In Bihar, the State Cabinet today approved the formation of the Bihar State Sanitation Workers Commission. The proposal from the Urban Development and Housing Department was approved in a cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar.

Bihar Rajya Safai Karmachari Ayog will advise the government on the welfare, economic and social development, and other aspects concerning sanitation workers working in various sectors. According to an estimate, more than 4 lakh sanitation workers employed in various urban local bodies, panchayats, and other areas across Bihar will be covered under the purview of the commission. There are more than 260 urban local bodies in Bihar, including 19 municipal corporations and over 8000 panchayats, where a large number of sanitation workers are engaged in cleanliness campaigns and sanitation works.

The Bihar State Sanitation Commission will consist of a Chairperson, a Vice-Chairperson, and five other members. Chief Minister Nitish Kumar had recently announced the formation of this Commission. The Cabinet also approved a proposal to increase the pension for retired journalists in Bihar from 6,000 rupees to 15,000 rupees per month. Under the Bihar Patrakar Samman Pension Scheme, which is run by the Information and Public Relations Department, journalists will now receive 15,000 rupees as a monthly pension. In the event of their death, their spouse will be entitled to receive a monthly pension of 10,000 rupees under the amended provisions in the scheme.