In a groundbreaking move towards gender equality and employee welfare, the Bihar government has approved a policy to provide safe and convenient accommodation for its women government employees. This first-of-its-kind initiative aims to support women across various departments, including teachers and constables, by offering housing near their work locations.

Key Highlights of the Accommodation Policy

• Target Beneficiaries: All women government employees in Bihar, including teachers, police personnel, and staff in other departments.
• Objective: To ensure the safety and security of women employees, particularly those posted in remote rural areas.
• Implementation: Accommodation will be provided through lease agreements with private landlords, initially focusing on district and divisional headquarters.
• Financial Implications: Employees opting for leased accommodation will not be eligible for House Rent Allowance (HRA).
• Application Process: Employees in block-level or rural postings can apply through their respective office heads to the Sub-Divisional Officer (SDO).
• Landlord Selection: An Expression of Interest (EoI) will be invited from private landlords, with rent fixed by the SDO.
• Oversight Committee: A committee headed by the District Magistrate, including the SP and other officials, will ensure the safety and basic amenities of the selected buildings.

Additional Cabinet Decisions

The Bihar cabinet also approved several other significant proposals:

• Panchayati Raj Department: Creation of 8,093 clerical posts to enhance the implementation of Panchayat-level schemes.
• Agriculture Department: Creation of 14 posts for the newly formed Agriculture Marketing Directorate to ensure fair prices and market access for farmers.
• Aircraft Organisation Directorate: Creation of four posts, including senior aircraft pilots, to manage aviation-related activities.
• Health Department: Creation of 36 posts for a 20-bed sports injury unit at Loknayak Jayaprakash Narayan Hospital, Patna.
• Amendment in Birth & Death Rules: Simplification of the procedure for obtaining birth and death registration certificates.
• Mega Skill Centres: Establishment of nine Mega Skill Centres to train 21,600 youths in modern employment-related skills.
• Municipal Area Advertisement Rules: Fixed rates for advertisements in municipal areas and prohibited negative advertisements.
• PM Awas Yojana Extension: Extension of the benefits of PM Awas Yojana to nine Scheduled Tribe communities, providing Rs 2 lakh in installments.
• Flood Management: Approval of two Water Resources Department proposals for flood management, including embankment construction and anti-erosion work.
• Disciplinary Action: Sacking of seven health department personnel for unauthorized absence from duty.

Impact and Significance

These decisions reflect the Bihar government’s commitment to women’s empowerment, rural development, and skill enhancement. The accommodation policy is a progressive step that addresses the challenges faced by women government employees, ensuring their safety and well-being. The creation of new posts across various departments will boost employment opportunities and improve the efficiency of government services. The focus on skill development and infrastructure projects will contribute to the overall economic growth and social progress of the state.