Bihar Government Proposes Major Legislative Changes in Monsoon Session
Significant Legislative Proposals Introduced
On the inaugural day of the Monsoon session of the Bihar Legislative Assembly, the state government introduced ten amendment bills. These bills aim to implement substantial changes in areas such as higher education, healthcare, land administration, taxation, urban development, and creating a business-friendly environment.
Key Bills Presented in the Assembly
Among the notable bills introduced are the Bihar Private Universities (Amendment) Bill-2026, Bihar Nurses Registration (Amendment) Bill-2026, Bihar Medical (Amendment) Bill-2026, and the Bihar Agricultural Land (Conversion for Non-Agricultural Purposes) (Repeal) Bill-2026. Additionally, the Bihar Land Registration, Indian Stamp, Bihar Gambling (Prohibition), Bihar Goods and Services Tax (Amendment) Bill, Bihar Urban Development Bill, and Bihar Ease of Doing Business Bill-2026 were also tabled.
Changes in Land Administration Fees
In a significant shift in land administration, the Bihar Land Registration (Amendment) Bill-2026 proposes a fee of 200 rupees for every petition, appeal, and review application related to registration. Previously, only court stamp provisions existed without a fixed fee. Once enacted, the government will have the authority to amend this fee through special orders periodically.
Urban Development Initiatives
To facilitate planned urban expansion and the establishment of greenfield satellite townships, the government has proposed the formation of the Bihar Urban Development Authority. Copies of the Bihar Urban Development Bill-2026 were distributed to the members. Furthermore, amendments to the Registration Act have been suggested, making the registration of documents related to land use or category changes mandatory.
New Gambling Legislation Introduced
To effectively curb gambling and online betting, the government has introduced the Bihar Gambling (Prohibition) Bill-2026. This bill classifies the possession of gambling-related applications on mobile phones, computers, or any electronic devices as a crime. It also includes provisions for warrantless searches and arrests of individuals gambling in public spaces, replacing the old Public Gambling Act of 1867.
Strict Penalties Under New Gambling Law
The new gambling legislation imposes stringent penalties. Individuals caught gambling in public could face up to six months in jail or a fine of up to 10,000 rupees. For operating a gambling house or using an online platform, first-time offenders may face up to three years in prison and a fine of 50,000 rupees. Repeat offenders could face imprisonment ranging from two to five years and fines up to one lakh rupees.