Bihar Cabinet Approves Renaming of Patna Zoo and Major Welfare & Infrastructure Decisions

Introduction

The Bihar Cabinet, chaired by Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary, approved a series of significant administrative, welfare, education and infrastructure decisions. Among the notable decisions were the renaming of the Sanjay Gandhi Biological Park as Patna Zoo and the Sanjay Gandhi Institute of Dairy Technology as the Bihar State Institute of Dairy Technology. The Cabinet also approved substantial allocations for free electricity, higher education, model schools, SC/ST welfare, road infrastructure, autism care, and the establishment of a National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT) campus in Patna.

ANALYSIS

The Cabinet decisions indicate Bihar's continued emphasis on social welfare, infrastructure expansion, educational development, and public service delivery, while simultaneously undertaking symbolic administrative changes through the renaming of public institutions.One of the most discussed decisions was the renaming of the Sanjay Gandhi Biological Park as Patna Zoo and the Sanjay Gandhi Institute of Dairy Technology as the Bihar State Institute of Dairy Technology. Such renaming exercises are administrative decisions taken by State Governments and generally reflect changes in public identity, institutional branding, or political priorities.The Cabinet also approved an allocation of ₹23,165 crore under the Mukhyamantri Vidyut Upbhokta Sahayta Yojana, enabling the Power Department to continue providing 125 units of free electricity every month to eligible consumers. The subsidy aims to reduce the financial burden on households while improving affordability of electricity. Since the assistance is routed through subsidies to the distribution utilities, the allocation also supports the financial sustainability of power distribution.Another major decision relates to higher education expansion under Saat Nischay-3, through which degree colleges will be established in 208 blocks that currently lack such institutions. The proposal includes creation of 9,152 teaching and non-teaching posts, besides financial assistance for renovation of temporary academic infrastructure. The initiative seeks to improve regional access to higher education, reduce educational disparities, and strengthen human capital development.The Cabinet further approved development of one Model School in every block with modern science laboratories, computer laboratories, and smart classrooms, supported by an allocation of ₹800 crore during FY 2026–27. This reflects the government's focus on improving educational infrastructure and enhancing learning outcomes through technology-enabled classrooms.In the area of social justice and healthcare, approval was granted for establishing a Centre of Excellence for Autism at Gardanibagh, Patna. The institution is expected to improve diagnosis, treatment, rehabilitation, and specialized care for persons with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), thereby strengthening Bihar's healthcare infrastructure for developmental disorders.The Cabinet also enhanced the monthly stipend for students residing in 139 SC/ST hostels, increasing it from ₹1,000 to ₹2,000, thereby improving support for students belonging to Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes.Infrastructure development remained another major priority. Approval was granted for four strategic road projects, including Bidupur–Dighwara North Ganga Path (Ganga Ambika Path), Narayani Path, Vishwamitra Path, and a bridge over the Falgu River in Gaya, aimed at improving regional connectivity, facilitating industrial growth, and strengthening transport infrastructure.Another important decision was the allotment of 2.34 acres of land in Patna for establishing a campus of the National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT) on a renewable 30-year lease, which is expected to strengthen fashion education, textile innovation, and skill development within Bihar.Overall, the Cabinet decisions reflect a multi-sectoral development strategy combining welfare support, infrastructure expansion, education reforms, healthcare improvement, industrial connectivity, and institutional development.

Major Cabinet Decisions

Significance

The Cabinet decisions are expected to:

• Improve electricity affordability.
• Expand access to higher education.
• Strengthen school infrastructure.
• Enhance social justice measures for SC/ST students.
• Improve healthcare for Autism Spectrum Disorder.
• Strengthen road connectivity and industrial logistics.
• Promote fashion education and skill development.
• Support inclusive socio-economic development across Bihar.

STATIC PART

Mukhyamantri Vidyut Upbhokta Sahayta Yojana

State

• Bihar

Objective

• Provide electricity subsidy to domestic consumers.
• Reduce household electricity expenditure.
• Improve affordability and access to electricity.
• Support inclusive welfare through power subsidies.

Saat Nischay-3

State

• Bihar

Objective

• Expand educational infrastructure.
• Improve higher education accessibility.
• Create employment in the education sector.
• Strengthen human resource development.

National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT)

Established:1986Administrative Ministry:Ministry of Textiles, Government of IndiaHeadquarters: New Delhi

Major Functions

• Fashion education.
• Design innovation.
• Textile research.
• Skill development.
• Industry collaboration.
• Entrepreneurship promotion.

Sanjay Gandhi Biological Park (Now Patna Zoo)

Location: Patna, BiharOpened to Public:1973

Area

• 153 acres

Key Features

• Houses more than 800 animals.
• Over 110 animal species.
• One of eastern India's important zoological parks.
• Supports wildlife conservation, education, and recreation.

Bihar State Institute of Dairy Technology

Earlier Name: Sanjay Gandhi Institute of Dairy TechnologyLocation: Patna, BiharEstablished:1980Accreditation:ICAR

Courses Offered

• B.Tech (Dairy Technology)
• M.Tech (Dairy Technology)

Functions

• Dairy education.
• Research.
• Skill development.
• Human resource development for the dairy sector.

Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR)

Established:1929Headquarters: New DelhiAdministrative Ministry: Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare

Functions

• Coordinate agricultural research.
• Agricultural education.
• Technology development.
• Extension support.
• Human resource development in agriculture.

Updated – 30 April 2026 | 04:04 AMNews Source:

The Hindu