Patna: The Bihar education department has tightened monitoring of pending infrastructure projects, setting a Diwali deadline for completing 2,352 schemes and directing officials to begin work on 3,339 newly selected projects by October 26.
The directives were issued during a state-level review meeting chaired by Abhishek Palasia, Managing Director of the Bihar State Educational Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (BSBEIDC). Officials and contractors were instructed to accelerate construction and adhere to the prescribed timelines, with action possible against those who fail to meet their commitments.
2,352 Pending Projects Targeted for Completion by Diwali
According to the review, 2,352 schemes from the financial years 2023-24 and 2024-25 remain pending. The corporation has set a deadline of November 9, coinciding with Diwali as stated in the report, for completing these projects.
Officials have been directed to monitor construction regularly and ensure that delays are addressed promptly. The department has emphasised that projects must be completed within the stipulated period.
Work on 3,339 New Projects to Begin by October 26
For the financial year 2025-26, a total of 3,339 projects have been selected under the Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan and PM SHRI schemes. Work on these projects has yet to begin in several cases.
The corporation has directed officials to ensure that construction starts on all the selected projects by October 26.
Palasia highlighted the importance of translating government allocations into completed infrastructure on the ground. Projects worth approximately rupees 2,000 crore are being implemented in Bihar under the two schemes, according to the report.
Rupees 553.24 Crore Spending Target Set
The review meeting also assessed expenditure against construction targets. Officials reported that projects worth rupees 44.78 crore had been completed over the preceding month, against the targets set for the period.
The corporation has now outlined a spending plan of rupees 553.24 crore, with the following allocations:
- October 2026: Rupees 150.10 crore
- November and December 2026: Rupees 283.49 crore
- By March 2027: Rupees 118.49 crore
The expenditure plan is linked to a target of completing 5,726 projects. Officials are expected to track both spending and construction progress to ensure that the targets are met.
Contractors May Face Action for Delays
The corporation has warned that setting deadlines alone will not be sufficient without regular monitoring. Officials have been instructed to identify projects progressing slowly and take timely corrective action.
Contractors who fail to complete work within the prescribed deadlines may face action under the terms and conditions of their agreements.
The projects include the development of infrastructure and facilities at government schools. Their timely completion is expected to improve educational infrastructure and benefit students across Bihar.
The immediate focus remains on starting the 3,339 newly selected projects by October 26 and completing the 2,352 pending schemes within the stipulated Diwali deadline.
