Bihar Designates Gaya Ji and Munger as Civil Defence Districts

The Bihar government officially designated Gaya Ji and Munger as **civil defence districts** during a cabinet meeting on **October 3, 2023**. This decision, led by Chief Minister **Nitish Kumar**, aims to enhance internal security in light of the strategic significance of these districts.

Gaya Ji is home to **Bodh Gaya**, a UNESCO World Heritage Site where Siddharth Gautam attained enlightenment as the Buddha. The district also hosts the **Pitru Paksha Mela** at the **Vishnupad Temple**, attracting large numbers of tourists and pilgrims throughout the year. Munger, on the other hand, is known for its industrial presence, including the **Jamalpur Locomotive Workshop** and the **British Gun Factory**.

According to **Arvind Kumar Chaudhary**, the additional chief secretary of the Cabinet Secretariat Department, both districts are potential targets during conflicts and face risks from natural disasters. Establishing civil defence units with **14 posts** in each district is deemed essential for strategic defence and disaster management.

The designation adds Gaya Ji and Munger to the existing **28 civil defence districts** in Bihar, which were previously recognized for their vulnerability to flooding. The total number will rise to **30** with this new classification, amidst a backdrop of ongoing challenges related to **Naxalism** in the region, although incidents of Left-wing violence have decreased recently.

Government Initiatives for Youth and Employment

The cabinet meeting also approved the creation of **three new departments** aimed at youth development and job creation, increasing the total number of government departments in Bihar to **48**. The newly established departments include the **Youth, Employment and Skill Development Department**, the **Higher Education Department**, and the **Civil Aviation Department**.

Chaudhary emphasized that these departments are a response to the growing responsibilities of the government towards the public. Changes to existing departmental names were also approved, including the **Dairy, Fisheries and Animal Resources Department** and the **Labour Resources and Migrant Labourer Welfare Department**.

In a compassionate move, the cabinet sanctioned the appointment of **Mohammad Imdad Raza**, son of a Border Security Force inspector who died in action, to a government position. This decision reflects the government’s commitment to supporting families of those who have served the nation.

Financial Adjustments and MoU with NSEIL

The cabinet also facilitated an agreement with the **National Stock Exchange of India Limited (NSEIL)** to roll out investor awareness and training programs. This initiative aims to benefit students, entrepreneurs, and various stakeholders in the business community as part of a larger skilling program.

Additionally, the government approved a **5% increase** in the dearness allowance for officials under the sixth pay commission, which will rise from **252% to 257%**, while those under the fifth pay commission will see an **8% increase** from **466% to 474%**.

In total, the cabinet endorsed **19 proposals**, including the establishment of the **Valmiki Tiger Reserve Foundation** for ecological conservation, as well as the **Sanjay Gandhi Biological Park Management and Development Society** to enhance the management of the biological park in Patna.

With these strategic decisions, the Bihar government is taking significant steps towards bolstering both security and development in the region, addressing both immediate concerns and long-term goals for its citizens.