Government and Administration in Bihar

Administration in Bihar

Bihar, one of the oldest inhabited regions in India, has undergone several administrative changes over the centuries, influenced by historical events, political changes, and administrative reforms. The state, which is rich in cultural heritage and historical significance, has seen its administrative structure evolve from ancient times to the present. The administration in Bihar has evolved significantly from its colonial past under the Bengal Presidency to becoming an independent state after 1936 and further being reorganized in 2000 with the creation of Jharkhand.

🔹 Ancient and Medieval Period

Vedic and Mahajanapada Era (c. 1500 BCE – 322 BCE)
- Bihar was home to important Mahajanapadas (great kingdoms) such as Magadha, Anga, and Videha.
- The Magadha Empire, with its capital at Rajgir (later shifted to Pataliputra, modern-day Patna), played a significant role in Indian history.
- Administration was mostly monarchical, with kings advised by councils.
Maurya and Gupta Empires (322 BCE – 550 CE)
- Under Chandragupta Maurya (322–298 BCE) and his advisor Kautilya (Chanakya), a well-organized administrative system was developed.
- The empire was divided into provinces, districts, and villages for efficient governance.
- The Gupta Empire (4th-6th century CE), often called the “Golden Age of India,” continued the Mauryan administrative model.
Medieval Period (1200 CE – 1757 CE)
- Bihar came under the rule of the Delhi Sultanate (1206–1526) and later the Mughal Empire (1526–1757).
- The Mughals introduced subas (provinces), and Bihar became a part of the Bengal Subah under Emperor Akbar.
- The Mughal administration was based on the mansabdari system, which divided the empire into jagirs (land grants) governed by military officials.

🔹 Colonial Period: Part of the Bengal Presidency (Before 1912)

Before 1905, Bihar was a part of the British East India Company’s Bengal Presidency, which included present-day Bihar, Jharkhand, Odisha, and West Bengal. The Bengal Presidency was one of the largest administrative regions of British India.

British Rule and the Bengal Presidency (1765–1912)
- After the Battle of Buxar (1764), Bihar came under British control and was governed as part of the Bengal Presidency.
- The British established districts with Collectors, who were responsible for revenue collection and law enforcement.
Partition of Bengal (1905) and Impact on Bihar
- In 1905, the Bengal Presidency was divided into two new provinces:
  - East Bengal and Assam
  - West Bengal (including Bihar and Odisha)
- This partition was aimed at administrative convenience but faced strong opposition.

🔸 Creation of Bihar and Orissa Province (1912)

On 22 March 1912, the British government separated Bihar and Orissa from Bengal Presidency, forming the Bihar and Orissa Province under British rule, with its capital at Patna.
Divisions of Bihar and Orissa Province (1912-1936)
- The new province was organized into five divisions:
  1. Bhagalpur Division – Bhagalpur, Munger (Monghyr), Purnea, and Santhal Parganas
  2. Patna Division – Gaya, Patna, and Shahabad
  3. Tirhut Division – Champaran, Darbhanga, Muzaffarpur, and Saran
  4. Chota Nagpur Division – Hazaribagh, Manbhum, Palamau, Ranchi, and Singhbhum
  5. Orissa Division – Angul, Balasore, Cuttack, Puri, and Sambalpur

🔸 Separation of Bihar and Odisha (1936)

On 1 April 1936, Bihar and Orissa Province was further divided into two separate provinces:
- Bihar Province (which included present-day Bihar and Jharkhand)
- Orissa Province (now Odisha)

🔹 Post-Independence: Formation of Bihar (1947 – 2000)

After India gained independence in 1947, Bihar was reorganized multiple times:
- In 1951, Bihar (including Jharkhand) had 18 divisions and 55 districts.
- Over time, the number of districts increased due to administrative convenience.
Division of Bihar and Jharkhand (2000)
- On 15 November 2000, the state of Jharkhand was carved out of Bihar, forming a new state.
- After this separation, Bihar was left with 38 districts, while Jharkhand got 24 districts.

🔹 Present Administrative Structure of Bihar

Bihar’s governance structure is divided into multiple levels:

🔸 Divisions and Districts:

Bihar is divided into:
- 9 Divisions (Pramandal – प्रमंडल)
- 38 Districts (Zila – जिला)
- 101 Sub-divisions (Anumandal – अनुमंडल)
- 534 Blocks & Circles (मंडल और अंचल)
- 8,213 Panchayats (पंचायतों)
- 45,973 Villages (ग्राम/गांवों)
The administrative headquarters of Bihar is Patna, the state capital.

➡️ Current Administrative Divisions, Districts, Subdivisions & Circles of Bihar

Sl. No.	Division	Divisional Headquarter	District	District Headquarter	Subdivisions	Blocks/Circles
1	Patna Division	Patna	Patna district	Patna Town	Patna Sadar Patna City Barh Masaurhi Danapur Paliganj	Patna Sadar, Sampatchak, Phulwari Sharif Fatuha, Daniyawaan, Khusrupur Athmalgola, Mokama, Belchi, Ghoswari, Pandarak, Bakhtiyarpur, Barh Masaurhi, Punpun, Dhanarua Danapur, Maner, Bihta, Naubatpur Paliganj, Dulhin Bazar, Bikram
			Bhojpur district	Arrah Town	Ara Sadar Jagdishpur Piro	Arrah, Agiaon, Barhara, Koilwar, Udwantnagar, Sandesh, Sahar, Garhani Jagdishpur, Bihiya, Shahpur Piro, Charpokhari, Tarari
			Nalanda district	Bihar Sharif Town	Bihar Sharif Rajgir Hilsa	Biharsharif, Asthawan, Bind, Harnaut, Nursarai, Rahui, Sarmera Rajgir, Giriyak, Katrisarai, Silao, Ben Hilsa, Islampur, Ekangarsarai, Chandi, Karaiparsurai, Nagarnausa, Parwalpur, Tharthari
			Kaimur district	Bhabua Town	Bhabua Mohania	Adhaura, Bhabua, Bhagwanpur, Chainpur, Chand, Rampur Durgawati, Kudra, Mohania, Nuaon, Ramgarh
			Rohtas district	Sasaram Town	Sasaram Bikramganj Dehri	Sasaram, Shivsagar, Chenari, Kargahar, Kochas, Nokha Bikramganj, Karakat, Nasriganj, Dawath, Rajpur, Sanjhauli, Suryapura, Dinara Dehri, Akodhigola, Nauhatta, Rohtas, Tilouthu
			Buxar district	Buxar Town	Buxar Dumraon	Buxar, Itarhi, Chausa, Rajpur Dumraon, Nawanagar, Brahmapur, Kesath, Chakki, Chaugain, Simri
2	Tirhut Division	Muzaffarpur	Muzaffarpur district	Muzaffarpur Town	East Muzaffarpur West Muzaffarpur	Aurai, Bandra, Bochahan, Gaighat, Katra, Minapur, Muraul, Mushahari, Sakra Kanti, Kurhani, Marwan, Paroo, Sahebganj, Motipur, Saraiya
			East Champaran district	Motihari Town	Areraj Chakia Motihari Pakaridayal Raxaul Sikarahana	Areraj, Sangrampur, Harsidhi, Paharpur Chakia, Mehsi, Kesaria, Kalyanpur Motihari, Banjaria, Piprakothi, Kotowa, Sugauli, Turkaulia Madhuban, Tetaria, Patahi, Phenhara, Pakaridayal Raxaul, Ramgarhwa, Adapur, Chauradano Bankatwa, Chiraiya, Ghorasahan, Dhaka
			West Champaran district	Bettiah Town	Bettiah Bagaha Narkatiaganj	Bettiah, Bairia, Chanpatia, Jogapatti, Lauriya, Majhaulia, Nautan, Sikta, Thakraha Bagaha-I and Bagaha-II Narkatiaganj, Madhubani, Mainatanr, Ramnagar, Gaunaha, Sidhaw, Piprasi, Bhitaha
			Sheohar district	Sheohar Town	Sheohar	Sheohar, Tariyani, Piprahi, Dumri-katsari, Purnahiya
			Sitamarhi district	Dumra Town	Sitamarhi Sadar Belsand Pupri	Bairgania, Bathnaha, Dumra, Majorganj, Parihar, Riga, Runni, Saidpur, Sonbarsa, Suppi Belsand, Parsauni Sursand, Nanpur, Pupri, Bajpatti, Bokhara, Charaut
			Vaishali district	Hajipur Town	Hajipur Mahnar Mahua	Hajipur, Bidupur, Desri, Raghopur, Sahdei, Buzurg, Rajapakar, Paterhi, Belsar, Goraul, Vaishali, Bhagwanpur, Chehra, Kalan Mahnar, Jandaha, Patepur Mahua and Lalganj
3	Saran Division	Chapra	Saran district	Chapra Town	Chhapra Marhaura Sonpur	Chapra Sadar, Baniapur, Lahladpur, Ekma, Manjhi, Jalalpur, Ravilganj, Nagara, Maker Marhaura, Mashrakh, Panapur, Taraiya, Ishuapur, Amnour Sonepur, Parsa, Garkha, Dariyapur, Dighwara
			Siwan district	Siwan Town	Siwan Sadar Maharajganj	Siwan Sadar, Mairwa, Darauli, Guthani, Hussainganj, Andar, Raghunathpur, Siswan, Barharia, Pachrukhi, HasanPura, Nautan, Ziradei Basantpur, Bhagwanpur, Lakri Nabiganj, Goreakothi, Maharajganj, Duraondha
			Gopalganj district	Gopalganj Town	Gopalganj Hathua	Baikunthpur, Barauli, Gopalganj, Kuchaikote, Manjha, Thawe, Sidhwaliya, Bhorey Hathua, Kateya, Panchdewari, Phulwariya, Uchkagaon, Vijayipur
4	Darbhanga Division	Darbhanga	Darbhanga district	Darbhanga Town	Benipur Darbhanga Sadar Biraul	Benipur, Alinagar Darbhanga Sadar, Bahadurpur, Singhwara, Keoti, Jale, Manigachhi, Tardih, Baheri, Hayaghat, Hanuman Nagar Biraul, Gaura Bauram, Kiratpur, Ghanshyampur, Kusheshwar Asthan, Kusheshwar Asthan East
			Madhubani district	Madhubani Town	Madhubani Sadar Benipatti Jhanjarpur Phulparas Jainagar	Madhubani, Pandaul, Rajnagar, Kaluahi, Rahika Benipatti, Bisfi, Harlakhi, Madhwapur, Basopatti, Ladania Jhanjarpur, Andhratharhi, Lakhnaur, Madhepur, Ghoghardiha Phulparas, Laukahi, Khutauna Jainagar, Khajauli, Babubarhi
			Samastipur district	Samastipur Town	Samastipur Rosera Dalsinghsarai Patori	Samastipur, Tajpur, Morwa, Khanpur, Kalyanpur, Sarairanjan, Pusa, Warisnagar Rosera, Hasanpur, Bithan, Shivajinagar, Singhiya, Bibhutipur Dalsinghsarai, Ujiyarpur, Vidyapatinagar Patori, Mohanpur, Mohiuddinagar
5	Kosi Division	Saharsa	Saharsa district	Saharsa Town	Saharsa Simri-Bakhtiyarpur	Nauhatta, Sattar, Kataiya, Mahishi, Kahara, Sour Bazar, Patarghat, Sonbarsa Simri-Bakhtiyarpur, Salkhua, Banma Itahri
			Madhepura district	Madhepura Town	Madhepura Udakishunganj	Madhepura, Singheshwar, Murliganj, Gamharia, Ghailarh, Kumarkhand, Shankarpur Chausa, Puraini, Udakishunganj, Gwalpara, Bihariganj, Alamnagar
			Supaul district	Supaul Town	Supaul Sadar Birpur Triveniganj Nirmali	Supaul, Kishanpur, Saraigarh-Bhaptiyahi, Pipra Basantpur, Raghopur, Pratapganj Triveniganj, Chhatapur Nirmali, Marauna
6	Purnia Division	Purnia	Purnia district	Purnia Town	Purnea Sadar Banmankhi Baisi Dhamdaha	Purnea East, Jalalgarh, Kasba, Krityanand Nagar, Srinagar Banmankhi Amaur, Baisa, Baisi, Dagarua Dhamdaha, Rupauli, Bhawanipur, Barhara
			Araria district	Araria Town	Araria Forbesganj	Araria, Jokihat, Kursakanta, Raniganj, Sikti, Palasi Forbesganj, Narpatganj, Bhargama
			Katihar district	Katihar Town	Katihar Barsoi Manihari	Katihar, Dandkhora, Hasanganj, Korha, Sameli, Falka, Kursela, Barari, Mansahi and Pranpur Barsoi, Balrampur, Azamnagar and Kadwa Manihari and Amdabad
			Kishanganj district	Kishanganj Town	Kishanganj	Bahadurganj, Dighalbank, Kishanganj, Kochadhaman, Pothia, Terhagachha, Thakurganj
7	Bhagalpur Division	Bhagalpur	Bhagalpur district	Bhagalpur Town	Bhagalpur Sadar Kahalgaon Naugachia	Goradih, Jagdishpur, Nathnagar, Sabour, Shahkund, Sultanganj Kahalgaon, Pirpainty, Sanhaula Bihpur, Gopalpur, Ismailpur, Kharik, Narayanpur, Naugachhiya, Rangrachowk
			Banka district	Banka Town	Banka	Banka, Amarpur, Shambhuganj, Belhar, Fullidumar, Katoria, Chandan, Baunsi, Barahat, Dhoraiya, Rajoun
8	Munger Division	Munger	Munger district	Munger Town	Munger Sadar Haveli Kharagpur Tarapur	Sadar, Jamalpur, Bariarpur, Dharhara Haveli Kharagpur, Tetiyabambar Tarapur, Sangrampur, Asarganj
			Begusarai district	Begusarai Town	Begusarai Manjhaul Teghra Balia Bakhari (SC)	Begusarai, Barauni, Birpur, Matihani, Samho Akha Kurha Cheriabariyarpur, Chhorahi, Khodawandpur Teghra, Bachhwara, Bhagwanpur, Mansurchak Balia, Dandari, Sahebpur Kamal Bakhari, Garhpura, Naokothi
			Jamui district	Jamui Town	Jamui Sadar	Jamui, Sikandra, Khaira, Chakai, Sono, Laxmipur, Jhajha, Barhat, Gidhour, Islamnagar Aliganj
			Khagaria district	Khagaria Town	Khagaria Gogri	Alauli, Khagaria, Chautham, Mansi Gogri, Beldaur, Parbatta
			Lakhisarai district	Lakhisarai Town	Lakhisarai	Lakhisarai, Surajgarha, Barahiya, Halsi, Pipariya, Ramgarh Chowk, Chanan
			Sheikhpura district	Sheikhpura Town	Sheikhpura	Sheikhpura, Ghatkusumbha, Chewara, Barbigha, Sheikhopur Sarai, Ariyari
9	Magadh Division	Gaya	Gaya district	Gaya Town	Gaya Sadar Sherghati Tekari Neemchak Bathani	Sadar Gaya, Belaganj, Wazirganj, Manpur, Bodh Gaya, Tankuppa, Fatehpur Konch, Tekari, Guraru, Paraiya Khizarsarai, Atri, Bhatani, Muhra Gurua, Amas, Banke Bazar, Imamganj, Dumaria, Sherghati, Dobhi, Mohanpur, Barachatti
			Arwal district	Arwal Town	Arwal Sadar	Arwal, Karpi, Kaler, Kurtha, Suryapur Vanshi
			Aurangabad district	Aurangabad Town	Aurangabad Sadar Daudnagar	Aurangabad, Barun, Navinagar, Kutumba, Madanpur, Deo, Rafiganj Daudnagar, Obra, Goh, Haspura
			Jehanabad district	Jehanabad Town	Jehanabad Sadar	Jehanabad, Makhdumpur, Ghosi, Hulasganj, Ratni Faridpur, Modanganj, Kako
			Nawada district	Nawada Town	Nawada Rajaulia	Hisua, Warisaliganj, Kawakol, Nawada, Nardiganj, Kashichak, Pakari Barawan Akbarpur, Narhat, Meskaur, Sirdala, Rajauli, Govindpur, Roh

