Patna: The Bihar Cabinet on Monday approved a series of major legislative and policy decisions, including stricter legal action against social media abuse, paper leak rackets, cyber fraud, and digital crimes. The Cabinet, chaired by Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary, also cleared a proposal to reserve 20% of Forest Guard vacancies for former Agniveers and approved the establishment of new specialised universities.
Social Media Abuse, Paper Leaks to Attract Action Under CCA
The Cabinet approved amendments to the Bihar Crime Control Act (CCA), 2024, bringing social media abuse, obscene comments, online trolling, and competitive examination paper leaks under its ambit.
Under the amended provisions, individuals found guilty of posting abusive or objectionable content on social media or leaking examination papers could face six months to one year of imprisonment, along with stringent action under the CCA.
The government said the amendments are aimed at curbing the growing menace of digital crimes, cyber fraud, and organised paper leak syndicates.
District Authorities Given Wider Powers
The amended law also grants enhanced powers to district administrations and police authorities.
If a District Magistrate (DM) determines that a person’s online or digital activities are likely to disturb public peace or law and order, the individual can be detained for up to three months without bail under the provisions of the Act. Authorities may also direct the accused to stay outside a specified district or area, mark regular attendance at a police station, and remain under physical or digital surveillance, including monitoring of social media activities.
132-Year-Old Prison Law to Be Replaced
The Cabinet approved the Bihar Jail and Correctional Services Bill, 2026, replacing the 132-year-old Prisons Act and repealing the colonial-era Prisoners Act, 1900, as well as the Transfer of Prisoners Act, 1950.
The new legislation aims to modernise Bihar’s prison administration by shifting the focus toward correctional services and rehabilitation while strengthening legal provisions against organised crime.
New Specialised Universities Approved
To promote higher education, research and technological innovation, the Cabinet approved the Special Universities Bill, 2026.
Among the new institutions proposed are:
- Shaheed Jubba Sahni University of Architecture and Civil Engineering in Muzaffarpur, which will offer advanced education in civil engineering and architecture.
- Shyama Prasad Mukherjee University of Artificial Intelligence and Computer Science, aimed at strengthening AI research, computer science education and innovation.
The government said the new universities will promote modern research, technological development, skilled human resources and employment-oriented education.
20% Reservation for Agniveers
In another key decision, the Cabinet approved 20% reservation for former Agniveers in the direct recruitment of Forest Guards in Bihar.
Additionally, students of Classes 9 to 12 studying in government model schools will receive a ₹6,000 special uniform package. The uniforms will be supplied through women’s self-help groups associated with the Jeevika programme.
The Bihar Cabinet approved a total of 10 major proposals during Monday’s meeting, covering law enforcement, education, prison reforms and employment initiatives.
