Patna: Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Wednesday inaugurated and laid the foundation stone for 160 development projects worth Rs 438.51 crore in Munger district as part of the fourth phase of his Pragati Yatra. The projects, launched remotely from Chadaun village in the Sadar block, included the inauguration of 73 schemes valued at Rs 148.40 crore and the foundation stone laying of 87 schemes worth Rs 290.12 crore.
Site inspections and infrastructure projects
During his visit to Munger’s Tarapur block, CM Nitish reviewed ongoing development projects, inspecting a middle school, an Adarsh Anganwadi centre, and the Jeevika Library in Rangaon. He interacted with children and assessed the facilities before visiting a pond constructed under the Jal-Jeevan-Hariyali Abhiyan. Symbolic cheques were distributed to beneficiaries of various government schemes.
The Chief Minister also reviewed the proposed Tarapur Bypass in Vanshipur village, receiving a detailed briefing from officials. The 7-km bypass is expected to ease congestion around Tarapur Chowk, connecting the Sultanganj-Tarapur-Belhar State Highway (SH-22) with Mohanganj and linking to the Rural Works Department’s road network near Bihma Bazaar.
Tourism development at Rishikund
CM Nitish then visited Rishikund, a renowned hot water spring in Haveli Kharagpur block. Officials presented plans for its development, highlighting its popularity among tourists and devotees, particularly during the Malmas fair held every three years. The Chief Minister called for comprehensive improvements, including deepening the reservoir to enhance water storage for bathing purposes.
Education and sports initiatives
At Nauwagarhi High School, the Chief Minister inaugurated a newly constructed playground worth Rs 47.14 lakh, encouraging student athletes and symbolically flying a balloon to mark the occasion. He also inaugurated an astronomy laboratory at the secondary school, engaging with students on their studies and telescope usage.
Public welfare and entrepreneurship support
At Chadaun village, Kumar inspected stalls showcasing government welfare schemes and distributed financial aid to beneficiaries. Under the Mukhyamantri Udyami Yojana, 90 entrepreneurs received Rs 1 crore in symbolic cheques, while another Rs 80 lakh was disbursed under the Bihar Laghu Udyami Yojana. Further support was extended to beneficiaries of schemes including the Vimukta Bal Shramik Yojana, Mukhyamantri Kanya Utthan Yojana, and Intercaste Marriage Promotion Scheme.
Engaging with Jeevika self-help groups, CM Nitish acknowledged their role in economic empowerment, distributing Rs 11.16 crore to 2,258 groups and Rs 70.24 crore to 4,310 Jeevika Didi families. He highlighted the transformation of women’s financial independence since the inception of Jeevika in 2005, a model later adopted nationally as Ajeevika.
Healthcare and urban development
In Munger, the Chief Minister inaugurated a newly built 100-bed model hospital worth Rs 32.17 crore, inspecting its facilities and highlighting its importance in improving local healthcare services. He also unveiled the beautified Rajarani pond, instructing officials to extend its steps and ensure regular maintenance.
Dignitaries in attendance
The event saw participation from Union Minister of Panchayati Raj and Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, and Dairy Rajiv Ranjan Singh (Lallan Singh), Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Chaudhary, Water Resources and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Vijay Kumar Chaudhary, and Panchayati Raj Minister Kedar Prasad Gupta, among others. Senior bureaucrats, including Chief Secretary Amrit Lal Meena and Director General of Police Vinay Kumar, were also present.
