Patna, In a strategic move preceding the Lok Sabha elections, the Bihar cabinet has taken noteworthy steps, including doubling the monthly honorarium for key panchayat representatives and substantially enhancing stipends for anganwadi workers.
The decision, revealed by Additional Chief Secretary S Siddharth after the cabinet meeting on Monday, involves a substantial rise in monthly honorarium for panchayat representatives. Mukhiyas will now receive ₹5,000 monthly, up from ₹2,500, marking a 100% increase. Deputies will see their honorarium increase from ₹1,200 to ₹2,500. Sarpanchs and deputy sarpanchs will experience similar increments, receiving ₹5,000 and ₹2,500 per month, respectively. Ward members will also benefit from an increased monthly honorarium, rising from ₹500 to ₹800.
This move, aimed at benefitting over 2.50 lakh panchayat representatives, will impose an additional annual burden of ₹339 crore on the state exchequer.
Furthermore, the cabinet approved a substantial hike in the monthly stipends for approximately 2.30 lakh anganwadi workers. Sevikas will now receive ₹7,000 monthly, and sahaayikas will receive ₹4,000 per month. This adjustment will result in an additional ₹286 crore burden on the state exchequer, as opposed to the previous stipends of ₹5,950 and ₹2,975 for sevikas and sahaayikas, respectively.
Addressing the need to support athletes and enhance sports infrastructure, the cabinet greenlit the creation of a dedicated sports department. Currently, the sports wing operates within the art, culture, and youth affairs department.
In addition to these measures, the cabinet approved the new Information Technology (IT) policy for 2024, aiming to position Bihar as a prominent IT hub and attract investments to the sector.
As the Lok Sabha elections approach, these decisions signify the state’s strategic initiatives to bolster local governance, social welfare, and economic development.
By PTI
