Purnia: Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, during the third phase of Pragati Yatra, inaugurated and laid the foundation stone for 62 development projects worth over Rs 580.87 crore in Purnia district. The event took place at the Kamakhya temple premises in Bhawanipur village, Krityanand Nagar block, where he also prayed for the state’s prosperity.
Focus on developmental works
The Chief Minister reviewed various projects in Bhawanipur village, including road construction using waste plastic under the Lohia Swachh Bihar Abhiyan. He inaugurated the beautification of Maa Kamakhya Pokhara, appreciating its construction and urging people to visit the site. Keys and symbolic cheques were distributed to beneficiaries under the Chief Minister Block Transport Scheme.
Promotion of creativity among children
Nitish Kumar interacted with children of Kilkari Bihar Bal Bhavan, Purnia, praising their artistic works, including paintings, exhibitions, and crafts made of jute and coins. He lauded their efforts and encouraged them to continue their creative journey.
Support for women empowerment
The Chief Minister visited stalls set up by various departments and interacted with Jeevika sisters from self-help groups. Symbolic cheques were distributed, including Rs 204 crore to 1,43,088 Jeevika sisters, Rs 5.32 crore to 1,127 sisters, and Rs 27.21 crore to 13,605 sisters. He highlighted the transformation in women’s lives since 2005, when self-help groups were introduced in Bihar, and commended their growing confidence and economic independence.
Inspection of departmental stalls
Stalls from the Industries, Health, Education, and other departments showcased their initiatives. Symbolic cheques were also handed over to beneficiaries of schemes like Ayushman Bharat, Student Credit Card, and Chief Minister Rural Housing. The Chief Minister witnessed the live classes of Unnayan Bihar Purnia and emphasized quality education for children.
Infrastructure and sports development
Nitish Kumar inaugurated a sports complex at Kamakhya High School and inspected the bypass road project from Bhutaha turn to SH 60, a 9.176 km road costing Rs 151.47 crore. He reviewed the widening and strengthening of SH 65 (32 km) and SH 99 (63.35 km) in Purnia and Kishanganj, aimed at improving connectivity and reducing traffic congestion.
Encouragement for local players
At Rangbhoomi Ground, the Chief Minister interacted with players and reviewed the construction of a multipurpose sports hall under the Chief Minister’s Sports Development Scheme. He stressed ensuring proper facilities to enhance children’s performance in sports while maintaining the integrity of the ground.
Officials and dignitaries present
The event witnessed the presence of Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Chaudhary, Water Resources Minister Vijay Kumar Chaudhary, Food Consumer and Protection Minister Leshi Singh, former MP Santosh Kushwaha, Chief Secretary S. Siddharth, and other senior officials, including Purnia District Magistrate Kundan Kumar and SP Kartikeya Kumar Sharma.
