Gaya: Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Thursday inaugurated and laid the foundation stone for 1,714 development projects worth Rs 1,437.96 crore during his Pragati Yatra in Gaya. The projects include 898 completed schemes valued at Rs 395.42 crore and 816 new initiatives with an estimated cost of Rs 1,042.53 crore.
Focus on Rural Development
During his visit to Imamganj block, CM Nitish interacted with women self-help groups (SHGs) under the Jeevika initiative. He inspected the Neera collection-cum-sale centre and distributed symbolic cheques and assets to beneficiaries. This included Rs 8 lakh for the Ekta Jeevika Mahila Gram Sangathan, tractor keys under the Agricultural Equipment Bank scheme, and transfer certificates for two ponds for fish farming. Additionally, Rs 12.43 crore was granted under the Sustainable Livelihood Scheme to 2,967 families, while Rs 482.68 crore was provided to 55,340 women from 11,068 Jeevika SHGs through bank linkages.
CM Nitish lauded the Jeevika initiative, highlighting its impact since 2006 when his government expanded self-help groups with World Bank support. He noted that Bihar’s Jeevika model inspired the central government’s Ajeevika programme.
Major Infrastructure and Irrigation Projects
The Chief Minister inspected key infrastructure projects, including the construction of the Lawabar Dam and the renovation of the Pain and Kothi Veer irrigation schemes, with a combined cost of Rs 45.87 crore. Officials briefed him on the projects’ benefits for farmers in Lawabar, Baha Ganeshpur, Lautara, and nearby villages. CM Nitish directed officials to expedite the renovation work and ensure proper irrigation facilities.
In Imamganj, he reviewed the proposed widening of the Imamganj-Kothi-Salaiya road and the Varanasi-Kolkata Expressway. He also assessed road projects worth over Rs 250 crore, including the construction of railway overbridges in Gaya and the strengthening of several key highways.
Healthcare, Environment, and Sports Initiatives
CM Nitish inaugurated a 100-bed model hospital at Prabhavati Hospital Campus, built at a cost of Rs 29.03 crore. He also inspected biogas plants under the Gobar Dhan Yojana and inaugurated an MNREGA park in Bataspur village. Additionally, he unveiled an MNREGA sports complex worth Rs 8.28 crore and interacted with female martial arts trainees, encouraging their participation in sports.
Commitment to Development
Throughout the visit, the Chief Minister emphasized timely project completion to enhance connectivity, irrigation, and economic opportunities. He assured continued government support for self-help groups, farmers, and entrepreneurs in the region.
The event was attended by Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Chaudhary, Water Resources Minister Vijay Kumar Chaudhary, Environment Minister Dr Prem Kumar, several MLAs, MLCs, and senior government officials.
