CM Nitish Kumar Reviews Development Projects in Madhubani, Announces New Initiatives"
Patna:During the second phase of the Pragati Yatra, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar held a review meeting today at Mithila Haat in Araria Sangram, Jhanjharpur block, to assess the ongoing development projects in Madhubani district.
In the review meeting, Madhubani district’s District Magistrate, Arvind Kumar Verma, provided a detailed presentation on the development work in the district. He covered various initiatives including the Bihar Student Credit Card Scheme, Chief Minister's Nischay Self-Help Scheme, Skill Development Program, Har Ghar Nal Ka Jal (Water Supply to Every Household), the construction and maintenance of paved lanes and drains, the Chief Minister's Rural Solar Street Light Scheme, Irrigation Water to Every Field, the creation of agricultural feeders, the Chief Minister's Agricultural Electric Connection Scheme, the Chief Minister's Entrepreneur Scheme, encouragement for higher education for women, telemedicine facilities at health sub-centers, doorstep veterinary services, and the construction of Panchayat Government Buildings. He also provided updates on the establishment of 10+2 schools in each Panchayat, sports clubs in Gram Panchayats and Municipalities, sports grounds in every Panchayat, the Chief Minister's Village Road Scheme (remaining projects), the Chief Minister's Rural Bridge Scheme, and the formation of self-help groups in urban and rural areas. Additionally, transparency in revenue administration, digitization efforts like land records, and the status of restoration projects under the Jal-Jeevan-Hariyali campaign were discussed.
During the meeting, elected representatives raised issues pertinent to their constituencies, which were addressed by the Chief Minister.
Key Announcements by the Chief Minister
In his address, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar directed the officials to resolve the issues raised by the representatives at the earliest. He reminded the officials that since November 24, 2005, when the people of Bihar gave them a mandate to work, they have relentlessly focused on the state’s development. He emphasized that before 2005, Bihar was in a dire state. People feared stepping out of their homes after evening, hospitals lacked adequate facilities, roads were dilapidated, and education was in a sorry state. Social conflicts, especially between Hindus and Muslims, were frequently reported.
However, after coming to power, significant changes have been made in every sector. The government has worked for the welfare of all communities, ensuring no discrimination. The CM recalled how, since 2006, they have been working on boundary walls around graveyards to prevent encroachments and thefts. Over 8,000 graveyards have been fenced off, and the work continues. Similarly, in response to frequent incidents of idol thefts from temples, the government has begun constructing boundary walls around temples as well.
The Chief Minister outlined the extensive infrastructural and social development projects undertaken in Bihar, including improvements in education, healthcare, roads, and bridges. He mentioned that, while it used to take six hours for people to travel from any corner of Bihar to Patna, now this time has been reduced to five hours, thanks to continuous infrastructural development.
On Education and Women Empowerment
The Chief Minister highlighted various initiatives in the education sector, such as the introduction of uniform schemes for schoolchildren in 2006, bicycles for girls in 2009, and large-scale teacher recruitment. He emphasized the positive impact of these schemes, particularly on girls’ education. He also noted the rise in female participation in education and employment, citing that government schools have seen a significant increase in female enrolment, especially with the provision of bicycles for schoolgirls.
Healthcare and Employment Growth
On healthcare, the Chief Minister reported a substantial increase in the number of patients receiving treatment in Primary Health Centers. He added that the number of government medical colleges in Bihar has grown from six to twelve, with more being planned in every district. He shared that the PMCH (Patna Medical College and Hospital) is being transformed into a world-class hospital with 5,400 beds, while IGIMS is being expanded to accommodate 3,000 beds.
On employment, the Chief Minister remarked that the government’s target of providing 10 lakh government jobs has been exceeded, with 9 lakh jobs already provided. Furthermore, the government has facilitated employment for 24 lakh people and plans to provide 12 lakh government jobs and 34 lakh employment opportunities by 2025.
Women’s Empowerment Initiatives
The Chief Minister underscored significant efforts made towards the empowerment of women, including 50% reservation for women in Panchayati Raj institutions and Urban Local Bodies. He also highlighted the increase in female participation in Bihar Police and other government sectors, with 35% reservations introduced for women in police recruitment in 2013 and 2016.
Development in Madhubani District
The Chief Minister mentioned the various development works in Madhubani, including the establishment of an engineering college, polytechnic institute, women's ITI, ITIs in every sub-division, GNM and paramedical institutions, and the construction of Jananayak Karpoori Thakur Hostel. He also highlighted the construction of a medical college worth Rs. 515 crore in Madhubani and the Mithila Art Museum in Saurath, which had been announced during the 2012 Seva Yatra. Infrastructure improvements, including roads, bridges, and flood relief work, have been carried out extensively.
In terms of further developments, the Chief Minister made several important announcements for Madhubani, including:
Linking the Kamla and Purani Kamla rivers for flood control and irrigation.
Strengthening and expanding branches of the Western Kosi Canal.
Expansion of Mithila Haat in Araria Sangram.
Construction of an interstate bus terminal and a new Ring Road in Madhubani.
Development of an industrial zone in Banagama village, covering 500 acres of land.
Incorporation of Madhubani's airport into the 'Udan Scheme' for small aircraft.
Development of Phulhar Sthan as a tourist destination, believed to be the first meeting place of Lord Ram and Goddess Sita.
The Chief Minister assured the people of Madhubani that all their needs would be met, emphasizing that development works would continue at an accelerated pace across Bihar.
The review meeting concluded with the District Magistrate Arvind Kumar Verma presenting a symbolic green plant to welcome the Chief Minister. Before the meeting, the Chief Minister also visited and praised the Mithila Haat.
Present at the meeting were Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary, Water Resources Minister Vijay Kumar Chaudhary, Food and Consumer Protection Minister and Madhubani District In-charge Minister Leshi Singh, and several other prominent leaders, including MPs, MLAs, and senior officials.