Rajgir/ Patna: Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Thursday inaugurated and laid the foundation stone for 263 development projects worth Rs 820.72 crore in Nalanda district as part of his Pragati Yatra. The projects include the inauguration of 177 schemes worth Rs 361.66 crore and the foundation stone laying of 86 schemes worth Rs 459.05 crore.
Addressing an event in Nanand village of Silav block, CM Nitish inspected various ongoing initiatives, including a renovated pond under the Jal-Jeevan-Hariyali Abhiyan. Lauding the efforts, he described the pond as a well-executed project. He also inaugurated the Hunar Pustakalaya Bhawan, interacting with students and encouraging them to pursue their education diligently.
The chief minister visited the Samajik Utthan Park, built at a cost of Rs 19.22 lakh, and interacted with members of self-help groups (SHGs) managing the facility. He urged them to maintain the park properly and distributed certificates to SHG members involved in pond maintenance and boat operations.
CM Nitish later visited Mahadalit Basti in Nanand, where he inspected a newly constructed playground and inaugurated it by handing basketballs to young players. He also inaugurated a community building-cum-workshop and met beneficiaries of the Bal Hriday Yojana and the Satat Jivkoparjan Yojna (Sustainable Livelihood Scheme).
At the event venue, the chief minister toured departmental stalls showcasing schemes from the industries, agriculture, animal husbandry, fisheries, social welfare, and education departments. He distributed symbolic cheques under various welfare schemes, including the Chief Minister Kanya Utthan Yojana and the Chief Minister Rural Housing Scheme.
Highlighting the growth of self-help groups in Bihar, CM Nitish noted that the initiative had expanded significantly since 2005. “When we began, there were very few SHGs. We took a loan from the World Bank to promote them. Today, over 1.35 crore women are part of Jeevika self-help groups, fostering financial independence and empowerment,” he said.
He also inaugurated a newly built girls’ residential high school in Sabbait, costing Rs 37.89 crore, and interacted with students in the robotics lab. Praising the school’s facilities, he encouraged students to focus on their studies.
During his visit to the Mohanpur Fish Seed Production Centre, CM Nitish reviewed the latest fish farming techniques, learning about production across 16 ponds spanning 12 acres. He commended the centre’s role in supporting fish producers.
In Rajgir, the chief minister inaugurated the newly constructed Yatri Vishram Bhawan and reviewed the site plan for the redevelopment of the Kund complex. Priests at the venue welcomed him, acknowledging the improved tourism facilities in Rajgir.
Additionally, CM Nitish inaugurated a 100-bed girls’ hostel at Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalaya in Bind block and observed students undergoing judo and karate training for self-defence.
The chief minister also reviewed several road projects, including the widening and strengthening of major routes linking Nalanda to Patna and neighbouring districts. Officials briefed him on the expected benefits of improved connectivity, including reduced congestion and better access for residents.
The event was attended by senior officials, including Water Resources Minister Vijay Kumar Chaudhary, Environment Minister Dr Prem Kumar, Rural Development Minister Shravan Kumar, and local MPs and MLAs. Senior bureaucrats, including Chief Secretary Amrit Lal Meena and Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister Dr S Siddharth, were also present.