🔸 Urban Local Governance in Bihar:

Bihar has one of the lowest urbanization rates in India. According to Census 2011, only 11.3% of Bihar’s population resides in urban areas, compared to the national urbanization rate of 31.16%.

Municipal Bodies:

Types of Urban Local Bodies (ULBs):
- The state has three types of urban local bodies based on population and economic activities, as defined under the Bihar Municipal Act, 2007:
  1. Municipal Corporations (Nagar Nigam – नगर निगम) – 19
    - Larger urban area: 2 lakh or more
  2. Municipal Councils (Nagar Parishad – नगर परिषद) – 88
    - Medium urban area: 40 thousand or more but less than 2 lakh
  3. Nagar Panchayats (Town Councils – नगर पंचायत) – 154
    - Small urban area: 12 thousand and more but less than 40 thousand
- A minimum of 75% of the people living in each of the three categories of urban areas must be employed in non-agricultural jobs.
Challenges in Urban Administration:
- According to a 2017 report by the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) of India, ULBs in Bihar perform only 12 out of 18 municipal functions while the remaining 6 functions are controlled by state government departments.
- The Fifth Bihar State Finance Commission Report stated that municipal bodies in Bihar lack sufficient funds for carrying out their responsibilities effectively.

➡️ Number of councillors/wards prescribed under the Bihar Municipal Act, 2007, based on population size:

Sl. No.	Type of Local Government	Type	Population Size	Minimum Wards	Maximum Wards
1	Nagar Panchayat (NP)	Small Town	12,000 – 40,000	10	25
2	Municipal Council (MC)	Town	40,000 – 2,00,000	25	45
3	Municipal Corporation (MCorp)	City	Above 2,00,000	45	75

➡️ Minimum and Maximum Number of Councillors/Wards in Bihar (As per Bihar Municipal Act, 2007):

Sl. No.	Local Government Type	Population Range	Minimum Councillors	Incremental Number	Maximum Councillors
1	Municipal Corporations	Above 10 lakh	67	1 additional councillor for every 75,000 above 10 lakh	75
		Above 5 lakh to 10 lakh	57	1 additional councillor for every 50,000 above 5 lakh	67
		Above 2 lakh to 5 lakh	45	1 additional councillor for every 25,000 above 2 lakh	57
2	Municipal Council	Class ‘A’ (Above 1.5 lakh)	42	1 additional councillor for every 15,000 above 1.5 lakh	45
		Class ‘B’ (Above 1 lakh)	37	1 additional councillor for every 10,000 above 1 lakh	42
		Class ‘C’ (Above 40,000)	25	1 additional councillor for every 5,000 above 40,000	37
3	Nagar Panchayat	12,000 – 40,000	10	1 additional member for every 2,000 above 12,000	25

➡️ Key Positions & Committees in Bihar Municipal Act, 2007 for Urban Local Bodies (ULBs):

Sl. No.	Category	Key Positions / Committees	Roles & Responsibilities
1	Elected Representatives	Mayor (Municipal Corporation)	Head of the Corporation; Presides over meetings; Represents the city.
		Deputy Mayor	Assists the Mayor; Acts as Mayor in their absence.
		Chairperson (Municipal Council)	Head of Municipal Councils; Oversees urban governance.
		Vice-Chairperson	Assists the Chairperson in administrative duties.
		Councillor, Chief Councillor, Deputy Chief Councillor	Represent the citizens; Oversee municipal governance.
2	Administrative Officials	Municipal Commissioner	Chief Executive of the Corporation; Implements policies and schemes.
		Controller of Municipal Finances & Accounts	Manages municipal funds, audits, and financial planning.
		Municipal Internal Auditor	Ensures financial transparency and compliance.
		Chief Municipal Engineer	Oversees infrastructure projects and urban planning.
		Municipal Architect and Town Planner	Plans city development, zoning, and land use.
		Chief Municipal Health Officer	Supervises public health services, sanitation, and hospitals.
		Municipal Law Officer	Provides legal guidance and ensures compliance with regulations.
		Municipal Secretary	Manages municipal records, proceedings, and administration.
		Additional Municipal Commissioners	Assist in various administrative and operational functions.
		Joint Municipal Commissioners / Deputy Municipal Commissioners / Deputy Chief Municipal Engineers	Appointed based on the Empowered Standing Committee’s determination.
3	Standing Committees	Empowered Standing Committee	Oversees decision-making for administrative and financial matters.
		Joint Committee	Handles coordination between various departments and authorities.
		Municipal Accounts Committee	Manages municipal finance, budgets, and expenditures.
		Subject Committee	Focuses on specialized areas like education, transport, or public health.
		Ward Committee	Represents local wards and addresses community concerns.
		Public Works Committee	Oversees roads, drainage, and construction projects.
		Health & Sanitation Committee	Manages waste disposal, sanitation, and hygiene.
		Water Supply & Sewerage Committee	Ensures efficient water distribution and sewerage management.
		Education & Social Welfare Committee	Manages municipal schools and welfare programs.
		Planning & Development Committee	Focuses on urban development, housing, and zoning policies.

