The Bihar government has significantly reduced the mandatory bond service period for doctors completing postgraduate medical degrees (NEET PG). The requirement, which compelled doctors to serve in state-run colleges, has been cut from three years to two. This decision, approved in a recent cabinet meeting led by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, offers considerable relief to medical postgraduates.
This policy change directly responds to consistent appeals from resident doctors and various medical associations. They had long argued that the previous three-year service bond was unduly harsh and impractical to fulfill. The new regulation aims to create a more equitable and manageable system for young medical professionals.
Officials stated that Bihar’s updated bond policy now aligns more closely with practices in other Indian states. Many regions have already implemented shorter compulsory service periods for doctors completing their postgraduate studies. This synchronization promotes consistency across the national medical education landscape.
Under the modified policy, financial recovery terms have also been eased. If a doctor cannot complete the mandatory two-year service, the government will now recover only the specified bond amount. Crucially, it will no longer seek repayment of the salary or stipend received by the doctor during their training period. This change reduces potential financial burdens and complications for medical professionals.
Bihar Cabinet Unveils Broader Welfare Initiatives
Enhanced Support for Students
Beyond the medical sector, the cabinet also approved several other significant welfare measures. A notable initiative is the doubling of scholarship amounts for school students across classes 1 to 10. Students in classes 1 to 4 will now receive ₹1,200 annually, a direct increase from the previous ₹600. This enhancement provides greater financial support for foundational education.
For older students, those in classes 7 to 10 will see their annual scholarships rise from ₹1,800 to ₹3,600. These increased scholarship amounts aim to encourage school attendance and alleviate financial pressure on families. The government hopes this investment will improve educational outcomes for thousands of students.
Access to higher education is also being made more attainable. Students enrolling in or currently attending colleges are now eligible for interest-free education loans, available for amounts up to ₹4 lakh. This loan facility is designed to remove financial barriers to advanced studies for many deserving students.
To address youth unemployment, the government introduced a new allowance program. Unemployed graduates aged between 20 and 25 years will receive a monthly allowance of ₹1,000. This financial assistance will be provided for a maximum duration of two years, offering critical support during their job search.
Increased Benefits for State Workforce
The welfare of the state workforce also saw significant improvements. Compensation for Auxiliary Nurse Midwives (ANM) workers in urban areas has been substantially increased. Their monthly remuneration will rise from ₹11,500 to ₹15,000. Additionally, these essential healthcare workers will receive a five percent annual increment, ensuring consistent salary growth.
In a move to bolster public services and create employment, the Bihar government approved 6,162 new posts across various state departments. This expansion is designed to enhance administrative efficiency and offer new career opportunities. Furthermore, the dearness allowance (DA) for all state government employees has been raised from 55 percent to 58 percent, boosting their overall income.
These comprehensive cabinet decisions demonstrate the Bihar government’s commitment to supporting its medical professionals, students, and public sector workforce. The initiatives aim to create a more supportive environment for education, healthcare, and economic stability within the state. They reflect a broader strategy to enhance public welfare and address key societal needs.