CM Focuses on Digital Empowerment
Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Sunday announced a one-time allowance of ₹25,000 for over 10,000 Vikas Mitras across the state. The move, aimed at strengthening welfare services in villages, will enable them to purchase tablets for easier data management.
Kumar said that Vikas Mitras, who work under the SC and ST Welfare Department, play an essential role in implementing schemes for marginalized groups. The tablets will help in storing beneficiary data and improving transparency.
In addition, the government has revised monthly allowances. The transportation allowance has been increased from ₹1,900 to ₹2,500. Stationery allowance has been raised from ₹900 to ₹1,500 per month.
“These steps will strengthen grassroots workers and make their tasks more efficient in the digital age,” Kumar said in a post on X.
न्याय के साथ विकास के सिद्धांत पर चलते हुए समाज के वंचित वर्गों के उत्थान के लिए हमारी सरकार लगातार काम कर रही है। अनुसूचित जाति एवं अनुसूचित जनजाति वर्ग तक सरकार की विभिन्न विकास एवं कल्याणकारी योजनाओं का लाभ पहुंचाने में विकास मित्रों की महत्वपूर्ण भूमिका है। इसे ध्यान में रखते…
— Nitish Kumar (@NitishKumar) September 21, 2025
Aid for Shiksha Sevaks and Talimi Markaz
The announcement also covered education facilitators, including over 30,000 Shiksha Sevaks and Talimi Markaz. They will receive ₹10,000 each to buy smartphones. These workers connect children from Mahadalit, minority, and extremely backward communities to formal education.
Kumar highlighted their contribution to women’s literacy under the Akshar Aanchal scheme. He said smartphones would support digital activities, making their outreach more effective.
Furthermore, the annual allocation for teaching materials at each education centre has been raised from ₹3,405 to ₹6,000. This increase, he said, will boost classroom resources and improve learning outcomes for underprivileged children.
Timing Ahead of Assembly Elections
The financial incentives come months ahead of the upcoming Bihar assembly polls. Analysts view the move as a political strategy to consolidate support among Dalits, Mahadalits, minorities, and extremely backward classes.
“Our government is continuously working for the upliftment of deprived sections of society,” Kumar posted online. He emphasized that his government remains focused on social justice and digital empowerment.
Political observers note that Vikas Mitras and Shiksha Sevaks often serve as local influencers. Their support is considered vital during elections, especially in rural Bihar.
Grassroots Workers Welcome Move
Initial reactions from welfare and education workers have been positive. Many hailed the decision as a recognition of their efforts. Tablets and smartphones are expected to reduce paperwork, speed up reporting, and improve monitoring of schemes.
However, some voices within the education sector stressed that sustainable improvements also require better salaries and job security. While the allowances address immediate needs, long-term reforms, they said, remain necessary.
With these announcements, Kumar has once again placed social empowerment at the centre of his political pitch. The move reflects his balancing act between governance and election strategy.