In a significant development, the Deputy Chief Minister of Bihar has taken steps to enhance the role of retired Army drivers in the Emergency Response Support System (ERSS). By extending their service for another year, these veterans will receive a monthly payment of Rs 30,000 along with an annual uniform allowance of Rs 4,000.
Their monthly honorarium will also be increased from Rs 25,000 to Rs 30,000, deputy CM Samrat Choudhary said on Thursday.
The total estimated expenditure on the service extension will be Rs 161 crore.The decision is aimed at ensuring the smooth functioning of emergency services across the state. Choudhary said that a total of 4,426 driver posts have been sanctioned for the ERSS project, including 3,418 driver constables and 1,009 driver head constables.The recruitment process for these positions is currently underway, but the entire recruitment and training exercise is expected to take considerable time, said Choudhary, who also holds the home portfolio.To maintain continuity of emergency services, the service period of retired drivers from the armed forces deployed on emergency response vehicles has been extended. Earlier, their service tenure had been extended until March 2026, which is now nearing completion.In addition to the revised monthly honorarium, the drivers will also be provided with an annual uniform allowance of Rs 4,000. ERSS is a vital emergency service in the state, offering swift assistance in cases of accidents, health emergencies, law and order situations and disasters.