➡️ List of Municipalities in Bihar

Sr. No.	Districts	Municipal Corporations	Municipal Councils	Nagar Panchayat	Gram Panchayat	Villages
1	Patna	Patna	Barh, Danapur, Khagaul, Masaurhi, Mokama, Phulwari	Bakhtiyapur, Fatuha, Khusrupur, Maner, Naubatpur, Vikram	322	1395
2	Bhojpur	Arrah	—–	Piro, Koilwar, Jagdishpur, Shahpur, Bihiya	226	1206
3	Nalanda	Biharsharif	Hilsa	Chandi, Giriyak, Islampur, Rahui, Asthawan, Ekangarsarai, Harnaut, Parbalpur, Rajgir, Sarmera, Silao, Hilsa	231	1084
4	Kaimur	—–	Bhabua	Hata, Kudra, Ramgarh, Mohania	146	1700
5	Rohtas	Sasaram	Bikramganj, Dehri, Nokha	Chenari, Dinara, Karakat, Koath, Kochas, Nasriganj, Rohtas	226	2072
6	Buxar	—–	Buxar, Dumraon	Brahampur, Chausa	142	1142
7	Muzaffarpur	Muzaffarpur	Kanti, Motipur, Sahebganj	Sakra, Minapur, Baruraj, Madhopur Susta, Turki, Muraul, Saraiya	373	1811
8	East Champaran	—–	Motihari, Raxaul	Areraj Nagar, Dhaka, Chakiya, Kesariya, Mehsi, Pakaridayal, Sugauli	405	1344
9	West Champaran	Bettiah	Ramnagar, Narkatiaganj, Bagaha	Chanpatia, Lauriya, Machhargawan	315	1483
10	Sheohar	—–	Sheohar	—–	53	203
11	Sitamarhi	—–	Sitamarhi	Bairginiya, Belsand, Dumra, Janakpur	253	845
12	Vaishali	—–	Hajipur	Mahnar, Lalganj	290	1569
13	Saran	Chhapra	—–	Dighwara, Manjhi, Mashrakh, Rivilganj, Sonpur, Parsa Bazar, Ekma, Kopa, Marhaura	310	1807
14	Siwan	—–	Siwan	Maharajganj, Mairwa, Andar, Barharia, Basantpur, Gopalpur, Guthani, Hasanpura	293	1530
15	Gopalganj	—–	Gopalganj	Barauli, Kateya, Mirganj	234	1566
16	Darbhanga	Darbhanga	Benipur	—–	324	1314
17	Madhubani	Madhubani	Jhanjarpur	Ghoghardiha, Jainagar, Benipatti, Phulparas	399	1115
18	Samastipur	Samastipur	Rosera, Dalsinghsarai, Tajpur, Shahpur Patori	Musrigharari, Sarairanjan, Singhiya	346	1260
19	Saharsa	—–	Saharsa	Simri Bakhtiyarpur	135	445
20	Madhepur	—–	Madhepura	Murliganj	170	449
21	Supaul	—–	Supaul	Birpur, Nirmali	181	556
22	Purnia	Purnia	—–	Banmankhi, Kasba Nagar	246	1450
23	Araria	—–	Araria, Forbesganj	Jogbani	218	751
24	Katihar	Katihar	—–	Manihari	238	1547
25	Kishanganj	—–	Kishanganj	Bahadurganj, Thakurganj	125	802
26	Bhagalpur	Bhagalpur	Sultanganj	Naugachia, Kahalgaon	242	1515
27	Banka	—–	Banka	Amarpur, Bounsi, Katoria	185	2111
28	Munger	Munger	Jamalpur	Kharagpur	101	923
29	Begusarai	Begusarai	Bihat	Bakhri, Balia, Teghra	217	1229
30	Jamui	—–	Jamui	Jhajha	161	1528
31	Khagaria	—–	Khagaria	Gogri	113	306
32	Lakhisarai	—–	Lakhisarai	Barahiya	76	479
33	Sheikhpura	—–	Sheikhpura	Barbigha	55	314
34	Gaya	Gaya	—–	Bodhgaya, Sherghati, Tekari	320	2886
35	Arwal	—–	Arwal	—–	65	335
36	Aurangabad	Aurangabad, Daudnagar	—–	Barun, Nabinagar, Rafiganj, Deo	202	1884
37	Jehanabad	—–	Jehanabad	Makhdumpur	93	918
38	Nawada	—–	Nawada	Hisua, Rajauli, Warisaliganj	182	1099
Total	38	18	49	120	8,213	45,973

Ward Committees in Bihar:

The Bihar Municipal Act, 2007 mandates the establishment of Ward Committees through the Bihar Urban Local Body (Community Participation) Rules, 2013. These committees aim to enhance grassroots governance and public participation in urban administration.

Legal Provisions for Ward Committees:

Mandate Under Bihar Municipal Act, 2007
- Section 31 of the Bihar Municipal Act, 2007 explicitly mandates the formation of Ward Committees in each municipal ward.
- The main objective is to decentralize governance and involve local communities in decision-making.
Composition of Ward Committees
- Each Ward Committee consists of:
  - Elected Councillor – Serves as the Chairperson of the Ward Committee.
  - Up to 10 Civil Society Representatives – Nominated by the Urban Local Body (ULB) from within the ward.
    - These representatives can include residents, NGOs, local experts, and professionals.
Objectives and Functions
- Ward Committees are intended to:
  - Improve local governance by addressing ward-level issues.
  - Enhance public participation in urban planning and service delivery.
  - Facilitate better coordination between residents and municipal authorities.
  - Ensure efficient use of local resources for urban development.

Challenges and Non-Implementation:

Non-Formation in Bihar – Despite the legal requirement, Ward Committees have not been formed in Bihar.
Lack of Political Will – The absence of enforcement mechanisms has led to a delay in implementation.
Weak Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) – Many ULBs in Bihar struggle with financial and administrative inefficiencies.
Low Awareness and Public Engagement – Many citizens are unaware of their rights and the benefits of Ward Committees.

While Ward Committees are legally mandated, they remain non-functional in Bihar. Proper enforcement, increased public awareness, and administrative reforms are necessary to activate these committees and improve local governance and community participation in urban areas.

Government of Bihar: Structure, Function and Judiciary

The Government of Bihar is responsible for the administration and governance of the Indian state of Bihar. Like other states in India, the government consists of three main branches:

Executive –
- Led by the head of state, Governor of Bihar, appointed by the President of India on the advice of the central government. The head of state is largely ceremonial.
- The Chief Minister of Bihar is the head of government and is vested with most of the executive powers.
Legislative –
- A bicameral legislature, consisting of two legislative houses— the Bihar Vidhan Sabha (Legislative Assembly) and the Bihar Vidhan Parishad (Legislative Council).
- Their normal term is five years, unless dissolved earlier.
Judiciary – The Patna High Court holds jurisdiction over the entire state.

Patna, the capital of Bihar, serves as the administrative headquarters of all major government departments and institutions.

1. Executive Branch

🔹 Governor of Bihar

The Governor is the constitutional head of the state and is appointed by the President of India. The role of the Governor is largely ceremonial, with real executive authority vested in the Chief Minister and the Council of Ministers.

Powers and Responsibilities of the Governor:
- The Governor appoints the Chief Minister, other ministers, the Advocate General, and members of the State Public Service Commission.
- Has the power to summon, prorogue, and dissolve the State Legislature.
- Acts as the Chancellor of all state universities (currently 12 in Bihar).
- Can recommend President’s Rule in case of constitutional failure in the state.

🔹 Chief Minister of Bihar

The Chief Minister (CM) is the head of government and is elected by the members of the Bihar Legislative Assembly. The Governor invites the party (or coalition) with a majority of seats to form the government.

Roles and Responsibilities of the Chief Minister:
- Leads the executive branch and is responsible for the day-to-day administration of the state.
- Advises the Governor on the appointment of ministers.
- Oversees the formulation and implementation of policies.
- Represents Bihar in meetings with the central government.
Historical Context:
- The first Cabinet of Bihar was formed in 1946, with Dr. Sri Krishna Sinha as Bihar’s first Chief Minister and Dr. Anugrah Narayan Sinha as Deputy Chief Minister & Finance Minister.
- Since 1946, 23 individuals have held the office of Chief Minister.
- The longest-serving Chief Minister was Sri Krishna Sinha (INC).
- The current Chief Minister is Nitish Kumar, serving since 22 February 2015.

🔹 Deputy Chief Minister

The position of Deputy Chief Minister is not mentioned in the Constitution but is often used to maintain political stability within the ruling coalition. Bihar has frequently had Deputy Chief Ministers, mainly for political balancing within alliances.

Functions of the Deputy CM:
- Assists the Chief Minister in governance.
- May preside over Cabinet meetings in the CM’s absence.
- Helps in coordinating between departments.

🔹 Council of Ministers

The Governor appoints the Council of Ministers on the advice of the Chief Minister. The Council of Ministers assists the Chief Minister in the administration and governance of the state. The Chief Secretary (the highest bureaucrat in the state) assists the CM in coordinating the administration. The secretariat, headed by the Secretary to the Governor, also plays a crucial role in the government’s daily functions. The Council of Ministers are categorized as:

Cabinet Ministers – Handle major departments like Finance, Health, Education, etc.
Ministers of State – Assist cabinet ministers in governance.
Deputy Ministers – Handle specific tasks within ministries.

🔸 List of Ministries in Bihar with Roles & Responsibilities:

S. No.	Ministry	Roles & Responsibilities
1.	Home & General Administration	Oversees government functioning, personnel management, and administrative reforms.
2.	Cabinet Secretariat	Assists the Chief Minister in decision-making and coordinates between ministries.
3.	Vigilance	Monitors corruption cases, ensures transparency, and investigates misconduct in government offices.
4.	Election	Conducts free and fair elections in Bihar under the supervision of the Election Commission.
5.	Other Departments Not Allocated to Any Minister	Handles unassigned government functions and special matters.
6.	Finance	Manages state budget, revenue generation, taxation, and expenditure policies.
7.	Commercial Taxes	Regulates state tax collection, including GST, VAT, and other commercial levies.
8.	Road Construction	Develops and maintains highways, roads, and bridges across the state.
9.	Mines & Geology	Oversees mineral exploration, mining leases, and geological surveys.
10.	Art, Culture & Youth	Promotes art, heritage conservation, cultural activities, and youth programs.
11.	Water Resources	Manages irrigation projects, flood control, and water conservation initiatives.
12.	Parliamentary Affairs	Coordinates legislative business, including assembly sessions and law-making processes.
13.	Energy	Develops and regulates power generation, distribution, and renewable energy projects.
14.	Planning & Development	Formulates state policies, economic planning, and growth strategies.
15.	Co-operative	Strengthens cooperative societies, self-help groups, and rural credit institutions.
16.	Environment & Forest	Implements environmental protection laws, afforestation, and wildlife conservation.
17.	Rural Development	Implements poverty alleviation programs and rural employment schemes.
18.	Information Technology	Develops IT infrastructure, e-governance, and digital services in the state.
19.	Minor Water Resources	Manages small-scale irrigation projects and groundwater conservation.
20.	Disaster Management	Handles disaster preparedness, relief, and rehabilitation efforts.
21.	Science & Technology	Promotes research, innovation, and technological advancements.
22.	Animal and Fisheries Resources	Oversees livestock farming, dairy development, and fisheries promotion.
23.	Health	Manages public healthcare, hospitals, and medical welfare schemes.
24.	Agriculture	Supports farmers with subsidies, irrigation, crop insurance, and modern techniques.
25.	Public Health Engineering	Develops water supply and sanitation infrastructure in rural and urban areas.
26.	Industries	Promotes industrial growth, MSMEs, and investment in Bihar.
27.	Tourism	Develops tourism infrastructure and promotes heritage and cultural tourism.
28.	Urban Development & Housing	Plans and executes urban infrastructure, smart cities, and housing projects.
29.	Law	Administers the judiciary, legal reforms, and government litigation.
30.	Revenue & Land Reforms	Manages land records, property registration, and land reforms.
31.	SC & ST Welfare	Implements welfare schemes for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes.
32.	BC & EBC Welfare	Promotes social upliftment programs for Backward and Extremely Backward Classes.
33.	Sugarcane Industries	Supports sugarcane farming and regulates sugar mills.
34.	Panchayati Raj	Strengthens local governance through Panchayats and Gram Sabhas.
35.	Sports	Promotes sports development, training facilities, and infrastructure.
36.	Labour Resources	Regulates labor laws, employment generation, and workers’ welfare.
37.	Rural Works	Constructs rural roads, bridges, and other rural infrastructure.
38.	Food & Consumer Protection	Ensures food security, regulates consumer rights, and controls essential commodities.
39.	Social Welfare	Implements schemes for women, children, differently-abled, and elderly.
40.	Information & Public Relations	Handles media relations, government publicity, and public awareness campaigns.
41.	Transport	Regulates public transport, road safety, and vehicular laws.
42.	Education	Manages schools, colleges, literacy programs, and higher education.
43.	Building Construction	Oversees government building projects and public infrastructure.
44.	Minority Welfare	Implements schemes for the socio-economic upliftment of minority communities.
45.	Excise & Prohibition	Regulates liquor laws, taxation, and prohibition policies.

