The Bihar cabinet, chaired by Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary, on Wednesday approved the government's proposal regarding the Bihar Special Survey and Settlement (Amendment) Rules, 2026. This decision paves the way for the survey of land falling under various urban local bodies (ULBs) across the state.
Urban Land Survey
While the special survey of 'ryoti' land in rural areas has been underway since 2012, the Revenue and Land Reforms Department (RLRD) had conducted a pilot project for urban land survey in Dehri-on-Sone to develop a model for surveys in urban areas. According to the cabinet note, it was felt that some definitions of various matters related to land survey have to be changed and inserted in the new rules framed in 2026 in the context of urban land, so that the survey of land falling under urban local bodies is smoothly facilitated and also conducted speedily. Additional Chief Secretary of the Cabinet Secretariat Department, Arwind Kumar Choudhary, said changes have been made in 24 clauses, including the definition of landowner.
Land Acquisition Policy
In another major decision, the cabinet approved the Bihar Ryoti Land Purchase Policy, 2026, aimed at facilitating acquisition of both urban and rural land for central and state government projects. Under the policy, compensation for acquisition of urban land will be fixed at twice the market rate or minimum value rate (MVR), whichever is higher. For rural land, compensation will be four times the market rate or MVR, whichever is higher. Additionally, landowners will receive an extra 10% incentive amount after negotiations.
Highway Projects
The cabinet also sanctioned Rs 3,743.65 crore for widening, upgradation, and strengthening of five state highways under the Bihar State Highway-IV Project. The approved amount includes Rs 632.72 crore for the Madhubani-Rajnagar-Babubarhi-Khutauna road, Rs 434.37 crore for SH-52 connecting Sitamarhi, Pupri, and Benipatti, and Rs 990.03 crore for SH-97 and SH-52. Furthermore, Rs 703.95 crore was sanctioned for SH-92, and Rs 982.58 crore for the Brahmpur-Koransarai-Itahi-Buxar road and Ujiarpur-Kukraha-Indore Samada road.
New Department for Youth Employment
The cabinet approved the creation of the Youth, Employment and Skill Development Department by integrating the Bihar State Council for Vocational Training and Bihar State Overseas Employment Bureau. This department will also facilitate employment opportunities for physically challenged persons. Approval was given for the creation of 57 posts in the employment directorate and 55 posts in the students and youth welfare directorate.
Health Sector Decisions
The cabinet also cleared the proposal for framing the Bihar Small and Medium Health Services Institutes (Establishment and Registration) Rules, 2026, to regulate private health service institutions through state and district-level bodies. Approval was granted for the creation of 39 posts for the spine sub-speciality unit in the orthopaedic department of PMCH to strengthen treatment facilities for trauma patients, particularly road accident victims.
Cashless Medical Treatment
Besides, the cabinet approved cashless medical treatment facilities for present and former legislators and their dependents, serving and retired All India Services officers and their dependents, as well as state government employees, staff, and pensioners.
