Nitish Kumar-led government celebrates Sant Ravidas Jayanti in Bihar

Bihar Government Celebrates Sant Ravidas Jayanti

Date: February 12, 2025
Source: The Hindu

Event: Birth anniversary of Sant Shiromani Ravidas celebrated as a State event at Bapu Sabhagar, Patna.
Organiser: SC/ST Welfare Department, Bihar (first time as State-level event).
Objective: Dalit outreach; Sant Ravidas was Bhakti saint who opposed casteism, untouchability, and discrimination, promoted equality & brotherhood.
Special Mention: Tribute also paid to B.R. Ambedkar.
Vikas Mitras:
- Recruited under Bihar Mahadalit Vikas Mission (2009).
- Assist SC/ST communities in accessing govt. schemes at Panchayat level.
- Honorarium hiked (2023) from ₹13,700 → ₹25,000 (+5% yearly increment).
Schemes Highlighted:
- Udyami Yojana (2018): ₹10 lakh support for SC/ST youth entrepreneurship (₹5 lakh grant + ₹5 lakh interest-free loan).
- Residential schools & hostels for SC/ST students.
Political Context: Ahead of Assembly Elections 2025, move seen as targeting Dalit vote bank (~19.65% of Bihar’s population).