Bihar's Chief Secretary, Pratyaya Amrit, has directed all government departments to clear pending salaries before Diwali and Chhath.
The goal is simple. No government employee should face delays in receiving their dues during the festive season.
The Hindustan Times reported this. Amrit gave the order at a high-level review meeting held virtually on Friday.
District magistrates and superintendents of police from all districts took part in the meeting.
Amrit expressed concern over delays by several departments.
These include education, health, rural development, home, and revenue and land reforms.
Graphic: News Anek, from the facts in this report
Departments have also been asked to keep offices open on Saturday, if required, to complete the formalities.
Key points
- All departments must clear pending salaries before Diwali and Chhath.
- Several departments, including education and health, have faced delays.
- Offices may stay open on Saturday to finish necessary formalities.
- A statewide Chhath awareness drive runs from November 10 to 16.
So why does this matter for government staff?
Amrit stressed that every government employee must receive their salary before the festive season.
This repeats a directive from the chief minister. Amrit also said the work culture needs to improve.
A statement from the cabinet secretariat said strict instructions were issued to all district magistrates.
Special warnings were given to departments that failed to pay on time.
Amrit said extra efforts should be made, if needed, to streamline the system.
What is the state planning for Chhath?
Bihar has also decided to launch a statewide Chhath puja awareness drive from November 10 to 16.
The campaign includes traditional folk songs, publicity jingles and welcome gates across the state.
Chhath songs and jingles will play at railway stations, bus terminals, airports and Patna Metro.
Posters will also go up at these places.
Welcome gates will be set up at entry points in all 18 border districts.
Panchayat Sarkar Bhawans in rural areas will display Chhath posters, banners and streamers, officials said.
Explainer
What happened before
- Chief Secretary Pratyaya Amrit expressed concern over delays in salary payments by several departments at a review meeting on Friday.
- The chief minister had directed that every government employee must receive salary before the festive season, and Amrit repeated this.
- A statement from the cabinet secretariat said special warnings were issued to departments that failed to ensure timely salary payments.
Why it matters
Salary delays can affect government employees and their families during the festive season. The order aims to make sure staff are paid on time.
