The Bihar government, led by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, sanctioned 31 proposals in a recent cabinet meeting in Patna. Among the decisions made was a significant increase in the Pre-Matric Scholarship Scheme for SC and ST students, doubling the scholarship amounts last revised in 2011. This move is expected to benefit approximately 27 lakh students, with an estimated expenditure of Rs 519.64 crore by the state government.
Another notable decision was the approval for establishing a music college in Dumraon, Buxar district, to be named after Bharat Ratna Ustad Bismillah Khan. The project, previously sanctioned with Rs 14.52 crore, now receives a fresh grant of Rs 87.81 crore under the state plan. This funding will cover the construction of the college building, furniture, internal roads, and the boundary wall, aiming to offer students opportunities in various music disciplines.
In a bid to enhance law enforcement and security measures, the Cabinet also greenlighted the recruitment of 17,000 retired personnel from the Indian Army and Central Paramilitary Forces on a contractual basis in the financial year 2026–27. Furthermore, there will be an increase in the honorarium of Special Armed Police (SAP) personnel, effective immediately from the order date. Additionally, various schemes like the Chief Minister’s Backward Classes and Extremely Backward Classes Hostel Scheme will witness an increment in grants, with estimated expenditures specified for each.
The government’s decisions reflect a focus on education, security, and welfare schemes, aiming to benefit a significant number of students and personnel across different sectors in Bihar.
