In a significant move, the Bihar government has approved the renaming of Gaya city to Gaya Ji and announced an ex-gratia payment of Rs 50 lakh to the families of soldiers who lost their lives during Operation Sindoor.
The decision was taken during a cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, where 69 proposals were approved, reflecting a broad focus on welfare, infrastructure, and administrative reforms.
Key Announcements:
- Compensation for Soldiers’ Families: The Bihar government will provide Rs 50 lakh to the next of kin of Army and Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) personnel who sacrificed their lives in Operation Sindoor, launched in response to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack.
- Renaming of Gaya: The cabinet approved renaming Gaya city as Gaya Ji, recognizing its historical and religious significance.
- Dearness Allowance (DA) Hike: Government employees will receive a 2% increase in DA, effective from January 1, 2025.
- Formation of Jeevika Bank: A new cooperative bank will be established to provide loans to women Self-Help Groups (SHG).
- Infrastructure Development: Approval was granted for the construction of new Panchayat Sarkar Bhawans, Anganwadi centers, and power substations across Bihar.
- Public Transport Initiative: The government launched 20 pink buses in Patna, exclusively for women passengers, as part of an effort to improve safe and comfortable travel.
Tribute to Fallen Soldiers
Speaking on the ex-gratia scheme, Additional Chief Secretary S Siddharth emphasized that the financial assistance is a standalone scheme, exclusively for personnel who died during Operation Sindoor.
“This is a tribute to those who gave their supreme sacrifice in the line of duty,” Siddharth stated, adding that the Home Department’s proposal was approved to ensure financial security for the families of the martyrs.
The Bihar government’s latest decisions highlight its commitment to honoring sacrifices, improving governance, and strengthening infrastructure across the state.
For more details, visit the official government website or refer to news sources covering the cabinet meeting.
