In another important decision, the cabinet gave its approval to Rs. 777.52-crore National Agriculture Development Scheme and sanctioned a sum of Rs. 65.84 crore as state share for the same. The fund will be utilized for production of certified seeds, distribute agricultural equipment and horticulture development in the state, said cabinet secretary Ravikant while briefing newsmen after the cabinet meeting.
The state cabinet okayed a proposal to allow economy class air fare for one of the PAs and PSs accompanying cabinet ministers travelling to other states. Earlier, this entitlement was not allowed.
The cabinet also approved the draft of Bihar Underground Pipeline Bill, 2011. According to this bill, the farmers or landowners will be given 20% of the compensation amount fixed for the category of the land concerned. However; the landowners will not be allowed to construct pucca structure, dig ponds or plant orchards on the land earmarked for laying underground pipelines, said Ravikant.