Patna: The Bihar government has extended the application deadline for its flagship Har Khet Ko Pani Yojana, offering farmers more time to apply for free electricity connections aimed at boosting irrigation coverage in rural areas.
Initially set to close in February, the scheme’s application window remains open as officials double down on expanding access to water and power infrastructure in agricultural zones. Farmers applying by September will receive connections within the same month, while those who applied earlier are expected to be linked by June.
The move was announced during a high-level review meeting chaired by Chief Secretary Amrit Lal Meena. According to the Agriculture Department, the scheme had targeted 1.5 lakh connections, but demand has far exceeded expectations with more than 2.38 lakh farmers already benefitting—an indication of successful outreach and unmet irrigation needs.
Meena called for intensified promotion of the scheme and also reviewed promises made during Chief Minister Nitish Kumar’s Pragati Yatra, noting delays in 47 key infrastructure projects. District magistrates have been given 15 days to resolve land acquisition issues, particularly those stalling road development.
Energy reforms also came under review. While 90% of government buildings now have smart prepaid meters and departments are reportedly clearing electricity dues on time, the implementation of rooftop solar panels under the PM Surya Ghar Yojana lags. Of 74,028 applications received, only 4,957 have been installed. Meena directed urban local bodies and self-help groups to scale up efforts in “mission mode.”
Progress under other flagship schemes was also discussed. In housing, officials were instructed to fast-track pending cases under the PM Awas Yojana. For drinking water access, 335 schemes under the Har Ghar Nal Ka Jal programme remain incomplete, with Saharsa district the worst affected. Meena issued specific instructions to expedite completion in such areas.
Long-pending issues surrounding the construction of Panchayat Government Buildings also surfaced. Of the 213 projects delayed due to land disputes, the Chief Secretary urged resolution within 15 days and recommended new architectural designs in sensitive areas to avoid legal setbacks.
In a push to bolster rural tourism, the state plans to develop 500 water bodies as tourist sites, equipped with basic amenities such as seating areas, parking, cafeterias and boating facilities.
On the industrial front, Bihar has identified over 20,000 acres for developing industrial zones across all 38 districts. Of this, 17,728 acres are privately owned, 2,429 acres belong to the state, and 150 acres are under the central government. Meena urged local officials to address roadblocks to land acquisition and begin groundwork promptly.
To further streamline public services, the state is also developing a mobile application to facilitate household drinking water connection requests. This comes alongside a campaign to repair hand pumps—13,009 of which were restored between March and early April—to ease water shortages during the summer.
