The state cabinet, at its meeting held on Thursday, approved INR 437 crore for the extension of Mithapur-Mahuli elevated road. The cabinet also sanctioned hike in dearness allowance (DA) of pensioners of the state government commensurate to the last corresponding revision of DA allowed by the central government.
A proposal for construction of bridges in three districts – Saharsa, Purnia and Katihar – was also approved by the cabinet.
The cabinet approved the service rules for appointment and promotion in the Bihar State Pollution Control Board (BSPCB). Sources said the BSPCB was constituted in 1974, but no service rule was made ever, which was acting as stumbling block in new appointments.
Though a formal briefing regarding the decisions taken in the cabinet meeting was not done owing to the ongoing monsoon session of Bihar legislative assembly, a senior government official said 17 proposals were approved at the meeting.
“Funds to the tune of INR 437 crore have been sanctioned for extension of Mithapur-Mahuli elevated road. A four-lane road is to be constructed between Mahuli and Punpun,” the official said.
The length of this project from Patna to Punpun is 11km. At present, the 6.7km elevated road from Sipara to Mahuli is being constructed. Chief minister Nitish Kumar had inspected the construction works two days ago.
The proposal to increase the DA of pensioners under the old pension system was also approved. Sources said with the recommendation of the Fifth Finance Commission, the DA has been increased by 16% for these pensioners. Similarly, on the recommendation of the Sixth Finance Commission, the DA has been increased by 9% for the pensioners receiving pension.
