Patna: Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary has appealed to financially well-off people and income-tax payers in Bihar to voluntarily give up the benefit of 125 units of free electricity and contribute to the state’s development.
Addressing the two-day Pataliputra National Youth Parliament-2.0 on Sunday, CM Samrat said the state government spends approximately Rs 23,000 crore annually on electricity subsidies, amounting to an expenditure of around Rs 8,000 to Rs 10,000 per family.
He noted that the benefit of 125 units of free electricity is currently available to consumers across all economic categories. Urging affluent households and income-tax payers to voluntarily relinquish the benefit, he said their contribution could support the state’s development.
Student Credit Card Scheme And Higher Education
CM Samrat also highlighted the government’s initiatives to improve access to higher education through the Student Credit Card scheme.
Under the scheme, students pursuing higher education, including medical and engineering courses, can receive financial assistance of up to Rs 4 lakh. He said approximately Rs 18,000 crore is spent annually on the scheme.
He also spoke about efforts to encourage the establishment of universities in Bihar, including open universities, to expand access to quality higher education.
700 Model Schools Established Across Bihar
Highlighting school education initiatives, the Chief Minister said 700 model schools, called Saraswati Vidya Niketans, have been established across the state’s 534 blocks, with around 3.5 lakh children currently enrolled.
He said students have also been provided access to the Vidyarthi Sathi App, through which they can seek academic assistance from teachers.
According to CM Samrat, students facing difficulties in any subject can use the platform to connect with a teacher and receive assistance within one minute, even when seeking help as late as 1 am.
Emphasising the importance of education, he said knowledge and learning were essential for progress.
Democracy Must Reflect Aspirations Of Youth
The Chief Minister also referred to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s interaction with young people through a Facebook Live session on education development and reforms, which he said was attended by 33 crore young people.
He said democracy represents the voice of the people and that its true essence lies in understanding public aspirations, particularly those of the youth.
Laws, policies and development initiatives, he added, should be formulated in line with people’s expectations.
