The Bihar government has unveiled a significant initiative to support the youth preparing for banking, railway, and defense service exams under the Extremely Backward Class (EBC) Civil Services Incentive Scheme. Previously, financial aid was provided to EBC candidates who passed the Public Service Commission and Bihar Public Service Commission’s preliminary exams.
The State Cabinet has approved an estimated annual expenditure of INR 7.79 crore for the scheme. Dr. E.S. Siddharth, Additional Chief Secretary of the Cabinet Department, explained that candidates clearing various preliminary exams, such as the Civil Services Exam conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC), Indian Engineering Services, Indian Economic Services, Indian Statistical Services, and Indian Geoscientific Services, would receive INR 75,000 for further preparation.
Additionally, candidates passing exams like the Combined Defense Services (CDS) by UPSC, Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), and Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) would receive INR 50,000. Those succeeding in exams like National Defense Academy (NDA), Naval Academy, Bihar Judicial Services, and State Civil Services in other states would be eligible for INR 50,000 incentives. The Reserve Bank, Staff Selection Commission (SSC), Banking Personnel Selection Institute (IBPS), and Probationary Officer exams of various Scheduled Commercial Banks would also provide financial aid.
In a separate development, the Bihar Cabinet has increased the financial assistance under the Bihar Centenary Unorganized Sector Workers and Artisans Social Security-2011. Previously, dependents of workers and artisans who met with fatal accidents received one lakh rupees, which has now been increased to two lakhs. Similarly, assistance for natural death has been raised from 30,000 to 50,000 rupees, for total disability from 75,000 to one lakh, and for partial disability from 37,500 to 50,000 rupees. Additionally, medical assistance during hospitalization after an accident has been increased from 5,000 to 10,000 rupees for at least five days.
This initiative covers workers and artisans aged 18 to 65 years who face accidents or natural death, with varying amounts based on the severity of the incident.
In another development, the Bihar Cabinet has approved an expenditure of INR 121.83 crores for the construction of a new six-story Bihar Bhavan, replacing the existing one in Chanakyapuri, New Delhi. The new building will have a total of 72 rooms, including three VIP rooms and seven VVIP rooms. It will also feature 14 rooms for long-term stay guests (One-BHK) and six rooms for Two-BHK. The construction department has prepared a pre-cleaning report related to the project, which has received approval under the state scheme.
This multi-faceted approach by the Bihar government aims to provide financial support and infrastructure for the youth preparing for competitive exams, as well as ensuring enhanced social security measures for unorganized sector workers and artisans. The initiatives align with the government’s commitment to empowering the youth and fostering overall socio-economic development in the state.