Patna: In a major step toward improving Bihar’s infrastructure and boosting tourism and agriculture, the Bihar Cabinet on Tuesday approved several important proposals, including the development of six small airports, construction of a five-star hotel in Patna, procurement of pulses and oilseeds at Minimum Support Prices (MSP), and the creation of new cadres in the education department.
Six Small Airports Approved Under UDAN
The cabinet gave the green light for signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Airports Authority of India (AAI) and the Bihar government to develop six small airports under the Centre’s UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik) scheme. The airports will be located in Madhubani, Veerpur, Munger, Valmikinagar, Muzaffarpur, and Saharsa.
To initiate the project, an initial allocation of ₹25 crore has been sanctioned for each of the six locations. Additional Chief Secretary (ACS) S. Siddharth said this move will significantly improve air connectivity and contribute to the state’s economic growth.
Five-Star Hotel Project in Patna Awarded
The cabinet also approved the issuance of a “letter of award” to Kumar Infratrade Enterprises Pvt Ltd, Patna, for the construction of a five-star hotel on the premises of the former Hotel Patliputra Ashok near Income Tax roundabout. The project will be developed on a 60-year lease under the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model, with the option of a further 30-year extension.
This is the first of three luxury hotels proposed in Patna, with two others planned at Bankipore Bus Stand and Sultan Palace. The initiative is aimed at enhancing tourism infrastructure and creating job opportunities.
Cabinet Approves MSP for Pulses & Oilseeds
To support farmers, the cabinet approved the procurement of pulses and oilseeds at MSP for the Rabi Marketing Season 2025–26. The MSP rates are–
- Chana (Chickpeas): ₹5,650/quintal
- Masoor (Lentils): ₹6,700/quintal
- Mustard: ₹5,950/quintal
This initiative is expected to boost production and safeguard farmer incomes.
Compassionate Appointments and School Librarian Cadre
The cabinet approved the Bihar Rajya Vidyalaya Lipik Niyukti rule, which allows 50% of clerk positions in schools to be filled through compassionate appointments if teaching or non-teaching staff die during service. The remaining 50% will be through direct recruitment.
Additionally, a new cadre of school librarians has been created under the Bihar Rajya Vidyalaya Pustkalayadhyaksha Samvarg Niyamawali, 2025. This aims to strengthen libraries in secondary and higher secondary schools for improved educational outcomes.
Other Major Approvals
- Advisors for Education Department: Three new advisor posts have been created to oversee developmental programs.
- Replenishment Study for Rivers: A ₹2.58 crore proposal was approved to study sand deposits in five rivers – Sone, Kiul, Falgu, Morhar, and Chanan – by CMPDI to facilitate scientific sand mining.
- SAP Personnel Extension: Extension of contract for 1,717 Special Auxiliary Police (SAP) personnel, all retired Indian Army personnel, for FY 2025–26.
Land Transfer for Industry & Infrastructure–
- 70.5 acres of land transferred to the Industries Department in Saran for industrial area development.
- 0.1555 acres of land transferred to the Urban Development Department for Mithapur Metro Station, valued at ₹10.49 crore.
Bihar Building Bylaws Amendment: Amendment to permit installation of 5G antennas within building premises for enhanced connectivity.
Sports Trainer Cadre Approved: New service rules introduced for sports trainers under the State Sports Academy and International Cricket Academy, Rajgir to provide professional training to athletes.
