Bettiah: Chief Minister Nitish Kumar chaired a review meeting in West Champaran district on Monday to assess the progress of ongoing developmental schemes.
District Magistrate Dinesh Kumar Rai presented detailed updates on various schemes, including the Bihar Student Credit Card Scheme, Nishchay Self Help Allowance Scheme, Kushal Yuva Program, tap water to every home, rural solar street lights, irrigation initiatives, agricultural electricity connections, and women’s higher education incentives. Updates on Panchayat government buildings, sports clubs, rural connectivity, self-help groups, and water conservation projects were also shared.
The Chief Minister emphasized the importance of resolving public grievances raised during the meeting and highlighted Bihar’s transformation since 2005. He pointed out significant progress in education, healthcare, infrastructure, and safety. The CM noted that earlier conditions in the state were dire, but consistent efforts have led to comprehensive development across all sectors without discrimination.
Highlighting the government’s initiatives, he mentioned the fencing of graveyards and temples for safety, improved transportation networks reducing travel time across Bihar, and schemes like the Poshak Yojana, cycle distribution for students, and large-scale teacher recruitment. The Chief Minister also discussed advancements in healthcare, including free medicine distribution and the establishment of medical colleges and engineering colleges in districts.
The CM announced that a modern stadium would be constructed in Bettiah, replacing the old facility, enabling the organization of state, national, and international sports events. The road from Barbat Sena to the medical college would also be widened to ease traffic congestion and improve accessibility for patients.
He addressed sugarcane farmers’ demands, directing officials to increase sugarcane prices by Rs. 20 per quintal, with Rs. 10 per quintal to be borne by the state government. Additionally, he announced plans to open a degree college for youth in the four blocks across the Gandak river, an area currently lacking government colleges.
The Chief Minister proposed constructing a bypass for Bettiah city to alleviate traffic jams and expanding the industrial area in Chanpatia to promote local industries. He also outlined plans to develop a road from Madanpur to Paniyhawa in Uttar Pradesh and a road along Don Canal from Inarwa to Valmikinagar for improved connectivity.
A new electric power grid in Amwa Man will be built to provide quality electricity to the Bettiah area. The Chief Minister also announced the construction of a Luv-Kush Park in Valmikinagar, emphasizing its cultural and recreational value.
During the meeting, the CM highlighted the success of self-help groups in Bihar, with over 10.61 lakh groups and 1.31 crore Jeevika Didis. He shared that urban areas are also being integrated into this model, with 26,000 women already associated. He reiterated the government’s commitment to providing 12 lakh government jobs and 34 lakh employment opportunities before the 2025 elections.
The meeting was attended by ministers, MPs, MLAs, officials from various departments, and local representatives. Additional Chief Secretaries, Principal Secretaries, and other department officials participated via video conferencing, providing updates on ongoing projects and plans. Key public demands and challenges were discussed, with the Chief Minister issuing directives for immediate action.
