Bihar's Gaya City Officially Renamed to Gaya Ji
Bihar's famous city, Gaya, has officially been renamed to Gaya Ji following a cabinet decision led by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar. This change reflects the city's rich historical significance and local sentiments, especially during the Pitripaksha festival when millions visit for ancestral prayers. Additionally, the cabinet approved a hike in Dearness Allowance for state employees and pensioners, set to take effect in January 2025. This article explores the implications of these decisions and their impact on the community.
May 17, 2025, 13:43 IST
Gaya City Receives New Name
Bihar's renowned city, famous for its religious significance and tourism, will now officially be referred to as Gaya Ji. Under the leadership of Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, the state cabinet has approved a proposal from the General Administrative Department (GAD) to rename Gaya. This city attracts millions of visitors annually during the Pitripaksha festival (typically in September), where they pray for the peace of their ancestors' souls through rituals known as Pind Daan.
Historical Significance and Local Sentiments
According to local legends, the city derives its name from a demon named Gayasur who resided in the area during the Treta Yuga. As per the Vayu Purana, the demon performed severe penance and received blessings from Lord Vishnu, thus becoming a sacred soul. S. Siddharth, the Additional Chief Secretary (Cabinet), stated that the proposal to rename Gaya was part of 69 proposals discussed and approved by the cabinet. Prem Kumar, the Minister of Cooperation and MLA from Gaya, expressed gratitude to the Chief Minister for endorsing the proposal, highlighting that efforts to align with local sentiments have been ongoing for the past decade. In 2022, the Gaya Municipal Corporation had also passed a proposal to rename the city to Gaya Ji.
Cabinet Approves DA Hike for Employees
In another significant decision, the cabinet has approved an increase in the Dearness Allowance (DA) for its employees and pensioners in line with the central government's decision. Starting January 1, 2025, the DA for all employees and pensioners under the fifth to seventh pay commissions will be raised. The DA for those under the seventh pay commission will increase from the current 53% to 55%, resulting in an additional annual expenditure of over ₹1,000 crores for the state government. Additionally, the DA for the sixth and fifth pay commissions will rise from 246% to 252% and from 455% to 466%, respectively.