The Bihar Cabinet, led by Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary, greenlit 25 crucial agenda items in its recent meeting. These decisions span various sectors including local governance, transport, tourism, social welfare, technology, and infrastructure. Notably, the Cabinet endorsed the Gram Panchayat Tax Rate and Fee Rules, granting Gram Panchayats the authority to impose taxes and collect specified fees.
To enhance services for senior citizens, the Cabinet sanctioned the implementation of the Chief Minister’s Shelter Scheme for the Elderly. This initiative, part of the Social Welfare Department, aims to improve elderly care facilities by merging the existing Old Age Home Sahara Scheme. Moreover, amendments to the Bihar Motor Vehicles Taxation Act, 1994 were approved, leading to increased taxes on two-wheelers and three-wheelers, along with a significant rise in trade tax on motor vehicles.
Furthermore, the Cabinet gave the green light for the delimitation of Gram Panchayats, Panchayat Samitis, and Zila Parishads based on the 2011 Census data. This move aligns with demographic changes, facilitating the restructuring of local bodies. Additionally, the Cabinet extended the operational timeline of projects under the Tharuhat Development Agency in West Champaran and established the Bihar State Roadways Company Limited to enhance public transportation and boost tourism.
In the realm of tourism, the Cabinet empowered the Maa Mundeshwari Bhawani Temple Trust Committee to oversee a newly constructed dharamshala in Kaimur. It also authorized the transfer of land to the trust managing Punaura Dham in Sitamarhi. Technological progress was also a focus, with the approval of the Bihar State Artificial Intelligence Centre of Excellence Corporation. The Council of Ministers further endorsed the Policy for Safe Reuse of Treated Wastewater, Bihar 2026, emphasizing sustainable water management practices.
