Potholes Into Profits: Bihar’s New ₹5,000 Reward Scheme

Bihar: For years, navigating the roads of Bihar has often felt like a game of “dodge the crater.” But the state government just changed the rules of the game. With the launch of the “Gaddha Batao, ₹5,000 Pao” (Report a Pothole, Get ₹5,000) scheme, citizens are no longer just victims of bad roads—they are now the primary inspectors.

This bold initiative aims to transform road maintenance from a slow, bureaucratic process into a fast-paced, community-driven mission.

How the Scheme Works

The mechanics of the program are designed to be straightforward to ensure maximum participation:

• The Report: Citizens who spot a pothole on a government-maintained road can report it via a dedicated helpline/mobile app.
• The Verification: Once a complaint is lodged, officials verify the location and the severity of the pothole.
• The Reward: If the complaint is deemed valid and falls under the scheme’s criteria, the reporter is eligible for a ₹5,000 reward.
• The Deadline: The real kicker? The government has committed to repairing the reported potholes within 72 hours.

Why This Matters

This isn’t just about handing out cash; it’s about accountability. By putting a price tag on every pothole, the government is incentivizing the public to act as its “eyes on the ground.” It forces contractors and local departments to stay on their toes, knowing that any oversight could lead to a public report and a 72-hour ticking clock for repairs.

The Benefits at a Glance

Feature	Impact
Citizen Empowerment	Gives residents a direct voice in infrastructure maintenance.
Rapid Repair	The 72-hour window significantly reduces the lifespan of road hazards.
Safety First	Fewer potholes mean fewer accidents, particularly for two-wheelers.
Transparency	Public reporting makes it harder for poor road work to go unnoticed.

A New Chapter for Bihar’s Roads?

While the scheme sounds like a win-win, the true test will be in the execution. Can the infrastructure handle a potential flood of reports? Will the 72-hour repair window hold up during the monsoon season?

Regardless of the challenges, “Gaddha Batao, ₹5,000 Pao” is a refreshing approach to governance. It turns a common frustration into a collaborative effort, proving that sometimes, the best way to fix a problem is to pay attention—literally.

Pro Tip: Before reporting, make sure the pothole is on a public thoroughfare and take a clear photo with location tagging enabled to ensure your claim is processed smoothly!