Patna: The state assembly on Wednesday passed 13 Bills, including the Bihar Urban Development Authority (BUDA) Bill, 2026, which provides for the constitution of BUDA to oversee urban development, including the proposed 12 greenfield satellite townships approved by the cabinet.The House also passed the Bihar Ease of Doing Business Bill, 2026, aimed at ensuring clearance of business and industrial proposals within 30 days through a single-window system involving all departments concerned. Industries minister Shreyasi Singh said the legislation would facilitate faster investments.Other Bills passed included the Indian Stamp (Bihar Amendment) Bill, 2026, Registration (Amendment) Bill, 2026 and Bihar Panchayat Raj (Amendment) Bill, 2026, enabling the govt and panchayats to raise additional resources through revised duties, taxes and user charges. Bills relating to private universities, new universities, jail reforms and crime control were also cleared. The Crime Control (Amendment) Bill was passed unanimously.RJD MLA Rahul Kumar and AIMIM MLA Akhtarul Iman moved amendments to all 13 Bills, but these were rejected by voice vote. CM Samrat Choudhary intervened during the discussion on two Bills to clarify their provisions.Urban development minister Nitish Mishra said the satellite township plan aims to expand urbanisation and boost Bihar’s urban population, currently around 11.5%, compared with India’s 35% and the global average of 55%. BUDA will be headed by the chief secretary, with the heads of 11 departments as ex-officio members.On the Stamp Bill, prohibition, excise and registration minister Madan Sahani said stamp duty revisions were linked to changes in minimum value rates of land and would help generate resources for welfare schemes. The CM said the Registration Bill mandates informing the registration office before land is converted for commercial use.Panchayati raj minister Deepak Prakash said panchayats would raise revenue through advertisement fees, holding tax and user charges, in line with the 16th Finance Commission’s recommendations.Higher education minister Sanjay Singh Tiger said the Private University Bill prescribes minimum land and infrastructure norms. The CM said more private universities would reduce the migration of Bihar students. Deputy CM Vijay Kumar Choudhary said the new Jail and Reforms Services Bill replaces colonial-era laws, while the Crime Control Bill addresses organised and cyber crimes.
