI Mission is aimed at strengthening the state’s artificial intelligence ecosystem through industry participation, advanced training, technological infrastructure and startup support.
By combining international collaboration with local innovation, the government intends to expand AI-related opportunities for students, researchers and entrepreneurs while positioning Bihar as an emerging destination for technology-driven investment.
The initiative is expected to create a foundation for the development and adoption of artificial intelligence across education, entrepreneurship and governance in the state.
DA Hike for State Govt Employees, Pensioners
In another major decision, the Bihar cabinet approved a three per cent increase in the dearness allowance (DA) for its employees, pensioners and family pensioners getting revised salary or pension as per the 7th Pay Commission recommendations.
The decision would provide relief to the common people during the festive season of Chhath, the pious festival, which will be observed and celebrated on next Sunday and Monday.
“The cabinet has taken a decision to increase DA by three per cent from the existing 60 per cent to 63 percent. It will be payable with effect from July 01, 2026. The hiked DA will be payable to government employees, pensioners and family pensioners getting revised salary or pension as per the 7th Pay Commission recommendations,” Cabinet Secretariat Department’s Additional Chief Secretary (ACS) Arvind Kumar Chaudhary told reporters here in a post cabinet briefing held at IPRD conference room here.
Similarly, DA has also been hiked by seven (from 262 to 269 per cent) and 14 per cent (from 483 to 497 per cent) for drawing salary/pension under the 6th Central Pay Scale and the 5th Central Pay Scale, Chaudhary said adding that the hiked DA payable with effect from July 01, 2026.
In reply to a query, ACS said that the decision would put additional burden of Rs 1080.33 crore to the state’s exchequer. He, however, said that the amount for 6th and 5th pay scale people is minuscule.
A total of 32 decisions were approved by the cabinet chaired by Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary on Tuesday.
