The Bihar Cabinet, led by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, held an important meeting in Patna on Tuesday. During the session, ministers from almost all government departments were present. The cabinet approved 26 major agendas, marking significant decisions that impact employment, social welfare, infrastructure, and rural development. Among the highlights were the announcement of new job opportunities, plans to build marriage halls in every panchayat, and the increase in honorarium for Anganwadi workers and helpers.

Approval of 26 Agendas in the Bihar Cabinet Meeting

The meeting chaired by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar focused on multiple developmental and administrative issues. One of the crucial decisions was the sanction of new posts across government departments. Alongside, the cabinet approved several infrastructure projects and schemes aimed at rural and urban welfare. The decisions taken are expected to strengthen governance, create employment opportunities, and improve the quality of life in the state.

Increase in Honorarium for Anganwadi Workers and Helpers

A day before the cabinet meeting, the government announced an increase in the honorarium for Anganwadi workers and helpers. This proposal received budgetary approval in the cabinet session. Under the revised structure, Anganwadi workers will now receive Rs 9,000 per month, up from Rs 7,000, while Anganwadi helpers will earn Rs 4,500 instead of Rs 4,000. This revision will put an additional annual financial burden of Rs 345 crore on the state plan fund. The revised honorarium is applicable from September 1.

New Job Approvals and Administrative Reforms

The cabinet approved 3,303 additional posts for revenue staff under the Department of Revenue and Land Reforms. This move aims to strengthen regional offices and improve administrative efficiency. The government also approved the Bihar Sugarcane Supervisor Service Rules 2025, governing recruitment, promotion, and service conditions in the sugarcane industry.

Additionally, amendments were approved in the Bihar Animal and Fisheries Resource Service Recruitment Rules 2025. To ensure better cattle management, the cabinet sanctioned the “Bihar Jeevika Gauvansh Sanrakshan Evam Prabandhan Yojana,” which will operate through Jeevika groups in all blocks for the protection of stray cattle.

Key Infrastructure Approvals

The cabinet sanctioned several infrastructure projects to address long-term developmental needs. Among them was the approval for providing land on lease to the Sadguru Foundation for establishing gas-based crematoriums in six cities, including Patna, Gaya, Chapra, Saharsa, Bhagalpur, and Begusarai.

The establishment of the Bihar Foodgrain Storage Management and Training Institute in Patna was also approved with a budget of over Rs 4 crore. Additionally, Rs 73.66 crore was sanctioned for the construction of the Jeevika headquarters in Patna.

Major Development Projects and Urban Initiatives

The Bihar Cabinet approved land leasing in cities for government schemes, similar to the practice already implemented in villages. Another key decision included an allocation of Rs 280 crore for installing CCTV cameras in 176 police stations, creating dashboards, and ensuring future expansion to new stations.

To expand rural electrification, Rs 100 crore was approved for completing the Solar Street Light Project across villages. Meanwhile, Rs 594 crore from the contingency fund was sanctioned to pay off outstanding electricity dues under the Rural Drinking Water Supply Scheme.

The cabinet also approved a plan to build marriage halls in 8,053 panchayats in a phased manner. For this project, an initial budget of Rs 50 crore was sanctioned.

Bihar Chief Minister Fellowship Program

Another important highlight of the cabinet meeting was the approval of the Chief Minister Fellowship Program. Under this scheme, 121 candidates will benefit by working in government offices across the state. Training will be conducted at IIM Bodh Gaya, and successful candidates will receive certificates from the institute.

The fellowship program will cover offices such as the Chief Minister’s Office, Deputy Chief Minister’s Office, Chief Secretary’s Office, Development Commissioner’s Office, Secretariat-based departmental offices, divisional commissioner offices, and municipal commissioner offices. Participants will receive stipends of Rs 1.5 lakh, Rs 1.25 lakh, Rs 1 lakh, or Rs 80,000 per month, depending on their level.

Social Welfare and Community Development

The cabinet decisions reflect the state government’s focus on both welfare and development. By increasing the honorarium of Anganwadi workers and helpers, the government has addressed a long-standing demand of grassroots health and nutrition workers. The introduction of marriage halls in panchayats is aimed at providing community spaces, reducing financial burdens on families, and strengthening rural infrastructure.

Meanwhile, projects like CCTV installation in police stations and solar street lighting in villages highlight the state’s focus on safety, security, and sustainable energy. The approval of gas-based crematoriums also indicates the government’s efforts to modernize civic facilities and reduce environmental impact.

Political and Social Implications

The timing of these decisions holds political importance as Bihar prepares for upcoming assembly elections. By approving new jobs, raising honorarium, and sanctioning rural development projects, the government seeks to consolidate public support. Initiatives like the fellowship program also aim to connect youth and professionals with governance, offering them career opportunities while enhancing administrative efficiency.

The Bihar Cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar marked significant progress in multiple areas of governance. With 26 agendas approved, including new job opportunities, welfare schemes, infrastructure projects, and training programs, the session laid a roadmap for future development in the state.

These decisions are expected to not only address immediate public concerns but also provide long-term solutions in governance, rural empowerment, and urban development. As Bihar heads towards a politically active phase with elections approaching, these measures could play a decisive role in shaping public opinion and strengthening the state’s growth trajectory.