Patna: Bihar has raised dearness allowance for state employees and pensioners from 60% to 63% under the Seventh Pay Commission. The decision was taken at a cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary, according to a state roundup published on Thursday.
The revised rate will apply retrospectively from July 1, 2026. The additional amount an employee or pensioner receives will depend on their basic pay or pension.
The cabinet also cleared the Bihar Ki Beti Startup Challenge, a programme aimed at up to 2,100 women students. It approved an allocation of Rs 88.20 crore for the scheme.
A state AI mission was also approved at the meeting. The available report, however, does not give details of the mission's structure, separate funding or implementation schedule.
The DA decision affects the monthly income of government employees and pensioners. The startup challenge is intended to widen opportunities for women students interested in starting businesses. The next step will be for the relevant departments to spell out eligibility, the application process and the rules for selecting participants.
The cabinet has approved the broad outlay and target, but operational details for the student scheme are still awaited.
Source: IBC Global Times, November 12, 2026.