Bihar Minister Stumped Over Snake Classification After BJP MLA’s Question

Patna: The Bihar government found itself in an awkward position in the Assembly after a question about snakes sparked debate over compensation policies. BJP MLA Jibesh Mishra from Darbhanga’s Jale constituency raised the issue, highlighting a disparity in compensation for snakebite victims compared to attacks by wild animals.

During the Question Hour in the Budget Session, Mishra asked whether the government considers snakes domesticated or wild. He argued that while families of victims of wild animal attacks are entitled to ₹10 lakh as compensation, snakebite victims currently receive only ₹4 lakh.

₹10 Lakh vs ₹4 Lakh Compensation Dispute

Mishra cited government notifications from 2024 and earlier correspondence, noting that families who die due to wild animal attacks are entitled to higher compensation. He described the current ₹4 lakh payout for snakebite deaths as insufficient and called for the disparity to be corrected, urging that victims’ families receive the full ₹10 lakh.

Minister’s Response: Snake Classified Separately

Environment, Forest, and Climate Change Minister Pramod Kumar acknowledged that snakes are wild animals. However, he offered a unique explanation, stating that snakes fall into a separate category from elephants or other dangerous wild animals. This classification places snakebite cases under disaster management guidelines, resulting in a different compensation structure.

Government Promises Review

Following a heated debate in the Assembly and Mishra’s insistence on fairness, the government adopted a flexible stance. Minister Kumar assured the House that the matter of snakebite compensation and classification would be reviewed at the departmental level to address the current discrepancy.