🔹 Parliamentary Constituencies in Bihar

The Lok Sabha, the Lower House of the Parliament of India, is made up of Members of Parliament (MPs). Each member of parliament represents a single geographic constituency. There are currently 40 Parliamentary constituencies in in Bihar.

PC. No.	Lok Sabha constituencies	Established	Members of Parliament Elected	Vidhan Sabha constituencies
01	Valmiki Nagar	2008	2009: Baidyanath Prasad Mahto (JDU) 2014: Satish Chandra Dubey (BJP) 2019: Baidyanath Prasad Mahto (JDU) 2020: Sunil Kumar Kushwaha (JDU) 2024: Sunil Kumar Kushwaha (JDU)	01-Valmiki Nagar, 02-Ram Nagar, 03-Narkatiaganj, 04-Bagaha, 05-Lauriya, 09-Sikta
02	Paschim Champaran	2008	2009: Sanjay Jaiswal (BJP) 2014: Sanjay Jaiswal (BJP) 2019: Sanjay Jaiswal (BJP) 2024: Sanjay Jaiswal (BJP)	06-Nautan, 07-Chanpatia, 08-Bettiah, 10-Raxaul, 11-Sugauli, 12-Narkatiya
03	Purvi Champaran	2008	2009: Radha Mohan Singh (BJP) 2014: Radha Mohan Singh (BJP) 2019: Radha Mohan Singh (BJP) 2024: Radha Mohan Singh (BJP)	13-Harsidhi, 14-Govindganj, 15-Kesaria, 16-Kalyanpur, 17-Pipra, 19-Motihari
04	Sheohar	1977	1977: Thakur Girjanandan Singh (Janata Party) 1980, 1984: Ram Dulari Sinha (INC) 1989: Hari Kishore Singh (Indian People’s Front) 1991: Hari Kishore Singh (Janata Dal) 1996: Anand Mohan Singh (Samata Party) 1998: Anand Mohan Singh (RJP) 1999: Md Anwarul Haque (RJD) 2004: Sitaram Singh (RJD) 2009, 2014, 2019: Rama Devi (BJP) 2024: Lovely Anand (JDU)	18-Madhuban, 20-Chiraia, 21-Dhaka, 22-Sheohar, 23-Riga, 30-Belsand
05	Sitamarhi	1957	1957: J. B. Kripalani (Praja Socialist Party) 1962, 1967, 1971: Nagendra Prasad Yadav (INC) 1977: Shyam Sunder Das (Janata Party) 1980: Bali Ram Bhagat (INC – U) 1984: Ram Shreshth Khirhar (INC) 1989: Hukumdeo Narayan Yadav (Janata Dal) 1991, 1996: Nawal Kishore Rai (Janata Dal) 1998: Sitaram Yadav (RJD) 1999: Nawal Kishore Rai (JDU) 2004: Sitaram Yadav (RJD) 2009: Arjun Ray (JDU) 2014: Ram Kumar Sharma (RLSP) 2019: Sunil Kumar Pintu (JDU) 2024: Devesh Chandra Thakur (JDU)	24-Bathnaha (SC), 25-Parihar, 26-Sursand, 27- Bajpatti, 28-Sitamarhi, 29-Runnisaidpur
06	Madhubani	1957	1957: Shyam Nandan Mishra (INC) 1962: Yamuna Prasad Mandal (INC) 1967, 1971: Bhogendra Jha (CPI) 1977: Hukmdev Narayan Yadav (Janata Party) 1980: Shafiqullah Ansari (INC-I) 1980: Bhogendra Jha (CPI) 1984: Abdul Hannan Ansari (INC) 1989, 1991: Bhogendra Jha (CPI) 1996: Chaturanan Mishra (CPI) 1998: Shakeel Ahmad (INC) 1999: Hukmdev Narayan Yadav (BJP) 2004: Shakeel Ahmad (INC) 2009, 2014: Hukmdev Narayan Yadav (BJP) 2019, 2024: Ashok Kumar Yadav (BJP)	31-Harlakhi, 32-Benipatti, 35-Bisfi, 36-Madhubani, 86-Keoti, 87-Jale
07	Jhanjharpur	1971	1971: Jagannath Mishra (INC) 1977: Dhanik Lal Mandal (Janata Party) 1980: Dhanik Lal Mandal (Janata Party – Secular) 1984: Gauri Shankar Rajhans (INC) 1989, 1991, 1996: Devendra Prasad Yadav (Janata Dal) 1998: Surendra Prasad Yadav (RJD) 1999: Devendra Prasad Yadav (JDU) 2004: Devendra Prasad Yadav (RJD) 2009: Mangani Lal Mandal (JDU) 2014: Birendra Kumar Chaudhary (BJP) 2019, 2024: Ramprit Mandal (JDU)	33-Khajauli, 34-babubarhi, 37-Rajnagar, 38-Jhanjharpur, 39-Phulparas, 40-Laukaha
08	Supaul	2009	2009: Vishwa Mohan Kumar (JDU) 2014: Ranjeet Ranjan (INC) 2019, 2024: Dileshwar Kamait (JDU)	41-Nirmali, 42-Pipra, 43-Supaul, 44-Triveniganj (SC), 45-Chhatapur, 72-Singheshwar (SC)
09	Araria	1967	1967, 1971: Tulmohan Ram (INC) 1977: Mahendra Narayan Sardar (Janata Party) 1980: Dumar Lal Baitha (INC-I) 1984: Dumar Lal Baitha (INC) 1989, 1991, 1996: Sukdeo Paswan (Janata Dal) 1998: Ramjidas Rishidev (BJP) 1999: Sukdeo Paswan (RJD) 2004: Sukdeo Paswan (BJP) 2009: Pradeep Kumar Singh (BJP) 2014: Taslimuddin (RJD) 2018: Sarfaraz Alam (RJD) 2019, 2024: Pradeep Kumar Singh (BJP)	46-Narpatganj, 47-Raniganj, 48-Forbesganj, 49-Araria, 50-jokihat, 51-Sikti
10	Kishanganj	1957	1957, 1962: Mohammad Tahir (INC) 1967: Lakhan Lal Kapoor (Praja Socialist Party) 1971: Jamilur Rahman (INC) 1977: Halimuddin Ahmed (Janata Party) 1980: Jamilur Rahman (INC-I) 1984: Jamilur Rahman (INC) 1989: M. J. Akbar (INC) 1991: Syed Shahabuddin (Janata Dal) 1996: Taslimuddin (Janata Dal) 1998: Taslimuddin (RJD) 1999: Shahnawaz Hussain (BJP) 2004: Taslimuddin (RJD) 2009, 2014: Asrarul Haq Qasmi (INC) 2019, 2024: Mohammad Jawed (INC)	52-Bahadurganj, 53-Thakurganj, 54-Kishanganj, 55-Kochadhaman, 56-amour, 57-baisi
11	Katihar	1957	1957: Avadhesh Kumar Singh (INC) 1958: Bhola Nath Biswas (INC) 1962: Priya Gupta (Praja Socialist Party) 1967: Sitaram Kesri (INC) 1971: Gyaneshwar Prasad Yadav (Akhil Bharatiya Jana Sangh) 1977: Yuvraj (Janata Party) 1980: Tariq Anwar (INC-I) 1984: Tariq Anwar (INC) 1989: Yuvraj (Janata Dal) 1991: Yunus Saleem (Janata Dal) 1996, 1998: Tariq Anwar (INC) 1999, 2004, 2009: Nikhil Kumar Choudhary (BJP) 2014: Tariq Anwar (NCP) 2019: Dulal Chandra Goswami (JDU) 2024: Tariq Anwar (INC)	63-Katihar, 64-Kadva, 65-Balrampur, 66-Pranpur, 67-Manihari, 68-Barari
12	Purnia	1952	1952: Phani Gopal Sen Gupta (INC) 1952: Maneklal Madanlal Gandhi (INC) 1952: Benjaman Hansda (INC) 1952: Muhammad Islamuddin (INC) 1957, 1962, 1967: Phani Gopal Sen Gupta (INC) 1971: Mohammad Tahir (INC) 1977: Lakhan Lal Kapoor (Janata Party) 1980, 1984: Madhuri Singh (INC) 1989: Taslimuddin (Janata Dal) 1991: Pappu Yadav (Independent) 1996: Pappu Yadav (Samajwadi Party) 1998: Jai Krishna Mandal (BJP) 1999: Pappu Yadav (INC) 2004, 2009: Uday Singh (BJP) 2014, 2019: Santosh Kushwaha (JDU) 2024: Pappu Yadav (INC)	58-Kasba, 59-Banmankhi (SC), 60-Rupauli, 61-Dhamdaha, 62-Purnia, 69-Korha (SC)
13	Madhepura	1967	1967: B. P. Singh (Samyukta Socialist Party) 1968: B. P. Singh (Independent) 1971: Rajendra Prasad Yadav (INC) 1977: B. P. Mandal (Janata Party) 1980: Rajendra Prasad Yadav (INC-U) 1984: Mahabir Prasad Yadav (INC) 1989: Ramendra Kumar Yadav (Janata Dal) 1991, 1996: Sharad Yadav (Janata Dal) 1998: Lalu Prasad Yadav (RJD) 1999: Sharad Yadav (JDU) 2004: Lalu Prasad Yadav (RJD) 2004: Pappu Yadav (RJD) 2009: Sharad Yadav (JDU) 2014: Pappu Yadav (RJD) 2019, 2024: Dinesh Chandra Yadav (JDU)	70-Alamnagar, 71-Bihariganj, 73-Madhepura, 74-sonbarsha, 75-Saharsa, 77-Mahishi
14	Darbhanga	1952	1952: Abdul Jalil (Praja Socialist Party) 1957, 1962: Narayan Das (INC) 1967: Satya Narayan Sinha (INC) 1971: Binodanand Jha (INC) 1972: Lalit Narayan Mishra (INC) 1977: Surendra Jha ‘Suman’ (Janata Party) 1980: Hari Nath Mishra (INC-I) 1984: Vijay Kumar Mishra (Lokdal) 1989: Shakeelur Rehman (Janata Dal) 1991, 1996: Ali Ashraf Fatmi (Janata Dal) 1998: Ali Ashraf Fatmi (RJD) 1999: Kirti Azad (BJP) 2004: Ali Ashraf Fatmi (RJD) 2009, 2014: Kirti Azad (BJP) 2019, 2024: Gopal Jee Thakur (BJP)	79-Gaura Bauram, 80-Benipur, 81-Ali Nagar, 82-Darbhanga Rural, 83-Darbhanga, 85-Bahadurpur
