In a major move ahead of elections, the Nitish Kumar-led Bihar government has unveiled the Bihar Industrial Investment Promotion Package 2025 (BIPPP-2025), aimed at attracting large-scale investments, boosting industrial growth, and generating employment. The package, approved in the recent cabinet meeting, also includes significant welfare measures for farmers, youth, women, and workers, reflecting the government’s holistic development agenda.
Free Land and Tax Benefits for Big Investors
Under the new industrial policy, companies investing more than Rs. 100 crore and creating direct employment for over 1,000 people will be eligible for up to 10 acres of free land. Additionally, an interest subsidy of up to Rs. 40 crore will be provided. New units will also enjoy State GST exemption of up to 300 percent of the project cost for a period of 14 years.
Industrial Parks and Employment Generation
Chief Secretary Mr. Amrit Lal Meena (1989-batch IAS officer) announced that the state will build 32 industrial parks. About 8,000 acres of land have already been acquired, with plans to acquire an additional 14,600 acres. The Chief Minister has emphasized that the package is expected to generate nearly 1 crore employment opportunities over the next five years, driving industrialization and entrepreneurship in Bihar.
Farmers, PDS Shopkeepers, and Connectivity Boost
The cabinet has also approved measures for farmers and public distribution system (PDS) shopkeepers. The honorarium of farmer advisors has been raised from Rs. 13,000 to Rs. 21,000. PDS shopkeepers will now receive a commission of Rs. 258.40 per quintal, up from Rs. 211.40.
To improve global connectivity, the government has introduced a new airline policy with direct flights planned for Nepal, Colombo, Singapore, Bangkok, and Sharjah. A Viability Gap Fund (VGF) will support this initiative.
Expanding Tourism, Education, and Women Empowerment
The government has approved five-star hotels in Rajgir (Nalanda) and Vaishali to promote tourism. In the education sector, the teacher award amount has been doubled to Rs. 30,000. Additionally, the cabinet decided to implement a domicile policy in teacher recruitment from TRE-4 onwards.
Bihar has also strengthened women’s representation in government jobs, restricting the 35 percent reservation benefit to women domiciled in the state.
Youth, Rural Infrastructure, and Worker Support
A new internship scheme for youth between 18 and 28 years has been introduced, offering Rs. 6,000 monthly assistance and skill training. The government has also approved construction of marriage halls in more than 8,000 rural panchayats to enhance social infrastructure.
Honorarium and incentives for Asha and Mamta workers have been increased. Asha workers will now receive Rs. 3,000, while Mamta workers will get Rs. 600 per delivery.
Welfare Measures for Poor and Journalists
In a relief measure, the price of a meal in ‘Didi Ki Rasoi’ has been reduced from Rs. 40 to Rs. 20 for the poor. Journalists’ pensions have also been revised from Rs. 6,000 to Rs. 15,000, reflecting the government’s recognition of their contribution.
