With an aim to recognise sporting excellence and ensuring better career opportunities for athletes, the Bihar Cabinet on Wednesday (June 17, 2026) approved the notification draft of the Bihar Outstanding Sportspersons Direct Recruitment (Amendment) Rules, 2026.The Cabinet, chaired by Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary, gave its nod to the General Administration Department’s proposal in this regard, Cabinet Secretariat Department’s Additional Chief Secretary Arvind Kumar Chaudhary told reporters in a post-cabinet briefing.Under the amended rules, Olympic gold, silver and bronze medalists, athletes representing India in any format of sports disciplines included in the Olympic Games, players representing India in any format of cricket, and gold medal winners at the Asian Games and Commonwealth Games will be eligible for appointment in Pay Level-09 (Grade Pay ₹5,400).Similarly, athletes who have represented India in any format of sports disciplines included in the Asian Games or Commonwealth Games, as well as silver and bronze medal winners at these events, will be eligible for appointment in Pay Level-07 (Grade Pay ₹4,600).Further, gold and silver medal winners in any format of the National Games and Senior National Championships will be eligible for appointment in Pay Level-06 (Grade Pay ₹4,200).Welcoming the decision, Sports Minister Shreyasi Singh said that the Government of Bihar remains committed to the welfare, empowerment, and long-term security of sportspersons. She added that creating a transparent and rewarding pathway for outstanding athletes to enter government service has been one of the key priorities of the Sports Department.“Athletes from Bihar have consistently demonstrated their talent and excellence on national and international platforms. Through this amended policy, we are ensuring that outstanding sportspersons receive due recognition and reward for their hard work, dedication, and achievements. I am confident that this decision will not only motivate our existing athletes to strive for greater success but will also inspire lakhs of young people across Bihar to consider sports as a viable and rewarding career option,” Ms. Singh said. She asserted stated that the state government has been continuously working to strengthen sports infrastructure, improve training facilities, and enhance athlete welfare. The approval of these amended rules is another significant step in that direction, Ms. Singh added. “The revised provisions are expected to make government employment more accessible to deserving sportspersons and further promote a vibrant sporting culture in Bihar,”Mr. Singh said.Bihar Cabinet also gave its nod to the ‘Chief Minister Bihar Heli-Tourism and Air Tourism Service Scheme 2026’ to facilitate travel to tourist destinations in the state. Under this scheme, government helicopters will be used to visit tourist places by booking it on rent. Approval has been granted for helicopter operations every Saturday and Sunday to offer aerial views of Patna’s skyline at the cost of ₹2,100.A total of 29 decisions were taken at the cabinet meeting chaired by Bihar CM. Published - June 18, 2026 03:38 am IST