Bihar’s Tribute: ₹50 Lakh Aid for Op Sindoor Martyrs, Gaya Renamed Gaya Ji
Bihar Renames Gaya to Gaya Ji, Offers ₹50 Lakh Aid to Families of Op Sindoor Martyrs
Patna, May 17:
In a significant move reflecting both emotional solidarity and cultural reverence, the Bihar government on Friday officially renamed the historic city of Gaya to Gaya Ji, while also approving an ex-gratia compensation of ₹50 lakh to the families of soldiers who lost their lives in Operation Sindoor.
The landmark decisions were announced following a high-level cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, which sanctioned a total of 69 proposals touching upon various sectors, including defense tribute, religious identity, infrastructure, and welfare schemes.
₹50 Lakh Ex-Gratia for Operation Sindoor Martyrs
The cabinet’s approval of a dedicated ex-gratia scheme underscores Bihar’s tribute to its bravehearts. Soldiers from the Indian Army and Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) who were martyred in the aftermath of the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, under the counter-terrorism initiative dubbed Operation Sindoor, will have their next of kin receive ₹50 lakh in compensation.
“This standalone scheme is a heartfelt salute to the supreme sacrifices made in the line of duty,” said Additional Chief Secretary S Siddharth during the media briefing. “The compensation is exclusively for martyrs of Operation Sindoor and will not be clubbed with other welfare schemes.”
This development highlights Bihar’s strong resolve to stand in solidarity with the nation’s defense forces and their families.
Gaya Officially Renamed to Gaya Ji
In another culturally significant decision, the ancient and religiously important city of Gaya will now officially be known as Gaya Ji, affirming its long-standing spiritual identity in Hindu and Buddhist traditions.
Known globally as a sacred pilgrimage destination, Gaya Ji is associated with Moksha rituals in Hinduism and holds importance in Buddhism due to its proximity to Bodh Gaya, the site of Buddha’s enlightenment.
The move is expected to boost religious tourism and reinforce the city’s global spiritual branding.
Key Cabinet Approvals: Infrastructure, Welfare & Governance
Alongside the headline decisions, several pivotal schemes were announced in the cabinet meeting, aimed at bolstering Bihar’s governance, infrastructure, and public welfare:
Welfare & Employment
- Jeevika Bank Formation: Approval was given for the creation of the Bihar State Jeevika Fund Credit Cooperative Society Ltd, paving the way for a dedicated Jeevika Bank to empower women in Self-Help Groups (SHGs) through accessible micro-loans.
- Sanctioned Loan of ₹58,193.52 crore: Bihar is set to raise massive funds, including ₹54,213.77 crore from the market, to support various development projects.
Pay and Allowance Benefits
- DA Hike for Government Employees:
- 7th Pay Commission: Increased from 53% to 55%
- 6th Pay Commission: Raised from 246% to 252%
- 5th Pay Commission: Hiked from 455% to 466%
Healthcare
- Bihar Cancer Care and Research Society: A new society to provide specialized cancer treatment and facilitate research across the state.
Judiciary Infrastructure
- New Patna High Court Complex: Multi-storey administrative and IT blocks, auditoriums, and car parking to be constructed for improved judicial operations.
Additional Cabinet Highlights
- Panchayat Infrastructure: ₹2,784 crore allocated for Panchayat Sarkar Bhawans across Bihar.
- Milk Parlor Expansion: Sudha Milk outlets to be opened within government complexes.
- Minority Education: Construction of 560-bed minority residential schools in Bhagalpur, Araria, and Gopalganj at ₹169 crore.
- Anganwadi Expansion: 45 new Anganwadi centers approved in 12 districts.
- Power Sector Upgrade: 104 new power substations sanctioned across North and South Bihar.
- New Powers for Panchayat Sachivs: Rural secretaries will now issue birth and death certificates, streamlining governance at the village level.
- Commemoration of Sushil Kumar Modi: January 5, the birth anniversary of the former Deputy CM, will be marked as a state function.