Patna: Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Friday inaugurated and laid the foundation stone for 88 development projects worth Rs 241.20 crore in Jehanabad district. The event, held at the Government Other Backward Classes Residential Girls 10+2 High School in Dharhara village, Kako block, was part of his ongoing Pragati Yatra.
The projects include the inauguration of 55 schemes valued at Rs 154.72 crore and the foundation stone laying of 33 schemes worth Rs 86.48 crore. Addressing the gathering, CM Nitish reiterated his commitment to infrastructure and social welfare development in Bihar.
Focus on Education and Women’s Empowerment
Among the inaugurated projects was the Government Other Backward Classes Residential Girls 10+2 High School, built at a cost of Rs 46.35 crore. CM Nitish inspected the administrative and educational facilities, interacted with students, and emphasized the importance of education. “Study with enthusiasm and make a mark in life,” he urged the students, who welcomed him with applause.
The Chief Minister also reviewed a newly built hostel mess in the school premises before visiting various government stalls showcasing initiatives in industry, agriculture, animal husbandry, social welfare, and education. Symbolic cheques were distributed to beneficiaries of key government schemes, including the Student Credit Card, Udyan Yojana, Startup Scheme, and Chief Minister’s Entrepreneur Scheme. A total of Rs 4.36 crore was allocated under the Bihar Small Entrepreneur Scheme.
Boost for Self-Help Groups and Rural Development
CM Nitish engaged with members of Jeevika, Bihar’s self-help group initiative, presenting a symbolic cheque of Rs 4 crore to 811 groups under the Sustainable Livelihood Scheme. He lauded the program’s success in empowering women and improving their economic and social standing. “When we took charge in 2005, self-help groups were almost non-existent in Bihar. We took a loan from the World Bank to expand them. Today, Jeevika Didis have become self-reliant and confident,” he said.
Jeevika members expressed gratitude, attributing their financial independence to the initiative. CM Nitish directed district officials to ensure smooth implementation of schemes for their benefit.
Infrastructure and Environmental Projects
Under the Jal-Jeevan-Hariyali Abhiyan, Kumar inaugurated Gandhi Park in Dharhara, constructed at a cost of Rs 13.90 lakh. He inspected a newly built well and a large pond under the initiative, suggesting the addition of walking tracks and boating facilities to attract visitors.
In Kazisarai village, Kako block, the Chief Minister inaugurated the newly constructed Plus Two High School building (Rs 1.03 crore) and a sports ground (Rs 9.56 lakh). Encouraging students, he provided sporting equipment and interacted with NCC cadets.
Roads, Sports, and Tourism Development
CM Nitish inspected the site of a proposed rail overbridge (ROB) at Raja Bazar, Jehanabad, where officials briefed him on its connection between NH-33 and NH-83. At Malhchak, he reviewed plans for an indoor badminton stadium-cum-sports complex, urging quality construction to provide world-class facilities for athletes.
Tourism projects in Vanavar were also discussed, with officials outlining plans to boost the local economy. Kumar distributed basketballs to young athletes as a symbolic gesture of his commitment to sports infrastructure.
Dignitaries and Officials in Attendance
The event saw the presence of Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Chaudhary, Water Resources Minister Vijay Kumar Chaudhary, and Rural Works Minister Ashok Chaudhary, along with several MPs, MLAs, and senior bureaucrats, including Development Commissioner Pratyaya Amrit and Director General of Police Vinay Kumar.
