Nitish Kumar Approves 47 Key Proposals Ahead of Bihar Elections, Including Jobs and Infrastructure Boost
In a strategic move ahead of the 2025 Bihar Assembly elections, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Tuesday chaired a high-level cabinet meeting and approved 47 major proposals, encompassing job creation, urban development, and infrastructural upgrades. The multi-sector push is seen as a significant attempt by the ruling NDA government to bolster public support ahead of the crucial polls.
4,858 New Government Jobs Across Departments
Recognizing unemployment as a critical election issue, the Bihar cabinet has sanctioned 4,858 new government posts across various departments. This move is expected to directly impact youth employment and address growing demands for government job opportunities in the state.
Departments likely to benefit from the fresh recruitment drive include:
- Health and Family Welfare
- Education
- Rural Development
- Public Works
- Urban Development
These appointments aim to strengthen public service delivery, especially in rural and semi-urban pockets.
₹1,320 Crore Sewerage Project for Urban Areas
A landmark ₹1,320 crore sewerage infrastructure project has been greenlit, focusing on towns like Sasaram, Aurangabad, and Siwan. The plan is part of Bihar’s broader urban sanitation and waste management upgrade in line with Swachh Bharat Abhiyan.
In addition, a ₹328 crore water supply scheme has been approved for Ara, Siwan, and Sasaram, aiming to improve clean water access in tier-2 cities facing urbanization pressure.
New Bridge Maintenance Policy for Road Safety
To enhance road and bridge safety, the cabinet approved a new Bridge Maintenance Policy. This will ensure:
- Routine inspection and audits
- Preventive maintenance and safety checks
- Timely repairs and upgrades
The move comes in response to growing concerns over aging infrastructure and accident risks due to poor maintenance.
VAT on Aviation Fuel Cut from 29% to 4%
In a bid to boost air connectivity and attract private carriers, the VAT on Aviation Turbine Fuel (ATF) has been slashed from 29% to just 4%. This is expected to:
- Encourage more flights to operate to and from Bihar airports
- Reduce airfares for domestic travelers
- Improve logistics efficiency
A proposal to establish a dry dock in Dujra, Patna has also been approved. The facility will be the first of its kind in the region, aimed at aircraft maintenance and repair services.
Empowering Women Through Anganwadi Partnerships
The cabinet has decided to partner with “Jeevika Didis”, members of Bihar’s women-led self-help groups, for tailoring clothes for children attending Anganwadi centres. This decision promotes:
- Women’s financial empowerment
- Skill development and livelihood
- Improved resources for child welfare programs
Urban Expansion and City Boundary Redefinitions
In a notable urban planning initiative, the municipal limits of Phulwari Sharif, Danapur, and Khagaul—all suburban zones around Patna—will be expanded. Several surrounding villages are set to be integrated, paving the way for:
- Better governance
- Infrastructure expansion
- Formal inclusion of peri-urban zones into city planning
Political Implications and Central Government Praise
Addressing the media post-meeting, Nitish Kumar praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi for central government support and the announcement of a caste-based census in the next population count.
“The development work that is being done by Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the development of Bihar… is a matter of pride,” said Nitish Kumar. He added that NDA’s return to power has ensured focused development across sectors, especially in healthcare, road connectivity, and housing.
Kumar also asserted that the government aims to complete all major development works by June 2025, signaling the NDA’s commitment to delivery before polls.