Bihar Cabinet Approves Housing Initiative for Women Government Employees
New Housing Policy for Women Government Workers
On Tuesday, the Bihar cabinet made a significant policy decision aimed at providing housing for women government employees near their work locations. This initiative is particularly beneficial for female staff, including school teachers, who are often assigned to remote rural areas far from district and divisional centers. This groundbreaking decision is set to support all women in government roles, whether they are educators, police officers, or part of other departments.
Details of the Accommodation Plan
The cabinet approved a proposal from the General Administration Department to facilitate housing for women government employees close to their postings. Additional Chief Secretary S Siddharth shared this information during a post-cabinet briefing, emphasizing that this policy will enhance the safety and security of female government workers.
Beneficiaries of the New Policy
When asked about the number of beneficiaries, Siddharth noted that approximately 300,000 women teachers are among the total 600,000 teachers in the state. Additionally, there is a 35% horizontal reservation for women, along with a 3% reservation for women from backward castes.
Leasing Arrangements and Benefits
Accommodation will be arranged through lease agreements with private landlords. Siddharth clarified that those availing of this leased accommodation will not receive House Rent Allowance (HRA). Employees will have the option of either HRA or leased accommodation.
Implementation Process
The new accommodation initiative will initially roll out in district and divisional headquarters. Employees stationed at block levels or rural areas must submit applications to the Sub-Divisional Officer (SDO) through their respective office heads, who will then initiate the process.
Selection and Safety Measures
The SDO will invite Expressions of Interest (EoI) from private landlords for lease agreements. A committee led by the District Magistrate will oversee the selection of buildings for accommodation, ensuring safety and basic amenities such as electricity, water, and sanitation.
Clerical Positions Approved
In another key decision, the cabinet sanctioned the creation of 8,093 clerical positions within the Panchayati Raj Department and other departments. This move aims to enhance the implementation of Panchayat-level schemes and improve office documentation, ensuring that every panchayat in the state has a dedicated clerk.
Agricultural and Aviation Posts Created
The cabinet also approved the agriculture department's proposal to establish 14 new posts at the headquarters level for the newly formed Agriculture Marketing Directorate in Patna. This directorate aims to ensure fair pricing for farmers' produce and improve access to markets. Additionally, four positions were created for the Aircraft Organisation Directorate at Patna airport, focusing on aviation management.
New Health Initiatives
The health department's proposal for 36 new positions to operate a 20-bed sports injury unit at Loknayak Jayaprakash Narayan Hospital in Patna was also approved. This unit will be equipped with advanced technology for effective injury management.
Amendments to Registration Rules
The cabinet approved amendments to the Bihar Birth & Death Rules 1999, simplifying the process for obtaining birth and death registration certificates.
Skill Development Initiatives
The establishment of nine Mega Skill Centres across divisional headquarters was also approved, aiming to train 21,600 youths over the next five years at a projected cost of Rs 280.87 crore.
Advertisement Regulation Updates
The cabinet approved the Bihar Municipal Area Advertisement (Amendment) Rules 2025, which set fixed rates for various types of advertisements in municipal areas and prohibited certain negative advertisements.
Support for Scheduled Tribes
The Rural Development Department's proposal to extend PM Awas Yojana benefits to nine Scheduled Tribe communities was sanctioned, providing Rs 2 lakh in four installments.
Flood Management Initiatives
Two proposals from the Water Resources Department for flood management were approved, involving the construction of an 8.33 km embankment and anti-erosion work in Patna.
Disciplinary Actions
Seven health department personnel, including doctors, were dismissed for unauthorized absence from duty for over four years. A total of 22 decisions were made during the cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar.