Patna, May 6 (IANS) Ahead of the expansion of the Bihar Cabinet led by Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary, a meeting of the Council of Ministers was held at the Main Secretariat on Wednesday, during which 20 key proposals were approved.

The meeting, which lasted for around half an hour, was attended by Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary and Deputy Chief Ministers Vijay Kumar Choudhary and Bijendra Prasad Yadav.

Among the major decisions, the Cabinet granted administrative approval of Rs 15,967.03 crore to the Road Construction Department for the maintenance of 19,305 km of roads across the state.

The initiative will utilise a centralised command and control centre along with Artificial Intelligence (AI)-based monitoring systems for road maintenance and upkeep.

In a major boost to infrastructure development, land belonging to the Bihar Industrial Area Development Authority has been transferred free of cost to the Airports Authority of India for the development of airport-related infrastructure.

The Cabinet also approved the extension of the ‘Bihar Industrial Investment Promotion Package’ till June 30, 2026, citing strong investor interest in the state.

In another important decision, the Government Medical College and Hospital under construction in Sitamarhi will be named “Maa Sita Medical College and Hospital, Sitamarhi”, recognising the region’s cultural significance as the birthplace of Goddess Sita.

Additionally, land in Arwal and Sheikhpura districts has been allotted to the Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan for the construction of school buildings.

The allotment has been made at a nominal lease rent of Re 1 for 30 years, with provisions for renewal.

Officials noted that earlier Cabinet meetings had approved 22 and 64 proposals respectively, highlighting the pace of decision-making under the present government.

The much-anticipated expansion of the Bihar Cabinet led by Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary is scheduled to take place on May 7 at Gandhi Maidan in Patna.

The swearing-in ceremony is scheduled for 12.10 p.m., during which the Governor will administer the oath of office and secrecy to the newly inducted ministers.

–IANS

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