The Bihar government has announced a comprehensive package of welfare measures, signaling a strategic move ahead of upcoming state elections. The initiatives encompass a significant increase in social security pensions, the construction of marriage halls across all panchayats, and subsidized meal programs. The cabinet’s approval of the ‘Mukhyamantri Kanya Vivah Mandap Yojana’ will see the construction of marriage halls in every panchayat, with a budget of over ₹40 billion. This aims to facilitate marriage ceremonies for families from economically weaker sections.
The ‘Didi Ki Rasoi’ initiative will now provide meals at a reduced price of ₹20 per plate, with the government subsidizing the difference. Simultaneously, the loan limit for Jeevika’s business activities has been expanded, with the government covering the interest on additional amounts. The monthly pension for widows, senior citizens, and persons with disabilities has been raised to ₹1,100, benefiting over 10.9 million individuals, which will be implemented from July onwards. Other measures include an increase in the scheme amount for Gram Panchayats, a 1.5 times increase in the honorarium of personnel at all levels of the Panchayati Raj system, and an ex-gratia grant of ₹5 lakh even in the event of the natural death of Panchayat representatives. The state council of ministers also approved a plan to construct 4,079 roads across 38 districts.