In an effort to reinforce public order management amidst persistent street demonstrations, the Bihar administration has cleared a substantial modernization package for its police force. During a cabinet meeting chaired on Wednesday, official approval was granted to 30 distinct policy agendas. At the forefront of these decisions was a comprehensive clearance to procure dedicated riot control machinery, ensuring that on-ground security personnel are equipped with reliable gear during large public gatherings and protests.
Rs 62 Crore Outlay for Upgraded Fleet
Under the approved framework, the state government will invest 62 crore rupees to acquire 30 modern water cannons and 86 specialized Vajra vehicles. Law enforcement authorities had recently experienced repeated technical snags when deploying older water cannon units against agitators, occasionally leaving personnel in precarious tactical positions. The fresh capital infusion is intended to eliminate these operational failures and give personnel dependable assets for dispersing unlawful assemblies.
Green Hydrogen Draft and Museum Staffing Cleared
Beyond policing logistics, the Wednesday cabinet session ratified several infrastructure and energy initiatives. Ministers formally endorsed the draft for the Bihar Green Hydrogen Policy-2026 to spur clean energy development across the state. In the cultural sector, the cabinet authorized 35 temporary staff appointments at the Bihar Museum. These openings will be operated through contractual or tender arrangements until standard regular recruitment takes place. Multiple highway connectivity plans and cruise terminal development proposals were also granted administrative approval.
Backdrop of Student Demonstrations in Patna
The state's decision to fortify its crowd dispersal infrastructure arrives in the wake of intensifying student unrest in the capital city. On September 15, thousands of candidates took to the streets of Patna demanding the immediate annulment of the police sub-inspector recruitment test, resulting in direct confrontations with security forces. The disputed examination was conducted earlier this year on May 27 to fill 1,799 vacancies. Protesting candidates have alleged widespread paper leaks and administrative corruption, refusing to back down until the screening process is scrapped.
Chief Minister Residence March and Broader Aspirations
During the confrontation on September 15, agitators also declared an escalation plan to picket the Chief Minister residence. Many aspirants had been staging demonstrations across Patna for days, raising a slate of grievances that extends to alleged discrepancies in the 70th BPSC examination alongside the 1,799 sub-inspector posts. The youth groups are also demanding that delayed BSSC examinations be conducted immediately, with a high-level inquiry initiated into systemic irregularities to restore absolute transparency in government hiring.
