Several key projects get cabinet approval

Patna: The state cabinet on Tuesday approved several key projects, including a Rs 14-crore allocation for preparing the detailed project report (DPR) for the second phase of the Kosi-Mechi intrastate river linking project. This project will provide irrigation facilities for 2.15 lakh hectares of land across four eastern districts — Araria, Kishanganj, Purnia and Katihar.
According to additional chief secretary of the cabinet secretariat department, S Siddharth, the National Water Development Authority (NWDA) has approved a revised estimate of Rs 6,282 crore for the project with the Centre recommending it as a national project under a 60:40 funding ratio between the Centre and the state.However, the state govt has requested a 90:10 funding ratio.

The cabinet also approved the energy department’s proposal to provide electricity to 21,644 houses in 132 villages across Kaimur and Rohtas districts. This Rs 117-crore project, under the ‘Electricity Wire Scheme’, will be funded in the 60:40 ratio by the Centre and state. Currently, these villages are powered by solar lighting.
In line with new laws emphasising digital technology in police investigations, the cabinet sanctioned Rs 190 crore to equip investigating officers with laptops and smartphones. Officers who have already purchased these devices will be reimbursed Rs 60,000 for laptops and Rs 20,000 for smartphones.
The cabinet also approved the creation of 20 posts for managing Bapu Tower in Gardanibagh, Patna, with an annual non-plan expenditure of Rs 1.63 crore. In Buxar district, Rs 89 crore was sanctioned for the pump canal scheme at Nikrish village while Rs 270 crore was cleared for the Kundaghat reservoir in Jamui district.
Additional approvals included the framing of rules for managing 1,414 work supervisors in the public health and engineering department (PHED) and the creation of 43 posts for the new industrial training institute (ITI) in Mokama. The cabinet also sanctioned Rs 18 crore to the state election authority for PACS elections and Rs 6 crore for Bihar Technical Service Commission examinations. A special pay of Rs 15,000 per month was approved for the senior-most member of the Bihar Public Service Commission (BPSC) when officiating in the absence of its chairman.