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: