Tejashwi Yadav, the prominent Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leader and the INDIA bloc’s chosen chief minister for the forthcoming Bihar elections, announced on Sunday a series of compelling promises for the state’s panchayati raj system representatives. Should the INDIA bloc secure power, Yadav stated that the monthly allowances for these crucial local government officials would be doubled.
In addition to increased financial support, Yadav also committed to providing a substantial ₹50 lakh insurance cover and pension benefits for the panchayati raj leaders. This announcement comes as Yadav was recently named the chief ministerial candidate for the upcoming assembly elections in Bihar, where the RJD is collaborating with its allies.
Key Promises Made by Tejashwi Yadav
Addressing reporters, Tejashwi Yadav outlined the INDIA bloc’s commitment to enhancing the welfare of panchayati raj representatives. If elected, their monthly allowances will see a twofold increase.
Furthermore, Yadav indicated plans to significantly boost the per-quintal margin for Public Distribution System (PDS) distributors in Bihar. Currently, these distributors receive ₹258.40 per quintal as commission.
“Additionally, we will offer interest-free loans of up to ₹5 lakh to barbers, pottery artisans, and carpenters in the state,” Yadav added, highlighting support for traditional vocations.
Bihar’s panchayati raj system is structured across three tiers: the zila parishad, the panchayat samiti, and the gram panchayat. The elected heads of these bodies are known as ‘adhyaksha’, ‘pramukh’, and ‘mukhiya’, respectively.
It is noteworthy that the Nitish Kumar government had previously increased allowances for panchayati raj functionaries and ward members in June. This included a hike in the monthly allowance for zila parishad presidents from ₹20,000 to ₹30,000, for vice presidents from ₹10,000 to ₹20,000, and for ‘mukhiyas’ from ₹5,000 to ₹7,500.
Currently, Bihar has 8,053 gram panchayats, 533 panchayat samitis, and 38 zila parishads. Each gram panchayat also features a ‘gram kachahari’ aimed at delivering judicial services at the local level.
The Bihar assembly elections, comprising 243 members, are scheduled to take place in two phases: November 6 and November 11. The vote counting is slated for November 14.