The Bihar state cabinet, in its meeting on Wednesday, approved an increase in the maximum income limit for beneficiaries of the Mukhyamantri Chikitsa Sahayata Kosh (Chief Minister's Health Assistance Fund) from Rs 2.5 lakh to Rs 4 lakh. The decision, proposed by the health department, aims to expand the reach of the fund to more individuals in need of medical assistance.
Cabinet Approvals
Arvind Kumar Choudhary, Additional Chief Secretary of the Cabinet Secretariat Department, stated that a total of 13 proposals were approved during the cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary.
PM Micro Food Processing Scheme
In a significant move, the cabinet sanctioned Rs 164 crore for the implementation of the PM Sookshm Khadya Udyam Unnayan Yojana (PM Micro Food Processing Enterprises Scheme) for the financial year 2026-27. This follows the central government's decision to extend the scheme until September 30, 2026. Under this scheme, individual entrepreneurs will receive a capital subsidy of up to 35% of the project cost, with a maximum limit of Rs 10 lakh, for establishing micro food processing units. For group-based ventures, the subsidy will be 35% of the investment. The government plans to widely publicize the scheme to attract beneficiaries.
Integrated Aqua Park
The cabinet also approved Rs 31 crore for the establishment of an Integrated Aqua Park in the Banasur fish spawn area of Bhojpur district. This centrally-sponsored scheme includes a central share of Rs 18 crore and a state share of Rs 12 crore. The objective is to enhance fish production, productivity, and fisheries infrastructure in the region.
New Industrial Training Institute
Another key decision was the approval of a new Industrial Training Institute (ITI) at Nabinagar in Aurangabad district, to be set up by Bharatiya Rail Bijli Company Limited during 2026-27. This company is a subsidiary of NTPC and a joint venture with the Indian Railways. Initially, training will be provided in five trades. The cabinet also approved the creation of 38 new posts for the institute, with an annual expenditure of Rs 2 crore. As per the memorandum of understanding, the campus developed by the company will be handed over to the state government free of cost.
Employment Opportunities
To boost employment, the cabinet sanctioned the creation of 19 posts in the youth, employment and skill development department, involving an annual expenditure of Rs 2 crore. These posts are for the preparation and implementation of projects aimed at doubling employment opportunities.
AIIMS-Darbhanga Land Filling
The cabinet approved a proposal from the health department to fill low-lying areas around the upcoming AIIMS-Darbhanga using silt obtained from desiltation of nearby rivers, including the Khiroi, Bagmati, and their tributaries. The earlier project cost was estimated at Rs 309 crore.
Consumer Grievance Redressal
Finally, the cabinet approved the creation of two posts each of chief engineer and superintending engineer in the North Bihar Power Distribution Company Limited and South Bihar Power Distribution Company Limited. This move aims to establish a two-tier mechanism for the redressal of consumer grievances in the power sector.
