PATNA, Jan. 30 -- The cabinet on Thursday approved Bihar Semiconductor Policy 2026 and the Bihar Global Capability Centre (GCC) Policy 2026, marking a major push to attract high-value investment. The decisions were among 32 proposals cleared at the cabinet meet chaired by CM Nitish Kumar. Industries department secretary Kundan Kumar said the semiconductor policy was aimed at drawing investment into a highly capital-intensive and technology-driven sector, where individual projects were typically valued between Rs.1,000 crore and Rs.10,000 crore. Under the policy, investors will receive state support equivalent to 60% of the capital expenditure assistance extended by the Centre under the India Semiconductor Mission, which provides up to 50% capex support. Kumar claimed that Bihar's incentive structure for semiconductor investments was the most attractive in the country. The cabinet also cleared the Bihar GCC Policy 2026 to encourage Global Capability Centres in Bihar. GCCs undertake a wide range of functions including IT services, finance and accounting, research, and management. Under the policy, eligible companies will be offered a capital subsidy of 30% of capex, capped at Rs.50 crore, along with employment-linked incentives. In another key decision, the cabinet approved a substantial revision of pre-matric scholarship rates for SC/ST students. An estimated Rs.519.64 crore has been sanctioned annually for the scheme, which is expected to benefit around 2.7 million students. The cabinet also approved an increase in hostel grant under the CM Backward Classes and Extremely Backward Classes Hostel Grant Scheme,...