Bihar Government Announces Major Expansion of Minority Welfare Infrastructure
In a significant move to strengthen grassroots governance, Bihar's Minority Welfare Minister Mohammad Zama Khan declared on Friday that the state government will appoint Block Minority Welfare Officers (BMWOs) in all 534 administrative blocks by the conclusion of the financial year 2026-27. This ambitious initiative aims to bolster monitoring mechanisms, improve the execution of welfare schemes, and streamline departmental operations at the local level.
Addressing Critical Staffing Shortages
Speaking at a press conference in Patna, Minister Khan revealed that currently, only 44 BMWOs are operational across an equal number of blocks, against a sanctioned strength of 534 positions. This substantial staffing gap of 490 officers highlights the urgent need for expansion. To operationalize this block-level expansion, the government has created 1,076 new posts across various ranks to staff these offices effectively.
The primary objective is to ensure closer supervision of programs and accelerate the delivery of benefits to eligible minority communities, Khan emphasized. He added that requisitions have been forwarded to relevant authorities to fill additional vacancies, including six District Minority Welfare Officer positions and 37 Hostel Manager posts, along with other necessary roles.
Educational Reforms and Smart Class Initiatives
On the education front, the minister outlined progressive measures being implemented in madrasas across Bihar. Students are now being taught core subjects such as Hindi, English, Social Science, Science, and Mathematics to equip them with competitive skills in today's environment. The department is committed to elevating educational standards, Khan stated.
Currently, smart classes are operational in 75 madrasas through a collaborative effort between the Maulana Mazharul Haque Arabic and Persian University in Patna and the Minority Welfare Department. This innovative smart class initiative will be extended to all madrasas statewide in the future, ensuring modern educational tools reach every student.
Infrastructure and Social Welfare Achievements
Minister Khan also highlighted efforts to fence more than 9,000 graveyards to prevent encroachment and reduce communal tensions. He noted that before 2005, encroachment disputes often led to quarrels and communal friction, making this fencing initiative crucial for maintaining social harmony.
Listing departmental achievements, Khan detailed the 'Mukhya Mantri Alpsankhyak Muslim Parityakta/Talakshuda Mahila Sahayata Yojana,' a scheme providing one-time financial assistance of Rs 25,000 to eligible abandoned or divorced Muslim women. Operational since the 2006-07 financial year, this program aims to foster self-reliance. To date, 16,176 women have benefited, with the assistance amount increased from Rs 10,000 to Rs 25,000 in 2017-18.
The press conference was attended by key officials including Secretary Mohammad Sohail, Special Secretary Amir Afaque Ahmad Faizi, Additional Secretaries Ibrar Ahmad Khan and Shahid Parwez, and Deputy Secretary Nurul Ain, underscoring the department's collective commitment to these initiatives.
