The Bihar Cabinet, chaired by Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary, approved a 3% increase in the dearness allowance (DA) for government employees, pensioners, and family pensioners on Tuesday, November 10, 2026. This hike, which applies to those receiving revised pay under the 7th Pay Commission recommendations, raises the allowance from 60% to 63% with effect from July 1, 2026.
Addressing reporters during a post-cabinet briefing, Additional Chief Secretary (ACS) Arvind Kumar Chaudhary confirmed that the state exchequer will face an additional burden of ₹1,080.33 crore due to the decision. The Cabinet also approved DA hikes for employees under earlier pay scales, increasing the allowance by 7% for those under the 6th Central Pay Scale and 14% for those under the 5th Central Pay Scale, also effective from July 1, 2026.
Beyond salary adjustments, the Cabinet cleared several welfare and development initiatives. It gave the nod to the “Bihar Ki Beti Startup Challenge Scheme,” which aims to foster entrepreneurship among female students in higher education. The scheme will support up to 2,100 students over four financial years, from 2026-27 to 2029-30, with a sanctioned budget of ₹88.20 crore.
Further support for women in academia was provided through the approval of the “Chief Minister’s Girls’ Ph.D. Fellowship Scheme.” This initiative, allocated ₹126 crore, is intended to boost the Gross Enrolment Ratio of women in higher education and research over the same four-year period. Additionally, the Cabinet passed the “Bihar Canal Maintenance Policy, 2026,” designed to enhance the state’s irrigation potential and agricultural productivity.
Finally, the government authorized a consolidated amount of ₹2,247.53 crore from the Bihar Contingency Fund to address necessary payments, including liabilities related to vehicles used during election duties.
Key facts
- The 3% DA hike for 7th Pay Commission beneficiaries will cost the state ₹1,080.33 crore.
- The “Bihar Ki Beti Startup Challenge Scheme” has been allocated ₹88.20 crore.
- A total of ₹126 crore was approved for the “Chief Minister’s Girls’ Ph.D. Fellowship Scheme.”
- The “Bihar Canal Maintenance Policy, 2026” aims to improve farmer income through better irrigation.
- The Cabinet approved 32 separate decisions during its meeting chaired by Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary.
Why it matters
The DA hike is intended to provide financial relief to state employees and pensioners during the festive season of Chhath. The newly approved schemes for female students and the canal maintenance policy are expected to improve academic enrollment and agricultural productivity in the state over the next four years.
Source: The Hindu
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