Bihar Mukhiyas To Get More Pay, Arms License, Extra Powers
The powers of Bihar mukhiyas have been increased significantly ahead of the Bihar assembly elections 2025. The Bihar government announced six major reforms that directly impact the local leaders, especially Bihar mukhiyas. They will get higher pay (increased salary), expanded authority under MGNREGA, and for the first time they will be eligible to apply for arms licenses.
The most debated change has to be the eligibility for arms license approval. People are giving mixed reactions to this reform, while some are welcoming the move, a major portion claims it to be uncessarry. A point to be noted is that the timing of these announcements is very critical as it comes just a few months before the state elections. While the government aims at strengthening local governance through these reforms, the political angle is hard to miss.
We have covered everything you need to know about the latest changes for Bihar Mukhiyas in this article including the salary hike, increased administrative powers under MGNREGA, eligibility for arms license approval, the establishment of new Panchayat Bhavans, and the increased financial authority for rural projects. You can browse through the following sections to explore each update in detail:
Table of Contents
Bihar Mukhiyas’ Salary Raised by 150%
One of the most impactful announcements is the major hike in monthly salary for Bihar Mukhiyas. Their monthly allowance has been increased from ₹5,000 to ₹12,500 per month. This is a major increment of 150%. This is a part of the Bihar government’s broader move to uplift all tiers of Panchayati Raj representatives, including Deputy Mukhiyas, Ward Members, Panchs, Sarpanchs, and Zila Parishad officials.
The Bihar government has justified the increase in allowances by citing the growing responsibilities assigned to Bihar Mukhiyas.
Now Mukhiyas Can Approve Projects Up to ₹10 Lakh
Another major announcement is that now Bihar Mukhiyas have increased authority in sanctioning rural development projects under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA). Previously, Mukhiyas could approve projects up to ₹5 lakh in administrative cost. But the amount has now been doubled to ₹10 lakh. This will help in improving local execution speed for critical public works.
Now Bihar Mukhiyas will have direct influence over the infrastructural projects and other welfare initiatives that are crucial for their region.
Mukhiyas in Bihar Can Now Get Arms License
The new provision allowing Bihar Mukhiyas and other Panchayat representatives to apply for arms license is the most surprising reform.
This decision has been the most debated. But the state government has justified it as a necessary step for safety and deterrence in rural areas where law and order problems still exist.
Analysts view this as a symbolic move that highlights the rising importance of Bihar Mukhiya. Their role is not limited to a village administrator but includes being a key political figure in the village. The government recognises their need for personal protection and also shows trust in their leadership. With more power, there comes more responsibility as well.
New Panchayat Bhavans to Be Built Across Bihar
The Bihar government has also announced the construction of 1069 new Panchayat Sarkar Bhawans across the state. The construction work will be completed before the Bihar assembly elections. The responsibility for executing these projects will rest with the Gram Panchayats, led by the Mukhiyas.
This move not only gives control of the construction process to the local leaders but also brings more accountability and monitoring. For Bihar Mukhiyas, it’s both a challenge and a chance to showcase real development to prove their leadership before the upcoming elections.
Financial Powers Extended to ₹15 Lakh
Now the Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) have the authority to implement departmental schemes costing up to ₹15 lakh using funds from the 15th Finance Commission and the State Finance Commission. The Bihar Mukhiyas and their respective Gram Panchayats will be able to take quicker and more independent decisions without waiting for approvals from higher authorities. With less bureaucratic delays, local leaders will feel more empowered.
Impact on Rural Governance
This is not the first time that Nitish Kumar has brought major reforms in the local governance system. Prior to this, in 2006, similar panchayat reforms were introduced in Bihar by the Nitish Kumar government. In a game changer move, the Bihar government introduced 50% reservation for women in Panchayati Raj institutions. The current move builds on that legacy which will help in improving the condition of rural government.
Bihar government’s message is clear: Mukhiyas (village heads) are no longer just symbolic leaders. They now have real power, from approving projects and building roads to even arranging their own security. They are becoming strong local leaders who play a major role in the grassroots levels of governance.
Mukhiyas React to the New Benefits
Initial reactions from panchayat representatives have been overwhelmingly positive. Several Bihar Mukhiyas have welcomed the reforms, particularly the pay hike and MGNREGA authority expansion. Some people have questioned the eligibility to get arms licenses, but many believe it officially recognizes their growing power and importance.
Political observers say these changes could boost morale in the rural governance ecosystem. It won’t suffer from low compensation and bureaucratic hurdles or delays anymore. However, the real test will be in implementation. Only time will tell whether projects get approved and completed on time, and whether Bihar Mukhiyas actually get the power they’ve been promised or continue to struggle with bureaucracy.
Conclusion
These six new reforms made by the Bihar government in a recent meeting will help in empowering rural leadership. With more financial powers, arms license and responsibilities, Bihar mukhiya will be a part of a major decentralisation drive.
Subscribe to our website ‘Litti Chokha‘ for the latest Bihar news and exam updates.
LittiChokha is one of the leading News & Media company based in Patna, Bihar. We make sure the news we provide is authentic and has undergone multiple Fact-Checks.
Doesn’t make any sense because of corruption……
The fact is Mukhiya = Corruption khor
Tbh I don’t agree with arm licence… Majority of mukhiyas will misuse it.
These reforms are beneficial and malfunction too it depends on that person who is ruling.
The recent reforms for Bihar Mukhiyas are indeed a significant step towards empowering local governance. The salary hike is a welcome move, considering the increasing responsibilities they bear. However, the timing of these announcements, just before the state elections, does raise questions about the underlying political motives. While the increased administrative powers under MGNREGA could enhance local project execution, it’s crucial to ensure transparency and accountability in the process. The eligibility for arms license approval seems controversial, and it would be interesting to understand the rationale behind this decision. How do you think these changes will impact the overall efficiency and effectiveness of the Panchayati Raj system in Bihar?
Wir haben libersave in unser regionales Gutscheinsystem eingebunden. Es ist toll, wie einfach man verschiedene Anbieter auf einer Plattform bündeln kann.