With a paramount focus on upholding national security, the state of Bihar has introduced a measure to exclude individuals and entities found to be complicit with others, including foreign countries, who act against the nation's best interests. This noteworthy decision was sanctioned during a meeting of the Bihar cabinet held on Friday.
The implementation of this decision entails an amendment to Rule 30 (XII) of the Bihar Finance Manual 1950, aligning it with the General Financial Rules 2017 set forth by the Union Ministry of Finance.
S. Siddhartha, Additional Chief Secretary for the Cabinet Secretariat, emphasized that the primary objective behind this move was to fortify national security. It is imperative to underscore that this measure is comprehensive and not targeted at any specific country, including China. The state government shall adhere to this latest directive, thereby ensuring that government procurement remains in compliance with the amended rule.
In addition to this pivotal decision, the state government has also taken steps to offer elevated salaries and benefits to government professionals occupying positions above their current rank. This initiative is in response to a case concerning government promotions that is currently pending in the Supreme Court.
According to Siddhartha, such professionals will receive regular promotions should the Supreme Court deem it appropriate. However, in the event that the court reaches an alternative decision, a reversal of these promotions will be enacted. Importantly, the additional salaries accrued by professionals whose promotions do not receive regular approval will not be recouped by the state government in the event of a rollback.
Furthermore, the state cabinet has allocated funds exceeding Rs 37 crore to the Special Branch of the State Home Department. These funds are intended for the development of specialized infrastructure in regions afflicted by Naxalite extremism. This initiative operates under the framework of a centrally sponsored scheme, offering provisions for reimbursement on a 60:40 sharing basis.
During the same cabinet meeting on Friday, a total of eight agenda items were approved, including the creation of 149 positions for the Eye Institute of the Indira Gandhi Institute of Medical Sciences.
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