15	Muzaffarpur	1957	1957: Shyam Nandan Sahay (INC) 1957: Asoka Mehta (Praja Socialist Party) 1962, 1967: Digvijay Narain Singh (INC) 1971: Nawal Kishore Sinha (INC) 1977: George Fernandes (Janata Party) 1980: George Fernandes (Janata Party – Secular) 1984: Laliteshwar Prasad Shahi (INC) 1989, 1991: George Fernandes (Janata Dal) 1996: Jai Narain Prasad Nishad (Janata Dal) 1998: Jai Narain Prasad Nishad (RJD) 1999: Jai Narain Prasad Nishad (JDU) 2004: George Fernandes (JDU) 2009: Jai Narain Prasad Nishad (JDU) 2014, 2019: Ajay Nishad (BJP) 2024: Raj Bhushan Choudhary (BJP)	88-Gaighat, 89-Aurai, 91-Bochaan, 92-Sakra, 93-Kurhani, 94-Muzaffarpur
16	Vaishali	1977	1977: Digvijay Narain Singh (Janata Party) 1980: Kishori Sinha (Janata Party) 1984: Kishori Sinha (INC) 1989: Usha Sinha (Janata Dal) 1991: Shiva Saran Singh (Janata Dal) 1994: Lovely Anand (Bihar People’s Party) 1996: Raghuvansh Prasad Singh (Janata Dal) 1998, 1999, 2004, 2009: Raghuvansh Prasad Singh (RJD) 2014: Rama Kishore Singh (Lok Janshakti Party) 2019: Veena Devi (Lok Janshakti Party) 2024: Veena Devi (Lok Janshakti Party – Ram Vilas)	90-Minapur, 95-Kanthi, 96-Baruraj, 97-Paroo, 98-Sahebganj, 125-Vaishali
17	Gopalganj (SC)	1952	1952, 1957: Syed Mahmud (INC) 1962, 1967, 1971: Dwarika Nath Tiwary (INC) 1977: Dwarika Nath Tiwary (Janata Party) 1980: Nagina Rai (INC-I) 1984: Kali Prasad Pandey (Independent) 1989: Raj Mangal Mishra (Janata Dal) 1991: Abdul Ghafoor (Janata Dal) 1996: Lal Babu Prasad Yadav (Janata Dal) 1998: Abdul Ghafoor (Samata Party) 1999: Raghunath Jha (Samata Party) 2004: Sadhu Yadav (RJD) 2009: Purnmasi Ram (JDU) 2014: Janak Ram (BJP) 2019, 2024: Alok Kumar Suman (JDU)	99-Baikunthpur, 100-Barauli, 101-Gopalganj, 102-Kuchaikote, 103-Bhore, 104-Hathua
18	Siwan	1956	1957: Jhulan Sinha (INC) 1962, 1967, 1971: Mohammad Yusuf (INC) 1977: Mrityunjay Prasad (Janata Party) 1980: Mohammad Yusuf (INC) 1984: Abdul Ghafoor (INC) 1989: Janardan Tiwari (BJP) 1991: Brishin Patel (Janata Dal) 1996: Mohammad Shahabuddin (Janata Dal) 1998, 1999, 2004: Mohammad Shahabuddin (RJD) 2009: Om Prakash Yadav (Independent) 2014: Om Prakash Yadav (BJP) 2019: Kavita Singh (JDU) 2024: Vijay Lakshmi Kushwaha (JDU)	105-Siwan, 106-Ziradei, 107-Darauli (SC), 108-Raghunathpur, 109-Daraunda, 110-barharia
19	Maharajganj	1957	1957: Mahendra Nath Singh (INC) 1962: Krishnakanta Singh (INC) 1967: Mrityunjay Prasad (INC) 1971: Ram Deo Singh (Samyukta Socialist Party) 1977: Ram Deo Singh (Janata Party) 1980: Krishan Pratap Singh (INC-I) 1984: Krishan Pratap Singh (INC) 1989: Chandra Shekhar (Janata Dal) 1989: Ram Bahadur Singh (Janata Dal) 1991: Girija Devi (Janata Dal) 1996: Ram Bahadur Singh (Samajwadi Janata Party) 1998: Prabhunath Singh (Samata Party) 1999, 2004: Prabhunath Singh (JDU) 2009: Uma Shankar Singh (RJD) 2013: Prabhunath Singh (RJD) 2014, 2019, 2024: Janardan Singh Sigriwal (BJP)	111-Goriakothi, 112-Maharajganj, 113-ekma, 114-Manjhi, 115-Baniapur, 116-Taraiya
20	Saran	2009	2009: Lalu Prasad Yadav (RJD) 2014: Rajiv Pratap Rudy (BJP) 2019: Rajiv Pratap Rudy (BJP) 2024: Rajiv Pratap Rudy (BJP)	117-Marhaura, 118-Chapra, 119-Garkha (SC), 120-Amnour, 121-Parsa, 122-Sonpur
21	Hajipur (SC)	1957	1957, 1962: Rajeshwara Patel (INC) 1967: Valmiki Choudhary (INC) 1971: Digvijay Narain Singh (INC-O) 1977: Ram Vilas Paswan (Janata Party) 1980: Ram Vilas Paswan (Janata Party – Secular) 1984: Ram Ratan Ram (INC) 1989: Ram Vilas Paswan (Janata Dal) 1991: Ram Sundar Das (Janata Dal) 1996, 1998: Ram Vilas Paswan (Janata Dal) 1999: Ram Vilas Paswan (JDU) 2004: Ram Vilas Paswan (LJP) 2009: Ram Sundar Das (JDU) 2014: Ram Vilas Paswan (LJP) 2019: Pashupati Kumar Paras (LJP) 2024: Chirag Paswan (LJP – Ram Vilas)	123-Hajipur, 124-Lalganj, 126-Mahua, 127-Raja Packer, 128-Raghopur, 129-Mahnar
22	Ujiarpur	2009	2009: Ashwamedh Devi (JDU) 2014: Nityanand Rai (BJP) 2019: Nityanand Rai (BJP) 2024: Nityanand Rai (BJP)	130-Patepur (SC), 134-Ujiarpur, 135-Morva, 136-Sarairanjan, 137-Mohiuddinnagar, 138-Bibhutipur
23	Samastipur (SC)	1952	1952, 1957, 1962: Satya Narayan Sinha (INC) 1967, 1971: Yamuna Prasad Mandal (INC) 1977: Karpoori Thakur (Janata Party) 1978: Ajit Kumar Mehta (Janata Party) 1980: Ajit Kumar Mehta (Janata Party – Secular) 1984: Ramdeo Rai (INC) 1989, 1991: Manjay Lal (Janata Dal) 1996: Ajit Kumar Mehta (Janata Dal) 1998: Ajit Kumar Mehta (RJD) 1999: Manjay Lal (JDU) 2004: Alok Kumar Mehta (RJD) 2009: Maheshwar Hazari (JDU) 2014, 2019: Ram Chandra Paswan (LJP) 2019: Prince Raj (LJP) 2024: Shambhavi Choudhary (LJP – Ram Vilas)	78-Kusheshwar Asthan (SC), 84-Hayaghat, 131-Kalyanpur (SC), 132-Warisnagar, 133-Samastipur, 139-Rosera (SC)
24	Begusarai	1952	1952, 1957, 1962: Mathura Prasad Mishra (INC) 1967: Yogendra Sharma (CPI) 1971: Shyam Nandan Mishra (INC) 1977: Shyam Nandan Mishra (Janata Party) 1980, 1984: Krishna Sahi (INC) 1989: Lalit Vijay Singh (Janata Dal) 1991: Krishna Sahi (INC) 1996: Ramendra Kumar (Independent) 1998, 1999: Rajo Singh (INC) 2004: Lalan Singh (JDU) 2009: Monazir Hassan (JDU) 2014: Bhola Singh (BJP) 2019, 2024: Giriraj Singh (BJP)	141-Cheria-Bariarpur, 142-Bachhwara, 143-Teghra, 144-Matihani, 145-Sahebpur Kamal, 146-Begusarai, 147-Bakhri
25	Khagaria	1957	1957, 1962: Jiyalal Mandal (INC) 1967: Kameshwar Prasad Singh (Samyukta Socialist Party) 1971: Shiva Shankar Prasad Yadav (Samyukta Socialist Party) 1977: Gyaneshwar Prasad Yadav (Janata Party) 1980: Satish Prasad Singh (INC) 1984: Chandra Shekhar Prasad Verma (INC) 1989, 1991: Ram Sharan Yadav (Janata Dal) 1996: Anil Kumar Yadav (Janata Dal) 1998: Shakuni Choudhary (Samata Party) 1999: Renu Kushawaha (JDU) 2004: Rabindra Kumar Rana (RJD) 2009: Dinesh Chandra Yadav (JDU) 2014, 2019: Mehboob Ali Kaiser (LJP) 2024: Rajesh Verma (LJP – Ram Vilas)	76-Simri Bakhtiyarpur, 140-Hasanpur, 148-Alauli, 149-Khagaria, 150-Beldaur, 151-Parbatta
26	Bhagalpur	1951	1952: Anoop Lal Mehta (INC) 1952: Kirai Mushahar (Socialist Party) 1952: J. B. Kripalani (Praja Socialist Party) 1952: Kirai Mushahar (Praja Socialist Party) 1957: Banarsi Prasad Jhunjhunwala (INC) 1962, 1967, 1971: Bhagwat Jha Azad (INC) 1977: Ramjee Singh (Janata Party) 1980, 1984: Bhagwat Jha Azad (INC) 1989, 1991, 1996: Chunchun Prasad Yadav (Janata Dal) 1998: Prabhas Chandra Tiwari (BJP) 1999: Subodh Ray (CPI – Marxist) 2004: Sushil Kumar Modi (BJP) 2006, 2009: Syed Shahnawaz Hussain (BJP) 2014: Shailesh Kumar Mandal (RJD) 2019, 2024: Ajay Kumar Mandal (JDU)	152-Bihpur, 153-Gopalpur, 154-Pirpainti, 155-Kahalgaon, 156-Bhagalpur, 158-Nathnagar
