DA Hike 2025: The state is now going to have 48 government departments instead of 45. On Tuesday, the state cabinet, led by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, gave the green light for three new departments and two directorates. The new Department of Youth, Employment, and Skill Development is set up to help young people find jobs and gain skills.
The Higher Education Department has been created by merging the higher education functions that were previously part of the Education Department. The Civil Aviation Directorate, which used to be under the Cabinet Department, has now been established as its own Civil Aviation Department. This new department aims to enhance civil aviation opportunities and improve air traffic.
After the cabinet meeting, Arvind Kumar Chaudhary, the Additional Chief Secretary of the Cabinet Department, shared the details of these decisions during a press conference. He mentioned that in addition to the new departments, the names of three existing departments have also been updated.
The Animal and Fisheries Resources Department will now be called the Dairy, Fisheries, and Animal Resources Department. The Labor Resources Department will change its name to the Labor Resources and Migrant Workers Welfare Department. The Arts, Culture, and Youth Department has been simplified to the Arts and Culture Department.
Moreover, there’s been approval to rename the Directorate of Technical Development, which is part of the Industries Department, to the Directorate of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSME). This Directorate will focus on promoting balanced industrial development in both rural and urban areas of the state.
Reorganization of Directorate of Mines and Geology
The Directorate of Mines and Geology has been reorganized to create two new directorates: the Directorate of Mines and the Directorate of Exploration. Furthermore, two sub-directorates have been established within the Directorate of Mines: the Sub-Directorate of Mining and the Sub-Directorate of Safety.
Various posts will also be created for this purpose. These directorates will be responsible for the security of mining leases and for the safety of officials and personnel involved in actions against illegal mining.
DA increased for those in the 5th and 6th pay scales
The state government has increased the dearness allowance for government employees receiving salaries and pensions under the fifth and sixth pay scales. Government employees and pensioners under the sixth central pay scale have been approved for a dearness allowance of 257 percent, instead of 252 percent. Those under the fifth central pay scale will receive a dearness allowance of 474 percent, instead of 466 percent. This benefit will be available with effect from July 1, 2025.