PATNA: The Nitish Kumar cabinet in Bihar on Friday approved the “Mukhyamantri Samagra Shahari Vikas Yojana” (CM’s Integrated Urban Development Scheme) aimed at the holistic infrastructure development of all towns in the state.
This new scheme will be launched this fiscal year with an initial budgetary allocation of Rs 500 crore, according to a senior officer. It was one of the 27 proposals approved by the cabinet, chaired by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, after formal discussions with the concerned department ministers.
Additional Chief Secretary (Cabinet) S Siddharth, briefing reporters after the meeting, stated that the scheme would encompass the construction of roads, drains, parks, the beautification of ponds and ghats, and the development of public utility infrastructure for civic facilities. All the schemes will be executed through the Bihar Urban Development Agency (BUDA) and the Bihar Urban Infrastructure Development Corporation (BUIDCO).
District-level committees, headed by the minister in charge of the districts, including MLAs, MLCs, the district magistrate, and the superintendent of police (SP), will oversee the projects.
Bihar Film Promotion Policy
In another significant development, the state cabinet approved its first film promotion policy, aimed at providing full institutional support to filmmakers. The policy offers financial assistance up to Rs 4 crore for the development of infrastructure and showcasing Bihar’s rich cultural heritage through films, documentaries, and series in regional languages like Bhojpuri, Maithili, Magahi, Angika, and Bajika. It ensures a single-window clearance for all government permissions, adequate security arrangements, and the establishment of a film facilitation center. An empowered committee headed by the development commissioner will streamline processes for the film fraternity.
BH Series Registration
Vehicle owners opting for BH series registration can now pay road taxes for 14 years instead of the existing provision for two years. The cabinet approved an amendment to the relevant section of the Bihar Motor Vehicle Act, 1994, to facilitate the new taxation regime.
New Central University in Bhagalpur
The cabinet approved the education department’s proposal to acquire a portion of land near the ruins of Vikramshila University in Bhagalpur for the establishment of a central university. This would be the third central university in Bihar, after the ones in Gaya and East Champaran. A sum of Rs 88 crore has been approved for the acquisition of land.
Scheme for Promotion of Pulse Cultivation
The agriculture department’s scheme for the promotion of pulse cultivation under the 4th Agricultural Road Map was approved by the cabinet. A sum of Rs 95.95 crore has been allocated for the execution of the scheme, which targets the cultivation of pulses in rice fallow areas to help farmers meet the challenges of climate change. The department has formulated this scheme to encourage farmers to adopt irrigation-intensive practices.
