Tejashwi Yadav, the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leader and the chief ministerial face of the INDIA bloc for the upcoming Bihar Assembly elections, unveiled a series of ambitious proposals for the state’s Panchayati Raj representatives on Sunday. His announcements, aimed at strengthening grassroots governance and providing financial security to local elected leaders, are part of a broader strategy to consolidate support in rural Bihar, where Panchayati Raj institutions play a critical role in local administration and community development.

Speaking to reporters, Tejashwi Yadav outlined that if the INDIA bloc comes to power, the monthly allowances of representatives of Bihar’s Panchayati Raj system would be doubled. The move is intended to acknowledge the efforts and responsibilities undertaken by these grassroots leaders, who often operate under challenging circumstances with limited resources. In addition to increased pay, Tejashwi announced a ₹50 lakh insurance cover for each representative, coupled with a pension scheme. These measures are designed to provide financial security and long-term welfare for the individuals responsible for managing local governance and delivering essential services in Bihar’s villages and small towns.

The Panchayati Raj system in Bihar operates through a three-tier structure, consisting of zila parishads at the district level, panchayat samitis at the block level, and gram panchayats at the village level. The elected heads of these bodies are known as ‘adhyaksha’ (district council president) for zila parishads, ‘pramukh’ (block council chief) for panchayat samitis, and ‘mukhiya’ (village head) for gram panchayats. These leaders are responsible for implementing government schemes, overseeing development projects, maintaining public infrastructure, and ensuring that welfare initiatives reach the intended beneficiaries in their communities.

Currently, Bihar has 8,053 gram panchayats, 533 panchayat samitis, and 38 zila parishads in operation, with each gram panchayat hosting a ‘gram kachahari’ to deliver justice at the doorstep of rural residents. The Panchayati Raj representatives are often the first point of contact for citizens seeking government assistance, resolving local disputes, and facilitating the implementation of welfare schemes. By targeting these local leaders with financial incentives and social security measures, Tejashwi Yadav aims to reinforce their role in promoting development and governance at the grassroots level.

Alongside the doubling of allowances for Panchayati Raj representatives, Tejashwi announced other measures to benefit people engaged in small trades and essential service provision. He stated that the margin money per quintal for distributors of the public distribution system (PDS) in Bihar would be substantially increased. At present, PDS distributors receive ₹258.40 per quintal as commission. By increasing this margin, Tejashwi aims to incentivize distributors to ensure smooth and efficient functioning of the PDS, which remains a vital lifeline for millions of rural households reliant on subsidized grains and other essential commodities.

Additionally, Tejashwi proposed providing ₹5 lakh interest-free loans to barbers, potters, and carpenters in Bihar. These initiatives are targeted at supporting small-scale entrepreneurs and traditional artisans whose livelihoods often depend on fluctuating demand and local economic conditions. By offering financial assistance without interest, the INDIA bloc aims to empower these workers to invest in their trade, expand their businesses, and achieve greater economic stability. This measure aligns with a broader vision of fostering self-reliance and entrepreneurship in rural Bihar, encouraging individuals to move beyond subsistence-level activity to become more economically independent.

The announcement comes in the context of existing government measures to enhance the welfare of Panchayati Raj representatives. In June, the Nitish Kumar-led state government had raised allowances and other benefits for Panchayati Raj institution functionaries and ward members. The monthly allowance of zila parishad presidents was increased from ₹20,000 to ₹30,000, vice presidents from ₹10,000 to ₹20,000, and ‘mukhiyas’ from ₹5,000 to ₹7,500. Tejashwi’s proposal to double the allowances goes further, seeking to provide a more substantial recognition of the work performed by these local leaders and to improve their financial and social standing.

Tejashwi Yadav’s emphasis on Panchayati Raj representatives is significant in the electoral landscape of Bihar. Rural constituencies, where a majority of the state’s population resides, are heavily influenced by the performance and engagement of local governance bodies. By offering tangible financial incentives, insurance coverage, and pension benefits, Tejashwi seeks to galvanize support among elected local leaders and, by extension, their communities. Strengthening Panchayati Raj institutions can also contribute to more effective governance, as better-supported representatives are likely to implement development projects and government schemes more efficiently.

The announcement also reflects a broader political strategy of the INDIA bloc to connect with grassroots voters, particularly in rural areas where the majority of citizens rely on Panchayati Raj institutions for accessing government programs, resolving disputes, and participating in local decision-making processes. By promising improved financial and social security measures, Tejashwi is signaling that the INDIA bloc values the contributions of local leaders and intends to enhance their capacity to serve their communities effectively.

The 2025 Bihar Assembly elections, scheduled to be held in two phases on November 6 and 11, are expected to be a direct contest between the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) and the INDIA bloc-led opposition. The NDA comprises the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Janata Dal (United), Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas), Hindustani Awam Morcha (Secular), and Rashtriya Lok Morcha, while the opposition includes the RJD-led INDIA bloc, Congress, CPI (Marxist-Leninist) Liberation, CPI, CPI (Marxist), and Mukesh Sahani’s Vikassheel Insaan Party (VIP). Additionally, the Jan Suraaj Party, founded by political strategist Prashant Kishor, has announced it will contest all 243 Assembly seats in the state.

Tejashwi’s announcement is strategically timed to appeal to the rural electorate ahead of the elections. By addressing the financial and social needs of Panchayati Raj leaders, he hopes to secure their support, which can be instrumental in mobilizing votes at the local level. Furthermore, initiatives such as increased PDS margins and interest-free loans for artisans are designed to create a broader base of support among rural workers and small-scale entrepreneurs, who constitute a significant portion of Bihar’s population.

The INDIA bloc’s proposals also signal a focus on enhancing governance and service delivery in rural areas. Doubling allowances and providing insurance and pensions to Panchayati Raj representatives not only incentivizes better performance but also ensures that local leaders are more secure and motivated in their roles. Similarly, improving PDS margins and offering financial support to small tradespeople aim to strengthen the economic resilience of rural communities, thereby creating conditions for sustainable development.

Tejashwi Yadav’s pitch to Bihar voters thus combines financial incentives, social security measures, and support for small-scale entrepreneurs with a broader political strategy of consolidating rural support. By directly addressing the concerns of Panchayati Raj representatives and rural workers, the INDIA bloc seeks to enhance its credibility and appeal in the crucial run-up to the Bihar Assembly elections. With counting of votes scheduled for November 14, these announcements are likely to play a significant role in shaping voter sentiment and influencing the outcome of the polls, particularly in rural constituencies where grassroots leadership and local governance remain central to political engagement and development.

Through these measures, Tejashwi Yadav aims to present a vision of governance that prioritizes financial security, empowerment, and economic opportunities for local leaders and rural communities, while simultaneously reinforcing the INDIA bloc’s commitment to development, welfare, and inclusive growth in Bihar.