In a significant move towards women empowerment, the Bihar cabinet has approved a groundbreaking policy to provide safe and convenient accommodation to its women government employees near their work locations. This decision, a first of its kind, will positively impact women across various departments, including teachers and constables, particularly those stationed in remote rural areas.

Accommodation Policy for Women Government Employees

The cabinet’s approval of the General Administration Department’s proposal ensures that women government servants will have access to accommodation in close proximity to their postings. This initiative aims to enhance their safety and security, addressing a long-standing concern for women working in challenging environments.

Key Highlights:

• Leased Accommodation: The government will lease accommodations from private landlords, offering an alternative to the Housing Rent Allowance (HRA). Employees can choose either HRA or the leased accommodation.
• Phased Implementation: The policy will initially focus on district and divisional headquarters, with plans to extend it to block-level and rural areas.
• Streamlined Process: Sub-Divisional Officers (SDOs) will oversee the process in rural areas, inviting Expressions of Interest (EoI) from landlords and fixing rents.
• Safety and Infrastructure: A committee headed by the District Magistrate will ensure the safety and basic amenities (electricity, water, toilet) of the selected buildings.

Other Key Cabinet Decisions

In addition to the landmark accommodation policy, the Bihar cabinet approved several other significant proposals:

Strengthening Panchayati Raj Institutions

• Creation of Clerical Posts: Approval for 8093 clerical positions in the Panchayati Raj Department to enhance the implementation of Panchayat-level schemes and improve documentation. This ensures a dedicated clerk in every panchayat across the state.

Boosting Agriculture Sector

• Agriculture Marketing Directorate: Creation of 14 posts for the newly formed Agriculture Marketing Directorate to ensure fair prices for farmers’ produce, improve market access, and support value addition, storage, and packaging of agricultural products.

Enhancing Aviation Services

• Aircraft Organisation Directorate: Approval for four posts, including Senior Aircraft Pilots, Consultant, and Civil Engineer, for the Aircraft Organisation Directorate at Patna airport. This directorate manages aviation-related activities, including flight operations and aircraft maintenance.

Improving Healthcare Facilities

• Sports Injury Unit: Creation of 36 new posts for a 20-bed “sports injury unit” at Loknayak Jayaprakash Narayan Hospital in Patna, equipped with advanced technology for injury treatment and management.

Simplifying Birth and Death Registration

• Amendment in Registration Rules: Approval of the Bihar Birth & Death Registration (Amendment) Rules 2025, replacing the 1999 rules, to simplify the process of obtaining birth and death registration certificates.

Skill Development for Youth

• Mega Skill Centres: Establishment of nine Mega Skill Centres across divisional headquarters to provide skill training to 21,600 youths over the next five years, focusing on modern, employment-related skills.

Regulating Advertisements in Municipal Areas

• Advertisement Rules Amendment: Approval of the Bihar Municipal Area Advertisement (Amendment) Rules 2025, fixing rates for advertisements in municipal areas and prohibiting negative advertisements.

Extending Benefits to ST Communities

• PM Awas Yojana Extension: Extension of the PM Awas Yojana benefits to nine Scheduled Tribe communities, providing Rs 2 lakh in four equal installments.

Flood Management Initiatives

• Water Resources Projects: Approval of two Water Resources Department proposals for flood management, including embankment construction and anti-erosion work, costing less than Rs 100 crore.

Disciplinary Action

• Sacking of Absent Doctors: Dismissal of seven health department personnel, including doctors, for unauthorized absence from duty for over four years.

These decisions reflect the Bihar government’s commitment to inclusive growth, infrastructure development, and citizen empowerment. The landmark accommodation policy for women government employees is a testament to the government’s focus on gender equality and safe working conditions.