Patna: Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary on September 19 launched the National Innovation Challenge at the Patna Planetarium under the Seva Sankalp campaign.
The Chief Minister also unveiled the National Innovation Challenge portal and interacted with young entrepreneurs during an innovation exhibition organised at the venue.
The programme began with Choudhary flagging off 25 vehicles as part of the Shyama Prasad Mukherjee car rally. He later visited various exhibition stalls and spoke to entrepreneurs about their startups, products and innovations.
Focus On Innovation And Youth
Addressing the programme, Choudhary said service, technology, innovation and entrepreneurship would have an important role in Bihar’s development.
He said the state’s large young population should be converted into a strength for economic and social development.
The Chief Minister also highlighted initiatives such as the Seva First Innovation Challenge (East Zone) and the Bihar Tech Portal for Innovation in the IT sector, saying such programmes would encourage young people to develop new ideas and technological solutions.
Bihar Sets 10,000-Industry Target
Choudhary said an industrial environment was developing in Bihar and that land had already been made available to around 1,000 industries.
He announced a government target of establishing 10,000 industries in Bihar over the next five years.
The Chief Minister said creating employment within Bihar was important because many people from the state continue to travel to other states in search of work.
He encouraged young entrepreneurs to start businesses in Bihar and said the government would provide necessary support to promote entrepreneurship and investment.
9 Lakh Flood-Affected Families Receive DBT Assistance
The Chief Minister also highlighted the use of technology in delivering government assistance.
According to Choudhary, around 9 lakh flood-affected families have received financial assistance through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT), with the money sent directly to their bank accounts.
He said technology and digital payment systems, including UPI, can make government services and financial transactions more accessible to citizens.
1.42 Lakh Students Studying Online At Night
Choudhary also spoke about technology-based education initiatives in Bihar.
He said 700 Saraswati Vidya Niketan model schools had been established and that the Vidyarthi Saathi app provides students with access to live classes and preparation support for examinations such as NEET and JEE.
According to the Chief Minister, around 1.42 lakh students were studying online even at 1am, while approximately 75,000 teachers were enrolled to provide online academic support and address students’ queries.
2,500 Assistant Professors Recruited
Choudhary said 2,500 assistant professors had recently been recruited.
He added that some of the newly recruited teachers had previously been teaching in other parts of the country and would now work in Bihar, including in rural areas.
The move, he said, would strengthen educational opportunities for students across the state.
One Crore Women Targeted Under Lakhpati Didi Goal
The Chief Minister also highlighted women’s economic empowerment, saying Bihar has set a target of making one crore women Lakhpati Didis.
He said the government wants to bring together youth power, technology and entrepreneurship to create more employment, industries and opportunities within Bihar.
The National Innovation Challenge launch was presented as part of this broader push to encourage innovation, entrepreneurship and technology-led development in the state.
