Intended to reduce carbon emissions, the Bihar cabinet on Wednesday (September 30, 2026) gave its nod to the draft “Bihar Green Hydrogen Policy, 2026” to promote renewable energy and reduce dependence on imports of natural gas.
Besides, the move will also attract private investment in the field of green hydrogen, and generating employment opportunities in the state, Cabinet Secretariat Department’s Additional Chief Secretary (ACS) Arvind Kumar Chaudhary told reporters here in a post-Cabinet briefing held at IPRD conference room in Patna.
Stating that similar policies have already been introduced in several other States, Mr. Chuadhary said the central government launched the “National Green Hydrogen Mission” in 2023. Its objective is to achieve the goal of energy independence by 2047 by meeting 50 per cent of India’s electricity demand through renewable energy.
This policy will promote production, consumption, market creation, electrolyser manufacturing, and other components across the value chain of green hydrogen and its derivatives, Mr. Chaudhary said while asserting that the policy, basically, is aimed at “decarbonization” and achieving the goal of net zero.
A target has been set to produce 0.1 million metric tonnes, or 1,00,000 tonnes of green hydrogen per year by 2031, he added.
The vision is to establish 1 GW of electrolyser capacity and achieve approximately 2.5 GW of renewable energy capacity through green hydrogen and its derivative projects, he said.
The policy also aims to attract investments of approximately ₹16,000 crore and generate around 12,000 direct and indirect jobs, ACS said and added that Bihar Renewable Energy Development Agency (BREDA) has been designated as the nodal agency for implementing the policy.
Reduction of VAT rate on ATF
The Cabinet also decided to reduce the VAT rate on Aviation Turbine Fuel (ATF) from one per cent to zero percent at RCS-concessional airports in the State under the Regional Connectivity Scheme (RCS).
The VAT rate on ATF used as fuel in aircraft was earlier reduced from 29% to a uniform rate of 4% in June 2025, the press note said.
This decision is expected to increase the number of regional flights and have a positive impact on the State’s economy
Creation of posts for Universities
The Cabinet also approved the creation of 34 posts of officers and employees for administrative purposes of Dr. Syama Prasad Mookerjee Artificial Intelligence and Computer Science University, Bhagalpur to enable the effective monitoring and smooth functioning of the University. Similarly, it also approved the creation of 34 posts of officers and employees for administrative functioning of Shaheed Jubba Sahni University of Architecture and Civil Engineering, Muzaffarpur.
It also approved the proposal for the contractual engagement of a total of 35 posts across various categories for the smooth functioning of the Buddha Samyak Darshan Museum-cum-Memorial Stupa, Vaishali, as well as the Directorate of Museums and Government Museums, for a period of 11 months or until regular appointments are made, whichever is earlier.
Chief Minister Hemophilia Scheme
The Bihar Cabinet also decided to implement the “Mukhya Mantri Hemophilia Yojana [Chief Minister Hemophilia Scheme]” under the Mukhya Mantri Chikitsa Sahayta Kosh (Chief Minister’s Medical Assistance Fund) to provide better treatment for patients suffering from hemophilia in the State.
Mr. Chaudhary, ACS, said that there are 255 patients of Hemophilia across the State. The one vial of drug Emicizumab, used in the treatment, costs ₹39,723 and 78 vials are required to be administered to the patient if his body weight is 30 kg.
Under this scheme, the drug Emicizumab will be used with the objective of providing better and quality healthcare facilities to hemophilia patients. Its use will help reduce uncontrolled bleeding and the complications associated with it among patients, the press note said.
Nod for water cannons
The Cabinet also gave administrative approval for the procurement of 30 Water Cannons at a rate of ₹88 lakh per unit, amounting to a total cost of ₹26.40 crore and 86 new Vajra vehicles at a rate of ₹42 lakh per unit, amounting to a total cost of ₹36.12 crore for the purpose of controlling and strengthening law and order in the State.
Thus, a total cost of ₹62.52 crore will be spent on the procurement of the two items of water cannons and Vajra vehicles.
The procurement of the proposed vehicles will assist in dealing with law-and-order situations, crowd control, riots, and other emergency situations arising during festivals, fairs, election rallies, and the arrival or movement of distinguished and eminent dignitaries in the state.
A total of 30 decisions were taken at today’s Cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary.
Published – October 01, 2026 01:34 am IST
