In a move leading up to the Bihar Assembly elections, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has announced significant financial assistance programs. The announcements include a Rs 25,000 allowance for Vikas Mitras and Rs 10,000 for education workers to purchase smartphones. The announcements were made on social media platform X.
Under the new scheme, Vikas Mitras working under the Bihar Mahadalit Vikas Mission will receive a one-time grant of Rs 25,000 to buy tablets, according to the CM’s announcement.
**Understanding Vikas Mitras**
The Bihar Mahadalit Vikas Mission was established in 2009 with the goal of extending the reach of government programs to the Mahadalit community. Vikas Mitras are appointed across all panchayats and ward clusters in the state by the Mission. They are tasked with disseminating information about government schemes and benefits to the Mahadalit community. They act as intermediaries between the government and Mahadalit families. The monthly honorarium for Vikas Mitras has been raised from Rs 13,700 to Rs 25,000.
**Additional Announcements**
Chief Minister Kumar emphasized on X that his government is dedicated to uplifting disadvantaged sections of society while focusing on development with justice. Vikas Mitras are critical in ensuring that government welfare programs reach Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes. As a result, a one-time payment of Rs 25,000 is being provided to each Vikas Mitra under the Bihar Mahadalit Vikas Mission for the purchase of tablets. This will facilitate data collection related to beneficiaries of various welfare programs.
The government has also decided to increase the transport allowance for Vikas Mitras from Rs 1,900 to Rs 2,500 per month and the stationery allowance from Rs 900 to Rs 1,500 per month, aiding them in their field work.
**Smartphone Funding**
Moreover, CM Nitish Kumar announced that education workers, including those in Talimi Markaz, who are instrumental in educating children from Mahadalit, Dalit, minority, and extremely backward classes and in promoting literacy among women through the Akshar Aanchal Yojana, will receive Rs 10,000 each to purchase smartphones. These smartphones are intended to assist in managing digital activities.
The funding for teaching materials will also increase, from Rs 3405 to Rs 6,000 per center each year. This move is intended to boost the morale of Vikas Mitras and education workers, allowing them to work more effectively and with greater enthusiasm.