Bihar Cabinet Passes Resolution Demanding Special Status, Nitish Kumar Asserts Rs 2.5 Lakh Crore Expenditure Support

The Bihar Cabinet on Wednesday (22 November) approved a resolution advocating for the state to be granted "special category status." The push for this status gained significant traction following a caste survey in the state.

Chief Minister Nitish Kumar revealed on social media that the cabinet, which he chaired earlier in the day, had passed a resolution urging the Centre to acknowledge this demand.

Citing the survey, Kumar highlighted that Bihar is home to "94 lakh poor families." In an effort to improve their conditions, the government plans to launch schemes requiring an expenditure of nearly Rs 2.50 lakh crore.

Kumar emphasised that while significant funds are needed for these initiatives, a five-year target has been set for completion. He asserted that if Bihar is granted special state status by the Central Government, the projects could be accomplished in a much shorter timeframe.

According to the Chief Minister, the 39 lakh families currently residing in huts will receive permanent houses, with each family being allocated Rs 1.2 lakh.

Highlighting a longstanding pursuit, Kumar noted that his government has been demanding special state status for Bihar since 2010. He recalled rallies held in 2012 and 2013, along with the formation of the Raghuram Rajan Committee in response to their demand.

Despite the committee's report in September 2013, no action was taken by the Central Government at that time, according to Kumar. Urging the Centre to consider the welfare of the people of Bihar, he reiterated the plea for special state status.