Katihar/ Patna: Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Wednesday inaugurated and laid the foundation stone for 145 development projects worth Rs166.96 crore in Katihar district as part of the third phase of his Pragati Yatra. The projects include 88 schemes worth Rs.56.50 crore that were inaugurated and 57 schemes worth Rs.110.48 crore for which the foundation stone was laid.
During his visit to Rampur Panchayat in Koda block, the chief minister inspected various government facilities, including the Health and Wellness Centre, MNREGA Bhawan, PACS Bhawan, and the Right to Public Services Centre. He also reviewed the Panchayat Gyan Kendra and other sections of the Panchayat Government Building, describing it as a well-constructed facility that would help streamline public services.
Focus on Education and Sports
Chief Minister visited an Anganwadi centre, where he interacted with children and encouraged them to focus on their studies. He also inspected the Upkramit Uchch Madhyamik Vidyalaya in Rampur, speaking to students about their education. At a newly inaugurated playground, he met with young athletes and urged them to balance sports and academics.
Later, the he visited stalls set up by various government departments, where he reviewed initiatives led by Jeevika self-help groups. He distributed symbolic cheques worth Rs. 38 crores to 4,647 self-help groups, Rs.11.3 crore to 2,713 Jeevika Didi families, Rs.306 crore to 6,430 self-help groups, and Rs.2.89 crore to 1,075 Jeevika Didis. He praised the contribution of these groups in improving the economic status of women in Bihar, recalling that the initiative, which began in 2005, inspired a nationwide program under the central government.
Infrastructure and Minority Welfare Initiatives
CM Nitish reviewed ongoing infrastructure projects in Katihar, including the Rs.702.5 crore widening of State Highway 98 (Katihar-Balrampur) and the Rs.192.8 crore construction of a railway overbridge between Katihar-Mukuria and Katihar-Jogbani. He also inspected Rajendra Stadium and emphasised the need for a well-equipped sports complex to support local athletes.
During his visit to Sharifganj, the chief minister laid the foundation stone for several minority welfare schemes. He distributed financial assistance to beneficiaries, including Rs.25,000 under the Muslim Abandoned Divorced Women Assistance Scheme, Rs.15,000 under the Mukhyamantri Abhyaakta Vidhyarthi Protsahan Yojana, and Rs.50,000 for Muslim female graduates. Additionally, Rs.3.75 lakh and Rs.16 lakh were given to beneficiaries of the Mukhyamantri Udyami Yojana.
Before the official programme, CM Nitish conducted an aerial survey of Gogabil Lake in Ahmedabad block and held discussions with officials about its development. He later reviewed a proposal to enhance the lake’s infrastructure, stressing the importance of proper planning for its conservation.
