Bihar Cabinet Approves Major Welfare Measures for Migrant Workers and Flood Control
The Bihar state cabinet, in a significant meeting held on Friday, has given its approval to a series of crucial proposals aimed at enhancing social welfare and infrastructure development. Among the most notable decisions is the substantial increase in ex gratia payments for the families of migrant workers from the state.
Enhanced Financial Support for Migrant Workers' Families
The cabinet has officially sanctioned the government's proposal to double the ex gratia payment provided to the next of kin of migrant workers in the unfortunate event of death due to an accident occurring anywhere in the country outside Bihar. The compensation amount has been raised from the existing Rs 2 lakh to a more substantial Rs 4 lakh, reflecting a commitment to better support bereaved families during difficult times.
In a further compassionate move, the cabinet has decided that the state government will bear the entire cost of repatriating the body of a deceased migrant worker back to their home in Bihar. This provision is notably expansive, applying even if the death occurs outside the country. According to official sources, the concerned family will not have to incur any expenditure for transporting the body, alleviating a significant financial and logistical burden during moments of grief.
However, it is important to note that the amount payable by the government for the treatment of various kinds of injuries suffered by migrant workers will remain unchanged at this time. This decision specifically focuses on fatal incidents, ensuring enhanced support in the most tragic circumstances.
Advancements in Flood Control Infrastructure
Beyond migrant welfare, the cabinet cleared a total of 17 proposals from various departments. A key infrastructure approval involves the development of a centre of excellence, known as the Physical Modelling Centre, at Birpur. This centre is designed to provide advanced scenarios for flood control of the river Kosi, including detailed simulations of floodwater movement and effective measures for silt removal.
The cabinet has approved the release of Rs 32 crore to complete the remaining work on the Physical Modelling Centre at Birpur. This decision comes in the wake of the Kosi flood disaster that affected six districts in August 2008, which prompted the government to establish two centres of excellence—one at Birpur and another at Patna. The Patna centre houses the Mathematical Modelling Centre, developed with World Bank assistance, which provides advance warnings regarding floods in the river Kosi.
While the Patna centre has been operational for some time, the World Bank-funded project for the Birpur centre has concluded. Consequently, the state government has taken the initiative to fund the completion of the remaining work at Birpur. Officials emphasized that without this centre, the water resources department would have to depend on the national centre at Pune for river studies and flood-related assessments, which could delay critical responses.
Additional Cabinet Decisions
The cabinet also approved the allotment of Rs 349 crore to cover expenses incurred from providing 125 units of free electricity to eligible beneficiaries, supporting household energy needs across the state.
In fiscal matters, the cabinet cleared the presentation of the third supplementary budget for the 2025-26 fiscal year during the current budget session, which is aimed at the 2026-27 financial year, ensuring continued financial planning and allocation.
Reforms in Urban Local Bodies
Another significant decision pertains to urban local bodies. The cabinet has approved that members of the empowered standing committees of urban local bodies will now be selected through secret voting. The elected members of the urban local body will act as voters in this process, marking a shift from the current system where members are nominated by the mayor, chief councillor, or chairperson.
This secret voting process will be conducted under the supervision, direction, and control of the district magistrate of the concerned district, ensuring transparency and fairness. The cabinet has cleared the Municipal Bill in this regard, which will now be presented in the state assembly for passage, potentially reforming local governance structures.
Overall, these cabinet decisions underscore a multifaceted approach by the Bihar government, addressing immediate welfare concerns for migrant workers, bolstering flood control capabilities, managing fiscal responsibilities, and enhancing democratic processes in urban administration.
