Patna: Bihar Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary presented a comprehensive roadmap of the state’s development before Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the 11th Governing Council Meeting of NITI Aayog, highlighting Bihar’s achievements and seeking greater support from the Centre for infrastructure, industrial growth, education, tourism, and skill development.
Addressing the meeting, Choudhary showcased Bihar’s progress through data-driven presentations and reiterated the state’s commitment to contributing actively to the vision of “Viksit Bharat 2047.” He assured the Prime Minister that a prosperous Bihar would play a significant role in achieving the national development goals.
A major demand raised by the Chief Minister was financial assistance of Rs 18,000 crore under the Jal Jeevan Mission. He stated that Bihar had successfully achieved the mission’s objectives through its “Har Ghar Nal Ka Jal” programme by investing state resources. However, due to certain circumstances, the state could not avail the Centre’s share of funding. He requested Rs 13,000 crore as reimbursement of the Centre’s share for expenditures already incurred and an additional Rs 5,000 crore for ongoing and future projects under the mission.
Highlighting Bihar’s growing importance on India’s tourism map, Choudhary emphasized the state’s rich religious and cultural heritage and sought special assistance to improve international air connectivity. He said enhanced global connectivity would significantly boost tourism and economic activity in the state.
To accelerate industrial development, the Chief Minister urged the Centre to establish a regional centre of the National Institute of Design (NID) in Bihar. He also requested the allocation of 10 state-of-the-art plug-and-play industrial parks under the Bharat Industrial Development Scheme (BHAVYA), aimed at promoting innovation, commerce, and socio-economic growth.
Choudhary further pressed for the establishment of several key educational and technical institutions in Bihar. These include the Central Institute for Sub-Tropical Horticulture, a National Makhana Board office, and the early establishment of the National Institute of Food Technology Entrepreneurship and Management (NIFTEM), for which the state has already transferred 100 acres of land.
The Chief Minister also sought support for setting up regional branches of the Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER) and the School of Planning and Architecture (SPA) in Bihar.
In the skill development sector, he requested Rs 750 crore for an Integrated Scheme in Skilling Architecture pilot project and Rs 1,500 crore in financial assistance for Jananayak Karpoori Thakur Skill University. He also sought Central support for establishing a National Skill Training Institute in Bhagalpur.
Looking ahead to major sporting events, Choudhary requested special assistance from the Union Government to enable Bihar to host the National Youth Games in 2028, the Hockey World Cup in 2030, and the National Games in 2031.
The Chief Minister said Bihar was prepared to play a leading role in India’s growth story and sought continued partnership and support from the Centre to accelerate the state’s development journey.
