Patna: Bihar Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary on Sunday announced a series of measures aimed at boosting investor confidence and encouraging industrial growth in the state, assuring traders and entrepreneurs that the government is committed to ensuring their security and resolving business-related issues promptly.
Addressing the closing ceremony of the two-day business conclave organised during the centenary celebrations of the Bihar Chamber of Commerce and Industries (BCCI) in Patna, Choudhary said district administrations across Bihar will now hold quarterly meetings with traders, industrialists and business organisations.
He said District Magistrates and Superintendents of Police in every district would interact with business representatives every three months to address issues related to security, law and order, GST, labour laws, banking, pollution control, fire audits and other administrative hurdles. He added that efforts would be made to resolve problems on the spot.
The Chief Minister said trust and security are the most important requirements for industrial investment and assured the business community that the government remains committed to creating a favourable environment for industries.
He said several amendments had already been made to the Bihar Industrial Investment Promotion Policy-2025 and further changes would be introduced if required. Choudhary urged industrialists to directly approach the Industries Minister with suggestions, stating that future industrial policies would be shaped according to the needs and feedback of entrepreneurs.
“The government wants an industrial policy that is implemented on the ground and not limited to paperwork,” he said.
More than 250 representatives from over 70 business organisations across Bihar participated in the conclave. During the final session, representatives raised concerns related to GST, income tax, labour laws, company regulations, pollution control norms, banking procedures and law and order issues.
Choudhary also appealed to migrant Bihari entrepreneurs living across India and abroad to return to Bihar and invest in the state. He said the government is working to create better opportunities for industries and stressed that winning the confidence of local traders and investors is essential before attracting large external investors.
Sending a strong message on law and order, the Chief Minister said traders’ security is the government’s responsibility and criminals would not receive protection under any circumstances. He added that action would be taken within 24 hours in cases involving criminal incidents.
Highlighting infrastructure development, Choudhary announced that the Raghopur Bridge is expected to be inaugurated next month by either Prime Minister Narendra Modi or Union Home Minister Amit Shah.
He said the bridge would significantly improve connectivity between Patna and districts such as Samastipur, Hajipur and Muzaffarpur in north Bihar.
The Chief Minister also announced plans to develop a 126-kilometre-long marine drive along the Ganga and Son rivers over the next three years. He said multiple bridges are being constructed to strengthen connectivity between north and south Bihar, including parallel bridges alongside Mahatma Gandhi Setu and JP Setu.
According to Choudhary, new elevated and approach roads connected to Raghopur Bridge, Mahatma Gandhi Setu, JP Setu and Dighwara Bridge will collectively be named the “Ganga-Ambika Path.”
He further said a barrage would be constructed on the Son River to address water supply issues in districts including Arwal, Aurangabad, Rohtas, Arrah and Patna, helping south Bihar tackle drought-like conditions.
In another significant announcement, Choudhary said the state government would urge the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to introduce an Indian Premier League (IPL) team for Bihar to provide local cricketers with better opportunities to showcase their talent.
Referring to Bihar’s large consumer base, he said the state has a market of nearly 14 crore people and immense potential for industrial growth.
The event was also addressed by BCCI President PK Agrawal. During the programme, Choudhary inspected a free skill development training centre run by the chamber and interacted with women trainees.
Several prominent business leaders and officials, including Finance Secretary Sanjay Kumar Singh, BCCI General Secretary Mukesh Kumar Jain, Vice Presidents NK Thakur and Vishal Tekriwal, Treasurer Rajesh Jain and former president Subhash Kumar Patwari, were present at the event.
