Saharsa: Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar inaugurated and laid the foundation stone for 52 development schemes worth over Rs 210 crore in Saharsa district during the third phase of the Pragati Yatra. The event took place at the 10+2 High School in Mainha, Sattarkataiya block. The projects include the inauguration of 36 schemes valued at Rs 94 crore and the foundation stone laying of 16 schemes totaling over Rs 116 crore.
A key inauguration was the 520-seat Other Backward Class Girls Residential 10+2 High School building in Mainha. The Chief Minister inspected the new facilities, including teacher residences and the hostel, emphasizing the importance of a conducive learning environment and proper maintenance of the campus. He also visited stalls set up by various government departments and interacted with members of Jeevika, a self-help group initiative for women. The Chief Minister highlighted the growth of these groups since 2005, noting their positive impact on women’s economic conditions and empowerment.
During the event, symbolic cheques were distributed to various beneficiaries. Rs 144.27 crore was allocated to 46,883 self-help groups, Rs 11.70 crore to 2,358 self-help groups, and Rs 25 crore to 2,993 self-help groups for livelihood enhancement. Support was also provided under various other schemes, including the Chief Minister’s Pond Matsya Vaniki Yojana, Bal Hriday Yojana, Ayushman Bharat Card, Samagra Gavya Vikas Yojana, Chief Minister’s Udyam Yojana, and schemes of the Minority Welfare Department.
The Chief Minister also conducted a field inspection regarding the silt problem in the Tilave river. Officials presented a plan to revive the Tilave Dhar, a water body, to improve irrigation and reduce flooding. The project, estimated at Rs 1253.516 lakh, aims to benefit 2,700 hectares across Supaul, Madhepura, Saharsa, and Khagaria districts. The Chief Minister stressed the importance of proper excavation to prevent further silt deposition.
Later, the Chief Minister inaugurated a Panchayat Government Building in Vishanpur and inspected a veterinary hospital and public service center. He also laid the foundation stone for an upgraded high school building costing Rs 237.29 lakh and inaugurated a sports complex at the local middle school. He visited smart classrooms and an ICT lab, interacting with students and encouraging them to study diligently. Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary, several other ministers, MPs, MLAs, and senior officials were also present at the events.
