Patna: In a significant push towards infrastructure and tourism development, the Bihar cabinet on Tuesday approved multiple landmark proposals, including the construction of six small airports under the UDAN scheme and the establishment of a five-star hotel in the state capital. The decisions were announced during a post-cabinet briefing by Additional Chief Secretary (Cabinet Secretariat Department), S. Siddharth.
Under the Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik (UDAN) scheme, six airports will be developed at Madhubani, Veerpur, Munger, Valmikinagar, Muzaffarpur, and Saharsa. The cabinet gave its nod for signing an MoU between the state government and the Airports Authority of India (AAI) to initiate the project. Each airport has been allotted an initial fund of ₹25 crore for development and infrastructure building.
Siddharth stated that the development of these airports will improve regional connectivity, simplify air travel for local residents, and boost the state’s economy by encouraging business, tourism, and employment.
In another key decision, the cabinet approved the allotment of a “letter of award” to Kumar Infratrade Enterprises Pvt Ltd, Patna, for constructing a five-star hotel on the premises of Hotel Patliputra Ashok, near the Income Tax roundabout in Patna. The hotel will be built under the PPP model with a 60-year lease, extendable by another 30 years.
This is the first of three proposed luxury hotels in Patna. The remaining two projects—at Bankipore bus stand and Sultan Palace—are currently in the bidding stage. These hotels are part of the tourism department’s larger plan to enhance accommodation facilities and attract both domestic and international tourists, which is also expected to create local employment opportunities.
The cabinet also took steps to support the farming community by approving procurement of pulses and oilseeds at Minimum Support Prices (MSP). The fixed MSP rates for the Rabi Marketing Season (RMS) 2025–26 are:
- Chana (Chickpeas): ₹5,650 per quintal
- Masoor (Lentils): ₹6,700 per quintal
- Mustard: ₹5,950 per quintal
In a major education-related reform, the cabinet approved a policy allowing appointment of wards of teaching and non-teaching staff who die during service on compassionate grounds for school clerk posts. Fifty percent of these posts will be filled through this provision, and the remaining via direct recruitment.
Additionally, a new cadre of school librarians will be created under the approved “Bihar Rajya Vidyalaya Pustkalayadhyaksha Samvarg Niyamawali, 2025”. This aims to strengthen secondary and higher secondary education through improved access to learning resources.
Finally, the cabinet approved the creation of three advisor posts to support the monitoring and implementation of education-related projects, underscoring the state’s commitment to administrative efficiency and educational progress.