27	Banka	1957	1957, 1962: Shakuntala Devi (INC) 1967: Beni Shanker Sharma (Akhil Bharatiya Jana Sangh) 1971: Shiv Chandrika Prasad (INC) 1973: Madhu Limaye (Socialist Party) 1977: Madhu Limaye (Janata Party) 1980: Chandrashekhar Singh (INC) 1984: Manorama Singh (INC) 1985: Chandrashekhar Singh (INC) 1986: Manorama Singh (INC) 1989, 1991: Pratap Singh (Janata Dal) 1996: Giridhari Yadav (Janata Dal) 1998: Digvijay Singh (Samata Party) 1999: Digvijay Singh (JDU) 2004: Giridhari Yadav (RJD) 2009: Digvijay Singh (Independent) 2010: Putul Kumari (Independent) 2014: Jay Prakash Narayan Yadav (RJD) 2019, 2024: Giridhari Yadav (JDU)	157-Sultanganj, 159-Amarpur, 160-Dhoraiya, 161-Banka, 162-Kataria, 163-Belhar
28	Munger	1951	1952: Mathura Prasad Mishra (INC) 1952: Suresh Chandra Mishra (INC) 1952: Banarsi Pd. Sinha (INC) 1952: Nayan Tara Das (INC) 1957: Banarsi Prasad Sinha (INC) 1957: Nayan Tara Das (INC) 1962: Banarsi Prasad Sinha (INC) 1964, 1967: Madhu Limaye (Samyukta Socialist Party) 1971: Deonandan Prasad Yadav (INC) 1977: Shrikrishna Singh (Janata Party) 1980: Deonandan Prasad Yadav (INC-U) 1984: Deonandan Prasad Yadav (INC) 1989: Dhanraj Singh (Janata Dal) 1991: Brahmanand Mandal (CPI) 1996: Brahmanand Mandal (Samata Party) 1998: Vijay Kumar Yadav (RJD) 1999: Brahmanand Mandal (JDU) 2004: Jay Prakash Narayan Yadav (RJD) 2009: Lalan Singh (JDU) 2014: Veena Devi (LJP) 2019, 2024: Lalan Singh (JDU)	165-Munger, 166-Jamalpur, 167-Suryagarha, 168-Lakhisarai, 178-Mokama, 179-Barh
29	Nalanda	1957	1957: Kailash Pati Sinha (INC) 1962, 1967, 1971: Siddheshwar Prasad (INC) 1977: Birendra Prasad (Janata Party) 1980, 1984: Vijay Kumar Yadav (CPI) 1989: Ram Swarup Prasad (INC) 1991: Vijay Kumar Yadav (CPI) 1996, 1998: George Fernandes (Samata Party) 1999: George Fernandes (JDU) 2004: Nitish Kumar (JDU) 2005: Ram Swarup Prasad (JDU) 2009, 2014, 2019, 2024: Kaushalendra Kumar (JDU)	171-Asthavan, 172-Biharsharif, 173-Rajgir, 174-Islampur, 175-Hilsa, 176-Nalanda, 177-Harnaut
30	Patna Sahib	2009	2009: Shatrughan Sinha (BJP) 2014: Shatrughan Sinha (BJP) 2019: Ravi Shankar Prasad (BJP) 2024: Ravi Shankar Prasad (BJP)	180-Bakhtiarpur, 181-Digha, 182-Bankipur, 183-Kumhrar, 184-Patna Sahib, 185-Fatuha
31	Pataliputra	2009	2009: Ranjan Prasad Yadav (JDU) 2014: Ram Kripal Yadav (BJP) 2019: Ram Kripal Yadav (BJP) 2024: Misha Bharti (RJD)	186-Danapur, 187-Maner, 188-Phulwari, 189-Masaurhi, 190-Paliganj, 191-Bikram
32	Arrah	1977	1977: Chandradeo Prasad Verma (Janata Party) 1980: Chandradeo Prasad Verma (Janata Party – Secular) 1984: Bali Ram Bhagat (INC) 1989: Rameshwar Prasad (Indian People’s Front) 1991: Ram Lakhan Singh Yadav (Janata Dal) 1996: Chandradeo Prasad Verma (Janata Dal) 1998: Haridwar Prasad Kushwaha (Samata Party) 1999: Ram Prasad Kushwaha (RJD) 2004: Kanti Singh (RJD) 2009: Meena Singh (JDU) 2014, 2019: R. K. Singh (BJP) 2024: Sudama Prasad (CPI – Marxist-Leninist – Liberation)	192-Sandesh, 193-Barhara, 194-Arrah, 195-Agiaon, 196-Taraari, 197-Jagdishpur, 198-Shahpur
33	Buxar	1957	1957: Kamal Singh (Independent) 1962: Anant Sharma (INC) 1967: Ram Subhag Singh (INC) 1971: Anant Sharma (INC) 1977: Ramanand Tiwary (Janata Party) 1980, 1984: Kamla Kant Tiwari (INC) 1989, 1991: Tej Narayan Singh (CPI) 1996, 1998, 1999, 2004: Lalmuni Chaubey (BJP) 2009: Jagada Nand Singh (RJD) 2014, 2019: Ashwini Choubey (BJP) 2024: Sudhakar Singh (RJD)	199-Brahmapur, 200-Buxar, 201-Dumraon, 202-Rajpur, 203-Ramgarh, 210-Dinara
34	Sasaram (SC)	1957	1957: Ram Subhag Singh (INC) 1957: Jagjivan Ram (INC) 1962, 1967, 1971: Jagjivan Ram (INC) 1977, 1980: Jagjivan Ram (Janata Party) 1984: Jagjivan Ram (INC-J) 1989, 1991: Chhedi Paswan (Janata Dal) 1996, 1998, 1999: Muni Lall (BJP) 2004, 2009: Meira Kumar (INC) 2014, 2019: Chhedi Paswan (BJP) 2024: Manoj Kumar (INC)	204-Mohania (SC), 205-Bhabua, 206-Chainpur, 207-Chenari (SC), 208-Sasaram, 209-Kargahar
35	Karakat	2009	2009: Mahabali Kushwaha (JDU) 2014: Upendra Kushwaha (Rashtriya Lok Samata Party) 2019: Mahabali Kushwaha (JDU) 2024: Raja Ram Singh Kushwaha (CPI – Marxist-Leninist – Liberation)	211-Nokha, 212-Dehri, 213-Karakat, 219-Goh, 220-Obra, 221-Nabi Nagar
36	Jahanabad	1957	1957, 1962: Satyabhama Devi (INC) 1967, 1971: Chandrasekhar Singh (CPI) 1977: Hari Lal Prasad Singh (Janata Party) 1980: Mahendra Prasad Singh (INC) 1984, 1989, 1991, 1996: Ramashray Prasad Singh (CPI) 1998: Surendra Prasad Yadav (RJD) 1999: Arun Kumar Singh (JDU) 2004: Ganesh Prasad Singh (RJD) 2009: Jagdish Sharma (JDU) 2014: Arun Kumar (Rashtriya Lok Samata Party) 2019: Chandeshwar Chandravanshi (JDU) 2024: Surendra Prasad Yadav (RJD)	214-Arwal, 215-kurtha, 216-Jehanabad, 217-Ghosi, 218-Makhdumpur, 233-Atri
37	Aurangabad	1952	1952, 1957: Satyendra Narayan Sinha (INC) 1961: Ramesh Prasad Singh (INC) 1962: Maharani Lalita Rajya Lakshmi (Swatantra Party) 1967: Mudrika Sinha (INC) 1971: Satyendra Narayan Sinha (INC-O) 1977, 1980: Satyendra Narayan Sinha (Janata Party) 1984: Satyendra Narayan Sinha (INC) 1989, 1991: Ram Naresh Singh (Janata Dal) 1996: Virendra Kumar Singh (Janata Dal) 1998: Sushil Kumar Singh (Samata Party) 1999: Shyama Singh (INC) 2004: Nikhil Kumar (INC) 2009: Sushil Kumar Singh (JDU) 2014, 2019: Sushil Kumar Singh (BJP) 2024: Abhay Kushwaha (RJD)	222-Kutumba, 223-Aurangabad, 224-Rafiganj, 225-Gurua, 227-Imamganj, 231-Tikari
38	Gaya (SC)	1957	1957, 1962: Brajeshwar Prasad (INC) 1967: Ram Dhani Das (INC) 1971: Ishwar Chaudhary (Akhil Bharatiya Jana Sangh) 1977: Ishwar Chaudhary (Janata Party) 1980: Ramswaroop Ram (INC-I) 1984: Ramswaroop Ram (INC) 1989: Ishwar Chaudhary (Janata Dal) 1991: Rajesh Kumar (Janata Dal) 1996: Bhagwati Devi (Janata Dal) 1998: Krishna Kumar Choudhary (BJP) 1999: Ramji Manjhi (BJP) 2004: Rajesh Kumar Manjhi (RJD) 2009, 2014: Hari Manjhi (BJP) 2019: Vijay Manjhi (JDU) 2024: Jitan Ram Manjhi (HAM – Secular)	226-Sherghati, 228-Barachatti, 229-Bodh Gaya, 230-Gaya Town, 232-Belaganj, 234-Wazirganj
39	Nawada	1952	1952: Brajeshwar Prasad (INC) 1952: Ram Dhani Das (INC) 1957: Satyabhama Devi (INC) 1957: Ram Dhani Das (INC) 1962: Ram Dhani Das (INC) 1967: Surya Prakash Puri (Independent) 1971: Sukhdeo Prasad Verma (INC) 1977: Nathuni Ram (Janata Party) 1980, 1984: Kunwar Ram (INC) 1989: Prem Pradeep (CPI) 1991: Prem Chand Ram (CPI) 1996: Kameshwar Paswan (BJP) 1998: Malti Devi (RJD) 1999: Sanjay Paswan (BJP) 2004: Virchandra Paswan (RJD) 2009: Bhola Singh (BJP) 2014: Giriraj Singh (BJP) 2019: Chandan Singh (Lok Jan Shakti Party) 2024: Vivek Thakur (BJP)	170-Barbigha, 235-Rajauli, 236-Hisua, 237-Nawada, 238-Gobindpur, 239-Warsaliganj
40	Jamui (SC)	1952-1977, 2008	1952: Banarsi Prasad Sinha (INC) 1962, 1967: Nayan Tara Das (INC) 1971: Bhola Manjhi (CPI) 1977-2004: Constituency does not exist. 2009: Bhudeo Choudhary (JDU) 2014, 2019: Chirag Paswan (LJP) 2024: Arun Bharti (LJP – Ram Vilas)	164-Tarapur, 169-Sheikhpura, 240-Sikandra, 241-jamui, 242-Jhajha, 243-Chakai

