Bihar orders 2-day family vacation for all govt employees every 3 months

The government has said the duration of such travel would be “treated as time spent on duty”. At the same time, it has barred officials from combining these visits with official review meetings or site inspections. “During this tour, no official shall conduct review meetings or site inspections for official work purposes,” the order stated.

The directive, issued by Additional Chief Secretary of the General Administration Department, Dr B. Rajender, has been sent to all additional chief secretaries, principal secretaries, secretaries, divisional commissioners, district magistrates, police officials and forest department officers across Bihar.

The aim

The government said the move was aimed at identifying ways to improve tourism-related infrastructure and facilities in areas that remain relatively under-recognised despite Bihar’s historical, cultural and ecological diversity.

“Bihar is a state rich in diversity, with several places having significant art, culture, environmental diversity and historical importance. Apart from internationally and nationally established tourist sites, there are many important places that need to be brought to the global stage,” the letter said.

According to the communication, officials and employees will be expected to submit a consolidated report after their visit, including photographs of tourist sites, information related to the destinations and their personal experiences. These reports will be submitted to district magistrates, divisional commissioners or respective departments, depending on the officer’s place of posting.

The government has also directed departments and district administrations to appoint nodal officers to compile these reports and forward them to the departments concerned, including the Tourism Department, the Environment, Forest and Climate Change Department, and the Art and Culture Department.

The order further places responsibility on district administrations and the tourism and forest departments to promote homestay facilities in tourist and eco-tourism regions.

“It shall also be the responsibility of the Tourism Department, District Magistrates and Forest Divisional Officers to work towards the development of homestays in these tourist and eco-tourism areas so that homestays can be encouraged,” the communication stated.

The government said such facilities would allow tourists to stay in local homes on a payment basis, helping strengthen the local economy while also offering visitors “authentic and immersive cultural experiences”, including local food and personalised hospitality.

Anticipating increased movement of officials to tourist destinations under the initiative, the government has also asked district authorities to review accommodation arrangements at tourist and eco-tourism sites. The communication directs officials to coordinate with government guest houses and private hotels to ensure boarding and lodging facilities are available on a payment basis. Relevant information regarding such facilities is also to be uploaded on district websites.

Separate provisions have been made for divisional and district-level officers, including Divisional Commissioners, Inspectors General of Police, Deputy Inspectors General, District Magistrates, Superintendents of Police and Forest Divisional Officers, who will also undertake similar two-day stays in districts other than their place of posting.

The government has asked all departments and district authorities to ensure “effective implementation” of the programme.

Himanshu Harsh is a Correspondent with The Indian Express, currently leading on-the-ground coverage in Bihar. With a reporting career rooted in the complexities of the National Capital Region (NCR), Himanshu specializes in the critical intersection of law, crime, and civic governance. Professional Expertise & Credentials An alumnus of the prestigious Indian Institute of Mass Communication (IIMC), Delhi, Himanshu brings a rigorous academic foundation to his investigative work. His expertise is characterized by a "ground-up" reporting style, most notably demonstrated during his extensive coverage of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, where he analyzed shifting political landscapes and grassroots sentiment. Specialized Beats Himanshu’s portfolio reflects versatility, allowing him to navigate diverse industries and social issues: Civic & Legal Affairs: Extensive experience covering the Delhi reporting beat, focusing on policy implementation and judicial impact. Automotive Industry: A technical background in reporting on India’s evolving transport and automotive sectors. Social Fabric & Human Interest: Beyond hard news, he is known for exploring the changing social dynamics of India’s urban and rural heartlands, bringing a human-centric lens to systemic issues. Personal Interests & Digital Literacy Outside the newsroom, Himanshu’s deep engagement with technology and gaming informs his understanding of digital trends and the modern information economy. A trained DJ with a passion for music, his diverse personal interests contribute to a well-rounded perspective that resonates across both traditional and digital media platforms. ... Read More

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