Bihar Cabinet Approves 35% Reservation for Women in Government Jobs

Significant Cabinet Decisions for Women's Empowerment

In a pivotal move aimed at empowering women in Bihar, the state cabinet has approved a 35% reservation in government jobs exclusively for women from Bihar. This decision was made during a cabinet meeting led by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, where a total of 43 resolutions were passed.

Previously, women from other states could also benefit from this reservation, but the new ruling restricts it to only those women who are residents of Bihar. According to Additional Chief Secretary S Siddharth, applicants from outside the state will now be categorized under the general category and will not receive the 35% reservation.

Support for Differently Abled Individuals

Another significant initiative approved by the cabinet is the 'Mukhya Mantri Divyangjan Sashaktikaran Yojana ‘Sambal’'. This program will provide financial incentives of Rs 50,000 and Rs 1 lakh to differently abled individuals who successfully clear the Preliminary Test (PT) for BPSC and UPSC.

Eligible beneficiaries include differently abled persons from Backward Classes, Economically Weaker Sections (EWS), and male applicants.

Financial Support for Agriculture and Infrastructure

The cabinet has allocated Rs 105 crore as share capital for the Jeevika Cooperative Bank for the fiscal year 2025-26, sourced from the Bihar Contingency Fund. This funding is part of the initiative to support the formation of the Bihar State Jeevika Fund Credit Cooperative Federation Ltd.

Additionally, a diesel subsidy of Rs 100 crore has been approved to assist farmers with irrigation for various crops, including paddy and maize, in light of the irregular monsoon conditions expected in the current financial year.

Corporate Social Responsibility and Educational Initiatives

The cabinet also introduced a Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Policy to ensure effective monitoring and implementation of CSR funds. A 24-member committee has been established to oversee this initiative.

Furthermore, the cabinet approved the establishment of a 720-bed Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar Residential School in Muzaffarpur, with an estimated cost of Rs 65.80 crore, along with reconstruction projects for two other residential schools in Kaimur district.