To enhance access to quality education through digital means, the Cabinet approved the Mukhya Mantri Digital Library Yojana, under which digital library centres will be established in each of the state’s 243 assembly constituencies at an estimated cost of Rs 940.50 million.

According to Additional Chief Secretary (Cabinet Secretariat) S. Siddharth, each centre will be set up in existing infrastructure such as panchayat buildings, municipal offices, community halls, and schools with minimum space of 300 sq ft. The libraries will be equipped with 10 computers, electricity, and high-speed internet, and will support online study for exams like JEE, NEET, CLAT, and job searches via employment portals.

2400 MW Thermal Power Plant at Pirpainti, Bhagalpur

In a key energy sector move, the Cabinet approved the development of a 2400 MW (800x3) thermal power plant in Pirpainti, Bhagalpur, replacing the previously planned solar project on the same site.

The project will be awarded through a competitive tariff-based bidding process, with the contract going to the bidder offering the lowest unit cost (Rs 6.08 per unit). The plant will be developed by Bihar State Power Generation Company (BSPGCL), which had earlier acquired the land at a symbolic rate of Re 1 for 33 years.

Inter-State Bus Services on PPP Mode

To manage the festive rush during Durga Puja, Chhath, and Holi, the Cabinet approved the launch of inter-state bus services under PPP mode. The scheme, implemented by Bihar State Road Transport Corporation, will run for five years with seat-based subsidies of Rs 150 (peak) and Rs 300 (off-peak). An estimated Rs 35.64 crore will be spent over five years.

News source: Asian Power