Another project for Bihar – the Kosi-Mechi river-linking – has been approved under the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojana Accelerated Irrigation Benefits Programme (PMKSY-AIBP). It will be built on Hybrid Annuity Mode at an estimated cost of `6,282 crore, the Union minister said.The project envisages diversion of a part of surplus Kosi water for extending irrigation to Mahananda basin in Bihar by remodeling existing Eastern Kosi Main Canal. Out of the total cost, `3,652.56 crore will be given as central assistance to Bihar and is scheduled for completion by March 2029, the minister added.Responding to a question during the briefing, Vaishnaw said discussions have been held with Nepal regarding the project, adding that the Kosi-Mechi river-link is expected to bring major improvement in Bihar flood management. Once completed, the project aims to provide additional irrigation to 2,10,516 hectares of farmland in Araria, Purnea, Kishanganj, and Katihar districts during the Kharif season, he noted.Meanwhile, in a good news to central government employees and pensioners, the Cabinet increased the DA and DR by 2% of basic pay, effective from January 1 this year. This benefits nearly 1.15 crore government employees and pensioners with at a cost of Rs 6,614.04 crore per annum on the exchequer.Besides, Rs 37,216.15 crore proposal to provide subsidised fertilizers to farmers across the country during the Kharif season (April-September) was also approved by Cabinet.Good news for central govt employees, pensionersIn a good news to central government employees and pensioners, the Union Cabinet increased the Dearness Allowance and Dearness Relief by 2% of basic pay, effective from January 1 this year. This benefits nearly 1.15 crore central government employees and pensioners at a combined cost of `6,614.04 crore per annum on the exchequer.
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