Patna: Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar inaugurated and laid the foundation for 331 development projects worth Rs 744.85 crore in Vaishali on Sunday, pledging that the initiatives would raise living standards in the district.
The ceremony, held remotely from Degree College in Goroul, included major infrastructure works such as a Rs 129 crore storm water drainage system in Hajipur, four energy department projects worth Rs 181.78 crore, dredging of the Waya River for Rs 43.20 crore, and the widening of the Lalganj–Sarai road and Goroul–Sondho–Mathnamal road. Other works included a 100-bed critical care block at Sadar Hospital, Vaishali, and the approach road to the Ganga bridge at Panasdia.
Alongside 110 smaller schemes worth Rs 122.14 crore – covering buildings, libraries and playgrounds – CM Nitish also inaugurated 210 completed projects, including a Rs 40.43 crore redevelopment of the agricultural market committee, a boys’ industrial training institute in Hajipur, and upgrades to grid substations.
Unveiling the plaque for the proposed Degree College in Goroul, the chief minister said the projects, many of which were promised during his “Progress March”, would give “new impetus and direction” to local development.
CM later met beneficiaries of social schemes, including pensioners, Anganwadi workers and members of the state’s Jeevika livelihood programme. Beneficiaries expressed gratitude for recent increases in pensions and allowances, with the social security pension raised from Rs 400 to Rs 1,100, honorariums for Anganwadi staff and agricultural advisors boosted, and the daily allowance for home guards increased.
The chief minister urged Jeevika members to “continue working with enthusiasm” and promised continued government support. He also called on residents to maintain harmony and contribute to Bihar’s progress.
