Bihar Government Announces Major Recruitment Drive for Pink Buses
Transport Minister Shravan Kumar made a significant announcement on Tuesday. The Bihar state government plans to recruit 250 women drivers. They will also hire an equal number of female conductors specifically for the pink bus service.
Currently, about 100 pink buses operate across eight districts in Bihar. The minister revealed an exciting development for Republic Day celebrations. Six Mahadalit women drivers will showcase their skills. They will drive pink buses in the transport department's tableau at Gandhi Maidan in Patna.
Stricter Rules for Vehicle Hiring and Safety Measures
Minister Kumar addressed concerns about private vehicle contracts. He stated that departments hiring private vehicles violates existing laws. This practice causes revenue loss for the state. More importantly, it creates serious road safety risks.
The government has issued clear instructions to all departments. They must check registration certificates of hired vehicles. Every vehicle must have high security number plates installed properly.
In a positive move for job seekers, the transport department reduced educational requirements. The mandatory qualification for a conductor's license changed from matriculation to 8th pass. This adjustment opens opportunities for more candidates.
Mahamana Hockey Gold Cup-2026 Preparations Begin
The minister unveiled the tournament mascot at the Transport Complex in Patna. Named 'Golu Gauraiya', this mascot represents the upcoming Mahamana Hockey Gold Cup-2026. Shravan Kumar serves as president of the Bihar Hockey Association alongside his ministerial role.
The hockey tournament will take place from January 19 to 21 next year. The International Sports Ground in Rajgir will host all matches. Sixteen teams confirmed their participation including:
- Bihar
- Jharkhand
- Uttar Pradesh
- Mizoram
- Chhattisgarh
Olympians Bharat Chhetri and Ashok Dhyanchand will attend the opening ceremony. Minister Shreyasi Singh will also grace the event. Multiple organizations collaborate to organize this tournament:
- Bihar State Sports Authority (BSSA)
- Hockey Association of Bihar
- Krida Bharti
- Mahamana Malaviya Mission
Shravan Kumar highlighted Bihar's achievement in sports infrastructure. The state constructed 6,800 sports grounds at panchayat level. This makes Bihar the first state in India to accomplish this feat.
Enhanced Road Accident Support and Safety Targets
The minister shared details from a recent transport ministers' meeting in Delhi. The central government introduced new support measures for accident victims. Financial assistance up to Rs 1.5 lakh will cover treatment costs for road accident injuries.
Good Samaritans receive recognition for their helpful actions. People who transport injured accident victims to hospitals will get Rs 25,000 as reward.
Bihar sets ambitious safety targets for six key districts. Patna, Muzaffarpur, Saran, Motihari, Gaya, and Nalanda aim for zero fatalities in road accidents. The government tags over 2,000 ambulances with the 102 Emergency number. This system ensures quick assistance reaches accident sites promptly.
