In Patna, Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar’s government made some big moves during a cabinet meeting on Friday, October 3. With Diwali, Chhath, and the upcoming Assembly elections on the horizon, they approved a whopping 129 proposals to boost welfare and development across the state.
One of the standout decisions? A 3% hike in dearness allowance (DA) for government employees and pensioners. This bumps the DA rate from 55% to 58%, starting July 1, 2025. It comes as a welcome festive boost for lakhs of state workers, retirees, and their families, helping them keep up with rising inflation.
Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Chaudhary shared the news, saying, “We’ve matched the central government’s DA increase from 55% to 58%. This step shows our dedication to protecting the livelihoods of employees and pensioners from inflation’s impact.” The extra payout will cost the Bihar state budget an additional Rs 917.78 crore in the 2025-26 financial year.
Experts see this as a smart play by the ruling NDA alliance to win over nearly half a million government employees and countless pensioners before the Bihar Assembly elections.
The cabinet didn’t stop there—they also doubled scholarships for school kids under the Chief Minister’s Boys and Girls Scholarship Scheme. This will help crores of students from low-income families stay in school.
Now, kids in classes 1-4 get Rs 1,200 a year, up from Rs 600. Those in classes 5-6 receive Rs 2,400, doubled from Rs 1,200. And students in classes 7-10 will pocket Rs 3,600 annually, up from Rs 1,800.
Officials say these changes offer real relief to poor and underprivileged children in primary, middle, and secondary schools, motivating them to keep learning and chase better futures.
As the Bihar Assembly elections draw near, both the DA hike and scholarship boosts look like key populist steps to rally support from employees and families with school-age kids. The 129 approvals highlight the government’s push for quick wins in development and welfare right before voters head to the polls.
Stay informed on all the latest news, real-time breaking news updates, and follow all the important headlines in world News on Latest NewsX. Follow us on social media Facebook, Twitter(X), Gettr and subscribe our Youtube Channel.
