PATNA – In a significant move to empower the underprivileged, the Bihar government has unveiled a welfare scheme that aims to provide financial assistance to 94 lakh poor families in the state. Each eligible family will receive Rs 2 lakh distributed over three installments to support their self-employment endeavors. The initial installment is slated to be disbursed ahead of the upcoming Lok Sabha elections.
The Caste and Economic Survey report, presented in the Assembly on November 9 last year, formed the basis for this welfare initiative. Chief Minister Nitish Kumar had previously made this announcement concurrent with the survey findings. The cabinet officially approved this scheme on Tuesday, with the identified 94 lakh poor families spanning various categories. The scheme is set to run for a duration of five years, and a formal notification from the government is expected imminently.
The financial aid will be disbursed in three phases. The first installment, constituting 25 percent of the project cost, will be granted initially. Subsequently, the second installment, amounting to 50 percent of the project cost, and the third installment, comprising the remaining 25 percent of the plan cost, will follow. Crucially, the release of the subsequent installment will be contingent upon the effective utilization of the previous installment.
In a parallel development, the state cabinet has increased the compensation provided to families in the event of a death resulting from a road accident. The revised amount stands at Rs 5 lakh, up from the previous Rs 4 lakh. Additionally, under the CM Medical Assistance Scheme, individuals requiring kidney treatment can avail themselves of Rs 2.5 lakh.
During the cabinet meeting on Tuesday, a total of 18 agendas received approval under the leadership of Chief Minister Nitish Kumar. Notable decisions included the allocation of funds for the establishment of 62 industries in the state under the Small Entrepreneur Scheme. Deputy Chief Minister Tejashwi Yadav and other ministers also participated in the meeting.
This meeting marked the second of the year, following the initial cabinet meeting on January 8. During the previous session, the honorarium for Panchayat representatives and Anganwadi workers had been doubled.
Several other key decisions were taken during the meeting, including the reconstruction of Delhi’s Bihar Niwas at an estimated cost of Rs 121 crore 83 lakh. Additionally, funds amounting to Rs 40 crore 56 lakh were sanctioned for the drainage system in Mokama Municipal Council area. A solar plant is slated to be established in Dawood Nagar of Gaya district, covering a total land area of 25 acres 89 decimals.
Furthermore, the creation of seven new posts was announced in the Backward Class and Most Backward Class Welfare Department. The Chief Minister approved Rs 9 crore 79 lakh 50 thousand under the Extremely Backward Class Civil Services Incentive Scheme, offering incentives to candidates appearing in UPSC, BPSC, SSC, Banking Service Bharti Board, IBPS, and Railway Recruitment Board exams.
In a noteworthy move, the honorarium for Mukhiya, Upamukhiya, Panch, Sarpanch in Bihar has been increased by two times, benefiting a substantial number of Panchayat representatives. Mukhiyas will now receive Rs 5,000 per month, while Upamukhiyas will be entitled to Rs 2,500. Additionally, Anganwadi workers and helpers will witness an increase in their monthly honorarium, with workers receiving Rs 7,000 and helpers receiving Rs 4,000.
The cabinet’s decision has been hailed as a strategic move ahead of the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, benefitting over 2 lakh 35 thousand Panchayat representatives and 2.30 lakh Anganwadi workers and assistants.
