Patna: Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar has announced development projects worth more than Rs 1,200 crore in Saran district, just months before the state elections. He laid the foundation stones during a short visit to Chhapra on Thursday and assured women’s groups that his government would continue to support them.
After landing in Chhapra by helicopter, Kumar went to a programme in Bintoliya where he met women involved in the Jeevika self-help groups. He urged them to use the newly established Jeevika Bank to strengthen their economic activities. The chief minister said the government would give every possible help to make them self-reliant. Women who had benefited from the liquor ban and livelihood schemes were also present at the event and shared their experiences.
The Rs 1,200 crore projects include road widening, a new power sub-station and sports-related infrastructure. Officials said that once completed, these schemes would improve basic facilities in the district, bringing better roads, continuous electricity and opportunities for sports. Local women, including beneficiaries such as Kanti Devi, told Kumar that the opening of Jeevika Bank would help them expand their small businesses, such as animal rearing, bangle making and running grocery shops.
Kumar’s stay in Chhapra was short. He arrived at 3.10pm and left for Madhaura at 3.25pm after the event. In this brief time, he not only launched the projects but also met women involved in welfare schemes and encouraged them to move forward with confidence. The visit was seen as both a development push and a message of empowerment for rural women.
Strict security arrangements were made for the chief minister’s arrival. The district administration created a three-layer security system with barricades, special helipads, and heavy surveillance along his route. A convoy including ambulances, bomb disposal squads, a dog squad and the fire brigade was also deployed. Senior Superintendent of Police, Dr Kumar Ashish, personally supervised the security with magistrates and police officers on duty.