2. Legislative Branch

Bihar follows a bicameral legislature, meaning it has two legislative houses:

Bihar Legislative Assembly (Vidhan Sabha):
- This is the lower house of the Bihar Legislature, where members are directly elected by the people of Bihar.
- It was first constituted in 1937 and has a strength of 243 members.
- The tenure of its members is five years unless the assembly is dissolved earlier.
- The Speaker presides over the assembly sessions, which are divided into three annual sessions: Budget, Monsoon, and Winter.
- The Speaker ensures the smooth running of the proceedings and can cast a deciding vote in case of a tie.
Bihar Legislative Council (Vidhan Parishad):
- The upper house of the legislature is a permanent body, with 75 members, comprising 63 elected and 12 nominated members.
- Elected through various methods, including MLAs, teachers, and local body representatives.
- The members serve six-year terms, and one-third of the members retire every two years.
- The Chairman and Deputy Chairman preside over the proceedings of the council.
- The Vidhan Parishad functions more like a revising chamber, discussing bills passed by the Vidhan Sabha before they are enacted into law.

🔸 Functions of the Bihar Legislature:

Passes state laws and policies.
Approves the state budget.
Oversees the work of the government through discussions and questioning.

➡️ List of constituencies of the Bihar Legislative Assembly

Sr. No.	Districts	Vidhan Sabha constituencies
1	West Champaran	01-Valmiki Nagar, 02-Ram Nagar, 03-Narkatiaganj, 04-Bagaha, 05-Lauriya, 06-Nautan, 07-Chanpatia, 08-Bettiah, 09-Sikta
2	East Champaran	10-Raxaul, 11-Sugauli, 12-Narkatiya, 13-Harsidhi, 14-Govindganj, 15-Kesaria, 16-Kalyanpur, 17-Pipra, 18-Madhuban, 19-Motihari, 20-Chiraia, 21-Dhaka
3	Sheohar	22-Sheohar
4	Sitamarhi	23-Riga, 24-Bathnaha, 25-Parihar, 26-Sursand, 27- Bajpatti, 28-Sitamarhi, 29-Runnisaidpur, 30-Belsand
5	Madhubani	31-Harlakhi, 32-Benipatti, 33-Khajauli, 34-babubarhi, 35-Bisfi, 36-Madhubani, 37-Rajnagar, 38-Jhanjharpur, 39-Phulparas, 40-Laukaha
6	Supaul	41-Nirmali, 42-Pipra, 43-Supaul, 44-Triveniganj, 45-Chhatapur
7	Araria	46-Narpatganj, 47-Raniganj, 48-Forbesganj, 49-Araria, 50-jokihat, 51-Sikti
8	Kishanganj	52-Bahadurganj, 53-Thakurganj, 54-Kishanganj, 55-Kochadhaman
9	Purnia	56-amour, 57-baisi, 58-Kasba, 59-Banmankhi, 60-Rupauli, 61-Dhamdaha, 62-Purnia
10	Katihar	63-Katihar, 64-Kadva, 65-Balrampur, 66-Pranpur, 67-Manihari, 68-Barari, 69-Korha
11	Madhepur	70-Alamnagar, 71-Bihariganj, 72-Singheshwar, 73-Madhepura
12	Saharsa	74-sonbarsha, 75-Saharsa, 76-Simri Bakhtiyarpur, 77-Mahishi
13	Darbhanga	78-Kusheshwar Asthan, 79-Gaura Bauram, 80-Benipur, 81-Ali Nagar, 82-Darbhanga Rural, 83-Darbhanga, 84-Hayaghat, 85-Bahadurpur, 86-Keoti, 87-Jale
14	Muzaffarpur	88-Gaighat, 89-Aurai, 90-Minapur, 91-Bochaan, 92-Sakra, 93-Kurhani, 94-Muzaffarpur, 95-Kanthi, 96-Baruraj, 97-Paroo, 98-Sahebganj
15	Gopalganj	99-Baikunthpur, 100-Barauli, 101-Gopalganj, 102-Kuchaikote, 103-Bhore, 104-Hathua
16	Siwan	105-Siwan, 106-Ziradei, 107-Darauli, 108-Raghunathpur, 109-Daraunda, 110-barharia, 111-Goriakothi, 112-Maharajganj
17	Saran	113-ekma, 114-Manjhi, 115-Baniapur, 116-Taraiya, 117-Marhaura, 118-Chapra, 119-Garkha, 120-Amnour, 121-Parsa, 122-Sonpur
18	Vaishali	123-Hajipur, 124-Lalganj, 125-Vaishali, 126-Mahua, 127-Raja Packer, 128-Raghopur, 129-Mahnar, 130-Patepur
19	Samastipur	131-Kalyanpur, 132-Warisnagar, 133-Samastipur, 134-Ujiarpur, 135-Morva, 136-Sarairanjan, 137-Mohiuddinnagar, 138-Bibhutipur, 139-Rosera, 140-Hasanpur
20	Begusarai	141-Cheria-Bariarpur, 142-Bachhwara, 143-Teghra, 144-Matihani, 145-Sahebpur Kamal, 146-Begusarai, 147-Bakhri
21	Khagaria	148-Alauli, 149-Khagaria, 150-Beldaur, 151-Parbatta
22	Bhagalpur	152-Bihpur, 153-Gopalpur, 154-Pirpainti, 155-Kahalgaon, 156-Bhagalpur, 157-Sultanganj, 158-Nathnagar
23	Banka	159-Amarpur, 160-Dhoraiya, 161-Banka, 162-Kataria, 163-Belhar
24	Munger	164-Tarapur, 165-Munger, 166-Jamalpur
25	Lakhisarai	167-Suryagarha, 168-Lakhisarai
26	Sheikhpura	169-Sheikhpura, 170-Barbigha
27	Nalanda	171-Asthavan, 172-Biharsharif, 173-Rajgir, 174-Islampur, 175-Hilsa, 176-Nalanda, 177-Harnaut
28	Patna	178-Mokama, 179-Barh, 180-Bakhtiarpur, 181-Digha, 182-Bankipur, 183-Kumhrar, 184-Patna Sahib, 185-Fatuha, 186-Danapur, 187-Maner, 188-Phulwari, 189-Masaurhi, 190-Paliganj, 191-Bikram
29	Bhojpur	192-Sandesh, 193-Barhara, 194-Arrah, 195-Agiaon, 196-Taraari, 197-Jagdishpur, 198-Shahpur
30	Buxar	199-Brahmapur, 200-Buxar, 201-Dumraon, 202-Rajpur
31	Kaimur	203-Ramgarh, 204-Mohania, 205-Bhabua, 206-Chainpur
32	Rohtas	207-Chenari, 208-Sasaram, 209-Kargahar, 210-Dinara, 211-Nokha, 212-Dehri, 213-Karakat
33	Arwal	214-Arwal, 215-kurtha
34	Jehanabad	216-Jehanabad, 217-Ghosi, 218-Makhdumpur
35	Aurangabad	219-Goh, 220-Obra, 221-Nabi Nagar, 222-Kutumba, 223-Aurangabad, 224-Rafiganj
36	Gaya	225-Gurua, 226-Sherghati, 227-Imamganj, 228-Barachatti, 229-Bodh Gaya, 230-Gaya Town, 231-Tikari, 232-Belaganj, 233-Atri, 234-Wazirganj
37	Nawada	235-Rajauli, 236-Hisua, 237-Nawada, 238-Gobindpur, 239-Warsaliganj
38	Jamui	240-Sikandra, 241-jamui, 242-Jhajha, 243-Chakai

3. Judiciary

The judiciary in Bihar consists of several levels of courts, with the Patna High Court as the apex judicial authority. The judicial system in Bihar ensures the implementation of laws, adjudicates disputes, and upholds constitutional provisions.

🔹 High Court:

Establishment & History:
- The Patna High Court (Hindi: पटना उच्च न्यायालय) is the principal court of the state of Bihar.
- Established on February 3, 1916, under the Government of India Act 1915 (5 & 6 Geo. 5. c. 61).
- A proclamation for the creation of the High Court was made by the Governor-General of India on March 22, 1912.
- Foundation stone was laid on December 1, 1913, by Sir Charles Hardinge of Penshurst (Viceroy and Governor-General of India).
- The High Court building was officially inaugurated on February 3, 1916, by the same Viceroy.
Jurisdiction & Functioning:
- The Patna High Court is the highest judicial authority in Bihar and exercises original civil and criminal jurisdiction.
- Original jurisdiction applies only if subordinate courts lack pecuniary or territorial jurisdiction.
- The High Court may also enjoy special original jurisdiction in specific cases as per state or federal law.
- Located in Patna, the administrative capital of Bihar, and has authority over the entire state.
Notable Judges & Chief Justices:
- First Chief Justice: Hon. Sir Justice Edward Maynard Des Champs Chamier.
- The High Court has produced two Chief Justices of India:
  1. Hon’ble Justice Bhuvaneshwar Prasad Sinha (6th Chief Justice of India).
  2. Hon’ble Justice Lalit Mohan Sharma (24th Chief Justice of India).
- Current Chief Justice: Hon. Justice K. Vinod Chandran.
Judicial Strength & Structure:
- The Patna High Court has 53 Judges:
  - 40 permanent judges.
  - 13 additional judges.
- The High Court also plays a crucial role in administrative and constitutional matters of Bihar.

🔹 District Courts:

Overview:
- District Courts function as the principal courts of original civil and criminal jurisdiction in Bihar.
- They operate at the district level and are governed by the Code of Civil Procedure and the Code of Criminal Procedure.
- Bihar has a total of 37 district courts serving different districts of the state.
Judicial Appointments & Hierarchy:
- Presiding Officer: A District & Sessions Judge heads the District Court.
- Appointed by the Governor of Bihar on the recommendation of the Chief Justice of Patna High Court.
- Additional District & Sessions Judges and Assistant District Judges support the court’s functioning.
- The Additional District Judge holds equal rank, status, and jurisdiction as the District Judge.
Jurisdiction & Functioning:
- District Courts serve as:
  - Civil Courts (handling civil matters such as property disputes, contract issues, family disputes, etc.).
  - Criminal Courts (handling cases under the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC)).
- In criminal cases, the Sessions Court (part of the District Court) hears cases involving serious offenses such as murder, robbery, and kidnapping.
- Appeals from the District Courts go to the Patna High Court.
Subordinate Courts:
- Below the District Courts, Bihar has:
  - Subordinate Civil Courts (such as Munsif Courts).
  - Judicial Magistrate Courts (handling lesser criminal offenses).

🔹 Additional Information on Bihar’s Judiciary:

The judiciary in Bihar plays a crucial role in upholding constitutional values and delivering justice to the people.
Special Fast Track Courts (FTCs) have been established in Bihar to expedite the disposal of pending cases.
The Bihar State Legal Services Authority (BSLSA) provides free legal aid to the underprivileged and weaker sections of society.

