PATNA, July 21 -- In a significant move to tackle evolving patterns of crime, the state cabinet on Monday approved amendments to the Bihar Crime Control Act, 2024, paving the way for stringent action against abusive language, vulgar comments, and defamatory posts on internet, social media and also to punish those involved in paper leaks. The state cabinet, chaired by chief minister Samrat Choudhary, gave its nod to ten proposals during the meeting. Under the amendments, offenders using foul language, indulging in online abuse, or making indecent remarks against individuals on digital platforms will face action under the Goonda Act. Those found guilty of such offences, along with individuals involved in examination paper leaks, could face imprisonment ranging from six months to one year. According to official sources, the amendments come in response to the rapidly changing nature of crime in the state. Factors such as increasing urbanisation, expansion of economic activities, greater use of science and technology and rising dependence on digital services have led to new forms of criminal activity, particularly cyber crimes and paper leaks. Officials added that the government felt the need for changes in the existing act to effectively deal with these emerging threats. The police will have stronger legal power to act against anti-social and organised crimes once the amendments are notified. So far, it has been mostly targeting individuals with histories of violent crimes, extortion, bootlegging, and disrupting peace. Authorities (such as District Magistrates and Commissioners) are empowered to issue arrest warrants and mandate externment (district badar), banishing habitual criminals from the district for specified periods. The cabinet cleared several education-related proposals, including the establishment of Shaheed Jubba Sahni Architecture and Civil Engineering University in Muzaffarpur, which will promote high-quality teaching, training, research and innovation in architecture, civil engineering and related fields. The government will also set up special universities focused on modern research, technological innovation, and human resource development, with an emphasis on scientific temper and employment-oriented education. Another key decision was the approval for the Shyama Prasad Mukherjee University of Artificial Intelligence and Computer Science. In a boost for former Agniveers, the cabinet decided to provide 20% reservation in the recruitment of forest guards (Vanrakshis). The necessary amendments to the Bihar Subordinate Forest Service Rules were also cleared. Separately, students of Model Schools from Class 9 to Class 12 will now receive a special uniform package worth Rs.6,000 each. The kit, to be supplied through the Jeevika network, will include school dress, belt, shoes and socks, half sweater, cap, vest, blazer, and a bag. In another cabinet decision, the state cabinet has approved the Bihar Prisons and Correctional Services Bill, 2026. This bill has been brought to replace the 129-year-old jail laws with a modern system. According to sources, the central government had asked the states to make new laws in line with the Model Prison and Correctional Services Act, 2023. On the basis of this, Bihar has prepared a new bill according to its local needs. The new law lays emphasis on making jails not just a place to house prisoners, but a hub for their reform, rehabilitation and skill development. Along with this, many new provisions related to jail management, security and rights of prisoners have also been included. The cabinet has approved a proposal to provide ready-to-eat, ready-to-cook premix nutrition to children in the age group of 6 months to 3 years, pregnant and lactating women and severely malnourished children through the Bihar State Milk Cooperative Federation (COMFED) for take home ration under the Saksham Anganwadi and Poshan 2.0 scheme....