New Delhi: The Bihar cabinet on Tuesday gave its nod for signing of MoU between Airport Authority of India (AAI), New Delhi and the state government for developing six small airports under UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik) scheme in the state.
The six small airports that would be developed in the state under the scheme included – Madhubani, Veerpur, Munger, Valmikinagar, Muzaffarpur and Saharsa.
The decision would pave the way for building airports and related infrastructure necessary for the development of above six airports, Cabinet Secretariat Department’s Additional Chief Secretary (ACS) S Siddharth told reporters here in a post cabinet briefing.
Stating that the construction of these airports would not only make air travel easier for the residents but would also boost state’s economy, Siddharth said the cabinet sanctioned initial allotment of Rs 25 crore each for the development of six airports.
In another important decision, the cabinet gave its nod for allotment of “letter of award” to the successful bidder “Kumar Infratrade Enterprises Pvt Ltd, Patna” for constructing a five star hotel in the state capital, Siddharth said and added that the hotel would come up at Hotel Patliputra Ashok’s land near Income Tax roundabout in Patna.
The hotel would be developed on a 60 year lease by the successful bidder under PPP mode and the lease tenure could be developed further for next 30 years, he said while adding that the firm selected will have to deposit money in proportion to MVR and annual lease deed fee for the purpose.
This is the first out of the three hotels that would be developed as five star hotels in the capital city, the ACS said and the bidding process for development of two hotels at Bankipore bus stand and Sultan Palace in Patna is currently underway.
The tourism department’s proposal to develop five star hotels in the state capital has been taken in view of providing modern quality accommodation facility to both domestic and foreign tourists visiting the state. The construction of these hotels would not only help in attracting tourists in large numbers but would also provide job opportunities to the local people.
In order to boost production of pulses and oilseeds in the state besides providing benefit of MSP to farmers, the cabinet approved Food and Consumer Protection Department’s proposal for procurement of pulses and oilseeds at Minimum Support Price (MSP), Siddharth said and added that MSP for chana (chickpeas) for the Rabi Marketing Season (RMS) 2025-26 has been fixed at Rs 5650 per quintal. Similarly, MSP for Masoor (lentil) and Mustard have been fixed at Rs 6700 and Rs 5950 per quintal, the ACS said.
The cabinet approved Bihar Rajya Vidyalaya Lipik (Niyukti, Sewashart evam Anushashnik Karwai) (Bihar State School Clerk (Appointment, Service conditions and disciplinary action) as per which wards of teaching and non teaching employees can be appointed on compassionate ground in the event of death during their service period. Of the sanctioned posts, 50 per cent will be made on compassionate ground while 50 per cent will be filled through direct appointments, ACS said.
It also approved “Bihar Rajya Vidyalaya Pustkalayadhyaksha (Niyukti, Sthanantaran, Anushashnik Karwai evam Sewashart) Samvarg Niyamawali, 2025” paving the way for creation of new cadre of school librarian in the state, Siddharth said adding that the appointment of librarian for secondary and higher secondary schools can be made to provide better and quality education in the schools.
It also approved the creation of three posts of “advisors” for implementation and monitoring of developmental activities of education department, he added.
The cabinet also approved Mines and Geology Department’s proposal to carry out “Replenishment Study” for five rivers of the state – Sone, Kiul, Falgu, Morhar and Chanan – by Central Mine Planning & Design Institute (CMPDI), he said while stating that it would help in knowing the deposit of sand in these rivers during rainy season and consequently, sand mining can be allowed on the basis of District Mines Survey Report. It sanctioned Rs 2.58 crore for the purpose.
It also gave its nod for extension of contract period for financial year 2025-26 for 1717 Special Auxiliary Police (SAP) personnel. These SAP personnel are retired Indian Army personnel, he said.
It also approved the transfer of 70.5 acres of land to Industries department, Bihar, Patna for the development of an industrial area. The land in question falls at Arna (Mauja) in Amnour circle of Saran district.
Another land transfer of 0.1555 acre of Chandragupta Institute of Management, Patna was approved for the construction of Mithapur Metro station. The land was transferred to Urban development and housing department at a cost of Rs Rs 10.49 crore.
The cabinet also approved the amendment in Bihar Building Bylaws 2014 as per which 5G antenna can be set up within the building premises for smooth mobile coverage and high speed 5G services.
It also approved “State Sports Academy and International Cricket Academy, Rajgir, Sports Trainer (Instructor) Cadre (Recruitment and Service Conditions) Rules 2025” in order to provide professional training to the athletes/players of the state.
