Patna: A dispute between the Bihar government and supply officers over the process of issuing ration cards to 11 lakh new beneficiaries has been temporarily resolved after the Food and Consumer Protection Department agreed to several demands raised by the officers’ association.
The Bihar State Supply Service Association has withdrawn its decision to go on collective leave and suspended its phased agitation following the assurances.
Association president Shriram Mishra said the protest had been suspended in view of the department’s commitments. He added that the association could reconsider its decision if the agreed measures were not implemented within the stipulated timeframe.
Pending Promotions Expected By Month-End
One of the key demands concerned pending promotions of supply officers.
According to the association, the department has assured that all pending promotions could be cleared by the end of September. The relevant files are expected to be sent to the departmental promotion committee for further action.
Relief Over Salary Deductions
The department has also addressed the issue of salary deductions involving 84 supply officers.
The officers had reportedly faced a one-day salary deduction after they could not be contacted by phone on July 17, 2026. The department will now examine the explanations submitted by the officers.
Those found not responsible may have the deducted salary restored, according to the assurances given during discussions.
Supply Inspectors To Get New Designation
Under the proposed Bihar Supply Service Cadre Rules, 2026, supply inspectors will be redesignated as Block Supply Officers (BSOs).
The proposed changes are also expected to expand promotion opportunities within the service cadre. The first promotion is set to carry Pay Level 9 instead of Pay Level 8, according to the agreement.
New Cadre Rules To Replace 2007 Framework
The state government is preparing to replace the Bihar Supply Service Cadre Rules, 2007, with a new set of rules for 2026.
The proposed restructuring is expected to create more positions for promotion and revise the existing pay structure, providing administrative and financial changes for officers within the cadre.
Government Vehicles For Field Work
Supply officers are also expected to receive vehicle support for official field duties.
Under the proposed arrangement, block supply offices and assistant district supply officers posted at the sub-divisional level will be provided hired government vehicles.
The vehicles will be used for inspecting ration shops, processing ration card-related work, conducting assistance camps and examining public grievance redressal applications.
Budget Support For Office Expenses
The department has also agreed to address concerns regarding insufficient budgets for stationery, repairs and maintenance at block supply offices.
Actual expenditure requirements are expected to be included in annual budget proposals, while standing instructions on the matter will be issued to district authorities.
Agreement Reached On Wider Administrative Demands
The assurances followed discussions between representatives of the Bihar State Supply Service Association and officials of the Food and Consumer Protection Department.
The meeting, chaired by director Vibhuti Ranjan Choudhary, discussed issues including official vehicles, cadre restructuring, pay-level revisions and pending promotions.
While the association has suspended its protest for now, it has indicated that it may resume the agitation if the commitments are not implemented within the agreed timeframe.
