Bihar Cabinet Approves Key Schemes | 03 Jul 2025

Why in News? 

In a significant move aimed at improving youth employability, cultural preservation, and religious tourism, the Bihar Cabinet approved several key initiatives.  

  • Initiatives include financial support for youth internships, a pension scheme for artists, and a Rs 882 crore development plan for Punaura Dham, which will transform the region into a major religious tourism hub.

Key Points

  • Mukhya Mantri Pratigya Yojana: 
    • Youth aged 18–28 years are eligible if they have completed skill training or hold qualifications from Class 12 to postgraduate level. 
    • Monthly stipend during internships: 
      • Rs 4,000 for Class 12 pass 
      • Rs 5,000 for ITI or diploma holders 
      • R 6,000 for graduates and postgraduates 
    • Interns will get an extra Rs 2,000/month for working outside their district and Rs 5,000/month if interning outside Bihar. 
      • This additional aid will be provided for a maximum of 3 months. 
    • All financial support will be credited through Direct Benefit Transfer. 
    • The scheme will support 5,000 youth in FY 2025–26. 
    • From 2026–27 onwards, it aims to benefit one lakh youth over five years. 
  • Mukhya Mantri Kalakar Pension Yojana: 
    • The Cabinet approved a new pension scheme for artists involved in classical, visual, or performing arts for at least 10 years. 
    • Eligible artists aged 50+ with annual income below Rs 1.2 lakh will receive a monthly pension of Rs 3,000. 
    • The scheme seeks to preserve Bihar’s cultural heritage. 
  • Punaura Dham Development: 
    • The Cabinet cleared Rs 882.87 crore for the integrated development of the Maa Janaki temple at Punaura Dham, Sitamarhi. 
    • Believed to be Goddess Sita’s birthplace, the site will be developed on the lines of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya to showcase and promote Mithila’s rich culture and heritage. 
    • Bihar State Tourism Development Corporation will implement the project. 
  • Factory Employment Rules Amended: 
    • The Cabinet also approved amendments to the Bihar Factory Rules, 1950. 
    • Women, excluding pregnant and lactating women, can now work in factories classified as hazardous. 
    • The move aims to broaden industrial employment opportunities for women.

Mithila

  • Geographical Boundaries:  
    • Mithila, also known as Tirhut or Tirabhukti, is a distinct geological and cultural region.  
    • It is bounded by the Mahananda River in the east, the Ganges in the south, the Gandaki River in the west, and the Himalayan foothills in the north. 
    • In India, it includes districts such as Darbhanga, Madhubani, Muzaffarpur, Samastipur, Sitamarhi, Vaishali, and parts of Champaran, Bhagalpur, and Munger. 
  • Language and Identity: 
    • The native language is Maithili, spoken by the Maithil people. 
    • The name Mithila is believed to derive from the mythological King Miti, symbolizing “soil”. 
    • The ancient capital of Mithila was Janakpur, located in Dhanusa district, Nepal. 
  • Connection with Jainism and Buddhism: 
    • Vaishali, in southern Mithila, is the birthplace of Lord Mahavira (599 B.C.), the 24th and last Tirthankara of Jainism. 
    • Gautam Buddha is also believed to have spent part of his life in the Mithila region, delivering sermons and engaging with scholars. 
  • Rich Cultural Heritage: 
    • Mithila culture is known for its Language (Maithili), Paag (traditional headgear), Folk dance and festivals, and cuisine. 
    • Madhubani Paintings: 
      • Madhubani art, a vibrant folk painting tradition, depicts scenes from Hindu mythology (especially Ramayana) 
      • Nature, animals, and social life 
      • It uses natural dyes and geometric patterns 
      • It has received GI (Geographical Indication) status for its cultural uniqueness. 
  • Agricultural Specialty – Mithila Makhana: 
    • Makhana, also known as fox nut, is a signature aquatic crop of Mithila. 
    • It is cultivated extensively in the wetlands of Bihar and Nepal, especially in the Mithila region. 
    • Mithila Makhana has also received a GI tag, highlighting its economic and cultural importance.