Chirag Gupta
Patna: Chief Minister Nitish Kumar held a joint review meeting at Paricharcha Bhawan, Sitamarhi Collectorate, to evaluate the progress of developmental schemes in Sitamarhi and Shivhar districts as part of the Pragati Yatra.
District Magistrate of Sitamarhi, Richie Pandey, presented a detailed report on various initiatives, including the Bihar Student Credit Card Scheme, Nishchay Self Help Allowance Scheme, Skilled Youth Program, and tap water to every house. He also highlighted progress in the construction of paved lanes, drains, agricultural feeders, Panchayat Government Buildings, and the Chief Minister’s Solar Street Light Scheme.
The Chief Minister was informed about advancements in health services, such as telemedicine consultations and doorstep veterinary care. Updates on infrastructure projects, including playgrounds, bridges, roads, and the construction of public wells and ponds under Jal-Jeevan-Hariyali, were also provided. Public representatives shared local challenges, which the Chief Minister directed officials to resolve promptly.
Nitish Kumar emphasized that since 2005, consistent efforts have been made to develop Bihar across all sectors, including education, healthcare, roads, and electricity. He noted significant progress in bridging gaps between communities, improving security, and increasing accessibility to medical and educational facilities.
He unveiled the Jeevika Bhawan in Mesaudha Gram Panchayat, Piprahi, built at a cost of Rs. 15.62 lakh. He handed over its keys to the Jeevika Didis and interacted with them, acknowledging their contributions to women empowerment and economic development. Recalling the initiatives since 2006, he emphasized the government’s efforts to expand self-help groups and encouraged Jeevika Didis to continue their diligent work.
Highlighting achievements, he stated that over 8,000 graveyards have been fenced since 2006, with ongoing work on 1,247 more. Boundary walls are also being constructed for temples to prevent idol theft. The Chief Minister added that travel times between Patna and distant districts like Sitamarhi have reduced significantly due to road improvements.
He cited education reforms, such as the introduction of dress and bicycle schemes for students, large-scale teacher recruitment, and school building construction, which have increased enrollment, especially among girls. Health services have also improved, with an average of over 11,000 monthly patients visiting Primary Health Centres compared to just 39 earlier.
Kumar announced that Sitamarhi’s closed sugar mill in Riga has resumed operations, benefiting around 50,000 sugarcane farmers in the region. The government has allocated Rs. 52 crore to settle pending dues and increased the sugarcane price by Rs. 20 per quintal.
For flood mitigation, he inspected the Bagmati river embankment and directed immediate repairs and road construction along the embankments. Plans to develop Punauradham and Panthapakar as tourist destinations were also announced, with employment generation as a key goal.
In Shivhar, he directed widening roads from Shivhar to Minapur and Kushahar to Dekuli Dham, facilitating connectivity and regional development. Additionally, a new Mother and Child Hospital and a modern building for SH-54 Path will be constructed to improve healthcare and transportation.
The Chief Minister announced plans for a new electricity grid station in Majorganj to resolve power supply issues in Sitamarhi. He also emphasized the importance of self-help groups in empowering women, with over 10 lakh groups established, involving 1.31 crore Jeevika Didis.
Kumar stated that the government aims to provide 12 lakh jobs and 34 lakh employment opportunities by 2025. Welfare initiatives, such as financial assistance of Rs. 2 lakh per family for 94 lakh identified poor households, are underway.
During the meeting, Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary, ministers Vijay Kumar Choudhary, Ashok Choudhary, and Jama Khan, along with MPs, MLAs, and key officials, participated. Public representatives’ concerns were noted, and directives were issued for expediting pending development projects.
The Chief Minister reiterated his commitment to inclusive growth and addressing the needs of all communities without discrimination. He assured continued efforts toward Bihar’s holistic development.
