RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav on Sunday said that if the INDIA bloc comes to power in Bihar, the monthly allowances of representatives in the state’s panchayati raj system will be doubled. He also promised ₹50 lakh insurance cover and pensions for them.
Bihar’s panchayati raj system has three levels: zila parishad, panchayat samiti, and gram panchayat. Their chairpersons are called ‘adhyaksha’ (zila parishad), ‘pramukh’ (panchayat samiti), and ‘mukhiya’ (gram panchayat).
The Nitish Kumar government had increased allowances in June. Zila parishad presidents now receive ₹30,000 per month, up from ₹20,000; vice presidents ₹20,000 from ₹10,000; and mukhiyas ₹7,500 from ₹5,000.
Bihar currently has 8,053 gram panchayats, 533 panchayat samitis, and 38 zila parishads. A ‘gram kachahari’ has been set up in each gram panchayat to provide local justice.
Yadav also said the margin money per quintal for public distribution system (PDS) distributors will be increased. Currently, PDS distributors receive ₹258.40 per quintal. He added that ₹5 lakh interest-free loans would be given to barbers, potters, and carpenters in the state.
The 243-member Bihar assembly will go to polls in two phases on November 6 and 11, with results on November 14.
Last week, Yadav promised that all contractual government workers and around 2 lakh ‘community mobilisers’ or ‘Jeevika Didis’ would be made permanent employees if the INDIA bloc wins.
These mobilisers will receive ₹30,000 per month. Interest on their existing loans would be waived, and new interest-free loans would be provided for the next two years.
His government would provide ₹5 lakh health insurance cover and an additional ₹2,000 monthly allowance to ‘Jeevika Didis’ engaged in other government activities. Over 1.45 crore women are associated with the Jeevika project in Bihar.
Commenting on Yadav’s announcements, Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary said, “The RJD leader is making false promises and will never fulfil them. RJD leaders are least bothered about the people of the state.”
(With inputs from PTI)
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