Patna: The Bihar Cabinet on Wednesday approved the draft Bihar Green Hydrogen Policy, 2026, aimed at promoting renewable energy, reducing carbon emissions and lowering dependence on imported natural gas, The Hindu reported.
The policy seeks to attract private investment in the green hydrogen sector and create employment opportunities in the state, Cabinet Secretariat Department Additional Chief Secretary Arvind Kumar Chaudhary said during a post-Cabinet briefing.
The policy is aligned with the Centre’s National Green Hydrogen Mission, launched in 2023. Chaudhary said the policy will promote green hydrogen production and consumption, market development, electrolyser manufacturing and other components across the value chain.
The state has set a target of producing 0.1 million metric tonnes (1 lakh tonnes) of green hydrogen annually by 2031.
The policy also envisages establishing 1 GW of electrolyser manufacturing capacity and developing around 2.5 GW of renewable energy capacity through green hydrogen and its derivative projects.
The Bihar government expects the policy to attract investments of around Rs 16,000 crore and generate approximately 12,000 direct and indirect jobs.
The Bihar Renewable Energy Development Agency (BREDA) has been designated as the nodal agency for implementing the policy.
According to Chaudhary, the policy is primarily aimed at decarbonisation and supporting the long-term goal of achieving net-zero emissions.
VAT on ATF reduced at RCS airports
The Cabinet also approved reducing the VAT rate on Aviation Turbine Fuel (ATF) from 1% to zero at airports covered under the Regional Connectivity Scheme (RCS).
The state had earlier reduced the VAT on ATF used as aircraft fuel from 29% to a uniform 4% in June 2025.
The latest decision is expected to support an increase in regional air connectivity and contribute to economic activity in the state.
Posts approved for universities
The Cabinet approved the creation of 34 posts of officers and employees for the administrative functioning of Dr Syama Prasad Mookerjee Artificial Intelligence and Computer Science University in Bhagalpur.
A similar 34 posts were approved for Shaheed Jubba Sahni University of Architecture and Civil Engineering in Muzaffarpur.
The Cabinet also approved the contractual engagement of 35 personnel across various categories for the Buddha Samyak Darshan Museum-cum-Memorial Stupa in Vaishali, as well as the Directorate of Museums and government museums. The appointments will be for 11 months or until regular appointments are made, whichever is earlier.
Hemophilia scheme approved
The Cabinet approved implementation of the Mukhya Mantri Hemophilia Yojana under the Mukhya Mantri Chikitsa Sahayta Kosh to improve treatment facilities for hemophilia patients in Bihar.
The government said there are 255 hemophilia patients in the state. The scheme will provide Emicizumab, a medicine used in the treatment of hemophilia.
Water cannons and Vajra vehicles
The Cabinet also approved the procurement of 30 water cannons at Rs 88 lakh each, costing Rs 26.40 crore, and 86 Vajra vehicles at Rs 42 lakh each, costing Rs 36.12 crore.
The combined expenditure on the two categories of vehicles will be Rs 62.52 crore.
The vehicles will be used for law-and-order management, crowd control, riots and emergency situations during festivals, fairs, election rallies and visits or movements of distinguished persons.
A total of 30 decisions were taken at the Cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary.
