States » EastPosted at: Nov 10 2026 8:56PM


Bihar cabinet approves Rs 190.32-Cr AI project, sanctions startup scheme for girls

Patna, Nov 10 (UNI) The Bihar Cabinet has approved a series of major proposals covering artificial intelligence, disaster management, education, employment, infrastructure, irrigation, tourism and administrative reforms, including an allocation of Rs 190.32 crore for strengthening the state''s artificial intelligence ecosystem.
The cabinet cleared 32 agenda during the meeting held here Tuesday evening under the leadership of the chief minister Samrat Choudhary. According to the decision, the Aryabhata Drishti project, will be implemented through the Global Finance and Technology Network (GFTN), Singapore. The organisation will be selected through nomination under Bihar Finance (Amendment) Rules, 2024. The revised administrative approval for the project stands at Rs 190.32 crore.
In a significant initiative to promote women''s entrepreneurship, the Cabinet approved the launch of the Bihar Ki Beti Startup Challenge Scheme for female students enrolled in higher educational institutions. The scheme aims to encourage innovation, entrepreneurship and startup culture by helping students transform innovative ideas into viable business ventures.
A maximum of 2,100 students will benefit from the scheme over four financial years, from 2026-27 to 2029-30. An administrative approval of Rs 88.20 crore has been granted for its implementation.
The Cabinet also approved the Mukhyamantri Balika PhD Fellowship Scheme to encourage women''s participation in higher education and research. The scheme will operate for four financial years, from 2026-27 to 2029-30, with an approved outlay of Rs 126 crore.
In another major education and skill development initiative, the government approved an expenditure of Rs 11,748.13 crore for establishing Centres for Invention, Innovation, Incubation and Training (CIIIT) in five government Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) in Rohtas, Munger, Patna, Purnea and Madhubani. The centres will be established in collaboration with Tata Technologies Limited under the Prime Minister''s Scheme for Skilling and Employability Transformation through Upgraded ITIs (PM-SETU).
The Cabinet approved the constitution and operational framework of the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) and State Disaster Mitigation Fund (SDMF) in Bihar, based on the recommendations of the 16th Finance Commission.
It also approved an advance of Rs 1,399.6028 crore from the Bihar Contingency Fund for implementing the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana-Gramin during 2026-27.
The amount includes Rs 450.1554 crore under the Centre''s share and Rs 949.4474 crore under the state''s share.
The Cabinet granted the third revised administrative approval for the construction of a four-lane bridge over the Ganga connecting Bakhtiyarpur on National Highway-31 with Tajpur on National Highway-28. The project includes a 5.52-km-long bridge and 45.40 km of approach roads. The total revised estimated expenditure has been pegged at Rs 4,572.53 crore, covering civil works, changes in scope, changes in law, land acquisition and other components.
The Cabinet also approved the release of Rs 263.58 crore as the current instalment of a state government loan to the concessionaire. The total revised loan assistance to the concessionaire will stand at Rs 1,834.305 crore to facilitate physical completion of the project.
In another infrastructure decision, the Cabinet approved the acquisition, purchase or long-term lease of 9.73 acres of land at Mauza Senduari Basdev alias Chapta along the Hajipur-Mahua main road for construction of a new bus stand at Hajipur.
The estimated expenditure for the land arrangement has been approved at Rs 44.52 crore.
The Cabinet approved administrative and expenditure sanction for restoration of the Mahmuda branch canal, extension of the Mahmuda main canal and construction of a fall structure on the Bharthu branch canal under the Udera Asthan Irrigation Project. The estimated cost is Rs 53.59 crore.
It also approved a revised expenditure of Rs 254.57 crore for flood control and drainage works in the Mokama Tal region.
Further, the government approved an expenditure of Rs 9.82 crore for consultancy services through a memorandum of understanding with the National Institute of Hydrology, Roorkee. The proposed work includes floodplain zone delineation studies along the Ganga from Chausa to Manihari and the establishment, operation and maintenance of the Bihar State Water Informatics Centre (B-SWIC) under the State Water Reforms Framework.
The Cabinet also approved the Bihar Canal Maintenance Policy, 2026.
The government approved the installation and operation of 159 kiosks under the Prison Calling Solution in 59 jails across Bihar. The project will be implemented through BSNL, Bihar Circle, on an Operation Expenditure (OPEX) model for five years at a cost of Rs 8.85 crore. The agency will be selected through nomination.
The Cabinet granted in-principle approval for operating 11 previously sanctioned state tourism and park development schemes under the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model.It also approved the implementation of three proposals prepared for the comprehensive development of eco-tourism through the PPP mode.
Additionally, administrative and expenditure approval of Rs 71.92 crore was granted for implementing schemes under the State Compensatory Afforestation Fund, subject to the corresponding sanction by the National Authority, CAMPA, under the union Environment Ministry.
In a relief measure for serving government employees and pensioners, the Cabinet approved an increase in dearness allowance (DA) and dearness relief (DR) with effect from July 1, 2026. For employees and pensioners covered under the Seventh Central Revised Pay Structure, the rate has been increased from 60 per cent to 63 per cent. For those drawing salaries and pensions under the Fifth Central Pay Scale, the rate has been revised from 483 per cent to 497 per cent. Under the Sixth Central Pay Scale, the rate has been increased from 262 per cent to 269 per cent. The revised rates will also apply to eligible family pensioners.
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