Cabinet approves subsidy for dairy units

A memorandum of understanding will be signed with the central government for the implementation of the scheme for modernisation and reforms through technology (SMART) in PDS in the state with a Software to be developed and installed.

The cabinet also cleared the release of Rs757.63 crore in three instalments to Bihar State Power Holding Company for the payment of unfunded terminal benefits to former employees and officers of Bihar State Electricity Board up to October 31, 2012.

As to the animal and Resources department, the cabinet approved the payment of subsidy to the tune of Rs 37.05 crore for the promotion of Dairy units using indigenous/local variety of cows and calf in the current financial year.

Beneficiaries would be farmers, cattle rearers and unemployed youths (male and female). The subsidy payable to the Scheduled Caste, scheduled tribe and extremely backward caste beneficiaries using two and four cows and calf will be 75%, while it will be 50% for the general category.

Similarly, subsidy payable to persons of all categories for establishing dairy units using 15-20 cows is 40%. A Matsya Vikas Bhavan would be constructed at a cost of Rs54.35 crore on the campus of fishery research centre at Mithapur (Patna).