The Government of Bihar operates under a well-defined executive, legislative, and judicial structure. The Governor serves as the ceremonial head, while the Chief Minister and Council of Ministers handle daily governance. Bihar follows a bicameral legislative system, and the Patna High Court ensures judicial oversight. However, challenges like low urbanization, non-functional Ward Committees, and financial issues in local governance need to be addressed for effective administration.

Police Administration in Bihar

The Bihar Police Department is responsible for maintaining law and order in the state. It is structured into different levels:

🔹 Control and Governance of Bihar Police

Bihar Police administration functions under the Department of Home Affairs, Government of Bihar.
Responsible for law enforcement, crime prevention, maintaining public order, and internal security in the state.
The Chief Minister of Bihar heads the Home Department administratively.
The police force is headed by the Director General of Police (DGP).
The headquarters is located in Patna, the capital of Bihar.

🔹 Organizational Divisions (Functional Structure)

Bihar Police administration is organized into six main divisions, each with a distinct operational focus:

Human Resource Development and Training Division (TRG)
- Headed by DGP (Training).
- Manages police recruitment, training, capacity building, and HR development.
Law & Order Division (L & O)
- Headed by ADGP (Law & Order).
- Also in charge of Establishment and Legal Division
- Responsible for maintaining peace, managing public protests, and overall law and order.
Establishment and Legal Division
- Also managed by ADGP (Law & Order) as additional charge.
- Handles legal matters, police service rules, appointments, transfers and departmental establishments.
Personnel and Welfare Division
- Under ADGP (HQRT) as additional charge.
- Looks after police personnel welfare, housing, health, and administrative services.
Headquarters Division (HQRT)
- Led by ADGP (HQRT), who also holds additional charge of Welfare Division
- Coordinates between all field units and supervises overall implementation of policies.
Modernization, Crime Records, & Provision Division (SCRB & MOD)
- Deals with police modernization, technology adoption, criminal databases, and provisioning of logistics.

🔹 Geographical Division & Operational Distribution

To distribute the policing workload geographically, Bihar is divided into 12 police ranges, with each range covering multiple districts.

🔸 Police Ranges and Districts:

Bihar is divided into 12 Police Ranges for field-level operations.
Each range comprises 2 to 5 police districts.
Headed by officers of IG or DIG rank depending on range importance and size.
- IGP-rank officers head the major ranges: Central, Magadh, Tirhut, Mithila, and Purnia.
- The remaining 7 ranges are headed by DIG-rank officers.
Police District Structure:
- Each district police unit is headed by an SP or SSP, depending on the size and importance of the district.
- The district is further divided into sub-divisions, each under a DSP or ASP.
- Each sub-division contains several police stations, managed by Inspectors or SHOs.

Sr. No.	Police Range	Headed by	Police Districts Covered
1	Central Range	IG	Patna, Nalanda
2	Magadh Range	IG	Arwal, Aurangabad, Jehanabad, Nawada, Gaya
3	Mithila Range	IG	Darbhanga, Madhubani, Samastipur
4	Purnia Range	IG	Araria, Katihar, Kishanganj, Purnia
5	Tirhut Range	IG	Muzaffarpur, Sheohar, Sitamarhi, Vaishali
6	Begusarai Range	DIG	Begusarai, Khagaria
7	Champaran Range	DIG	East Champaran, West Champaran, Bagaha
8	Eastern Range	DIG	Bhagalpur, Banka, Naugachhia
9	Munger Range	DIG	Jamui, Lakhisarai, Munger, Sheikhpura
10	Kosi Range	DIG	Madhepura, Saharsa, Supaul
11	Saran Range	DIG	Saran, Siwan, Gopalganj
12	Shahabad Range	DIG	Bhojpur, Buxar, Kaimur, Rohtas

🔹 Hierarchical Structure of Police Officers (Chain of Command)

The hierarchical structure of the Bihar Police administration is organized to ensure effective law enforcement and maintenance of public order. The highest-ranking officer is the Director General of Police (DGP), who oversees the entire department. Below the DGP, there are several other ranks, each with specific responsibilities and duties. Here is a detailed breakdown of the hierarchy:

🔸 Police Rank list with Badge, Uniform Code and their Responsibilities and Duties:

Police Rank	Uniform Code	Recruitment Method	Responsibilities and Duties
Director General of Police (DGP)	Ashok Emblem, Crossed Swords & IPS Badge	Through Promotion	In-charge / Highest-ranking officer in the State Police Force, responsible for the overall management and administration of the department.
Additional Director General of Police (ADGP)	Ashok Emblem, Crossed Swords & IPS Badge	Through Promotion	An officer of the Indian Police Service (IPS) and holds the 2nd-highest rank in the Bihar Police. Leads as regional chiefs in various major zones/divisions; oversees departments like: Human Resource Development and Training Division (TRG), Law & Order Division (L & O), Establishment and Legal Division, Personnel and Welfare Division, Headquarters Division (HQRT), Modernization, Crime Records and Provision Division (SCRB & Mod).
Inspector General of Police (IGP)	One Star, Crossed Swords & IPS Badge	Through Promotion	The IG is an officer of the Indian Police Service (IPS) and holds the 3rd-highest rank in the Bihar Police. They are responsible for managing specific ranges or divisions within the state. The central range (Patna), Magadh range (Gaya), Tirhut range (Muzaffarpur), Mithila range (Darbhanga), and Purnia range are headed by IG rank officers.
Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG)	Ashok Emblem, Three Star, & IPS Badge	Through Promotion	The DIG is an officer of the Indian Police Service (IPS) and holds the 4th-highest rank in the Bihar Police. DIGs are responsible for managing smaller ranges or divisions within the state; reports to IGP/ADGP. The remaining seven ranges Begusarai, Champaran, Eastern, Munger, Kosi, Saran and Shahabad are headed by DIG rank officers.
Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP)	Ashok Emblem, Two Star, & IPS Badge	Through Promotion	SSP is typically In-charge of large/important districts (e.g., Patna) and often assists in managing larger areas, including city areas, rural places, traffic, and crime management.
Superintendent of Police (SP)	Ashok Emblem, One Star, & IPS Badge	Through Promotion	SPs are in charge of police districts and are responsible for maintaining law and order within their jurisdiction. They are typically IPS officers and are the highest-ranking officers at the district level and coordinates with the DM and civil authorities.
Additional Superintendent of Police (ASP)	Ashok Emblem & IPS Badge	Through Promotion	Assists SP in managing subdivisions or specific branches.
Assistant Superintendent of Police	Three Star, & IPS Badge Two Star, & IPS Badge One Star, & IPS Badge (Under Training)	Direct Recruited through the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC)	ASP is an IPS officer under training. They assist the SP in their duties.
Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP)	Three Stars	Direct Recruited through the State Public Service Commission (SPSC)	DSP are typically state police service (SPS) officers. Assists the SP and handles sub-divisional police stations. Also responsible for specific areas or units within a district. They are also considered supervisory ranks.
Inspector of Police	Three Stars and a Ribbon ½” in width, half red and half blue worn horizontally, red colour facing the stars	Promotion	In-charge / Responsible for managing local police stations at the circle level and are the highest-ranking officers at the station level, also called as Station House Officer (SHO). They are typically SPS officers.
Sub-Inspector (SI)	Two Stars and a Ribbon ½” in width, half red and half blue worn horizontally, red colour facing the stars	Promotion	SIs are responsible for specific areas within a police station and are the next in command after Inspectors. They are also SPS officers. SI Investigates cases, assists SHO and handles beat duties.
Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI)	One Star and a Ribbon ½” in width, half red and half blue worn horizontally, red colour facing the stars	Promotion / Direct Recruitment through the State Police Board	ASIs assist SIs and are responsible for specific tasks (performs preliminary investigations and clerical duties) and areas within a police station.
Head Constable / Havildar	Three Stripes on the upper part of the arm sleeves	Promotion	Head Constables who assist ASIs, SIs in their duties and manages station-level administrative work.
Senior Constable / Naik	Two Stripes on the upper part of the arm sleeves	Direct Recruitment through the State Police Board	Promoted constables with more experience. Who assist Head Constables, SIs in their duties and Supervises constables.
Constable	Blank sleeves	Direct Recruitment through the State Police Board	Lowest-ranking officers in the Bihar Police and are responsible for patrolling, maintaining public order, and assisting seniors.

Each rank is associated with specific badges or insignia worn on the uniform to indicate their level of authority and responsibility. Understanding this hierarchical structure is crucial for the smooth functioning of the department and the maintenance of law and order in the state of Bihar.

🔹 Abolished Former Zonal Division (1982–2019)

Earlier, Bihar had a zonal police system with four zones, each comprising 2–4 ranges.
Each zone was headed by an Inspector General (IG) rank officers.
This system was abolished in 2019, and now replaced by direct range-level control.
Only the Rail Police Zone remains functional under this structure.

🔹 Special Units of Bihar Police

Bihar Police also has several specialized branches to handle critical and technical operations:

Special Task Force (STF) – Handles organized crime, arms smuggling, and high-profile threats.
Economic Offences Unit (EOU) – Investigates white-collar crimes, corruption, financial fraud.
Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS) – Dedicated to counter-terrorism operations and extremist threats.
Cyber Crime Cell – Investigates crimes related to hacking, online fraud, and digital offences.
Traffic Police – Manages traffic regulation and safety.
Women Police Units – Dedicated desks and teams in major stations for crimes against women.
Women Helpline & Anti-Human Trafficking Units – Focus on vulnerable populations.
Juvenile Police Units – Focused on crimes involving or against minors.

🔹 Training and Recruitment

Recruits are trained through the Bihar Police Academy and training centers under the TRG Division.
Officers are inducted through:
- Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) for IPS officers.
- Bihar Public Service Commission (BPSC) and Staff Selection Commissions for DSPs and subordinate staff.

🔹 Technology and Modernization

Bihar Police is being modernized with:
- Digital policing systems (CCTNS, e-FIR, e-challan).
- Surveillance systems like CCTV and drones in sensitive areas.
- Upgrades in weapons, vehicles, forensic labs, and communication systems.

The Bihar Police administration operates under a multi-tier hierarchical system that ensures efficient law enforcement, crime control, and public safety across all 38 districts. With its centralized leadership, decentralized regional control, and specialized units, a growing focus on technology and modernization, and a robust training infrastructure. The force is structurally equipped to tackle diverse policing challenges and public safety across the state.

From ancient Magadha to British rule and post-independence reforms, the state has transformed significantly. The administration of Bihar has evolved significantly from its colonial past under the Bengal Presidency to becoming an independent state after 1936 and further being reorganized in 2000 with the creation of Jharkhand. Today, Bihar’s 9 divisions and 38 districts serve as the backbone of governance, ensuring administrative efficiency and regional development. Despite improvements in urban governance and law enforcement, challenges remain in municipal administration, financial resources, and law enforcement efficiency. Strengthening local governance, infrastructure development, and urban planning is crucial for Bihar’s overall progress.