Komal Agarwal
Patna: Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar today launched the third phase of his Pragati Yatra in Khagaria district, marking a significant milestone with the inauguration and foundation-laying of 224 development projects worth Rs 430 crore. The schemes include 89 completed projects and 135 new initiatives aimed at improving infrastructure and services across the district.
Among the highlights of the day’s events was the inauguration of an animal feed factory at Maheshkhunt in Gogri block. The facility, built at a cost of Rs 43 crore, boasts a production capacity of 300 metric tonnes per day and will directly benefit over 5 lakh animal breeders in the region. Speaking at the inauguration, Kumar expressed his satisfaction with the facility’s construction, stressing that it would significantly ease access to animal feed for local farmers and boost milk production, directly benefiting the agricultural community.
Kumar also launched and laid the foundation stone for multiple development schemes in Khagaria, including initiatives focused on water supply, sanitation, housing, and agricultural development. The Chief Minister’s visit was marked by symbolic cheque distributions and the unveiling of key projects, such as the Mukhyamantri Mahila Udyami Yojana and the Mukhyamantri Scheduled Caste and Tribe Udyami Yojana, among others.
Jeevika Empowerment and Gender Upliftment
A key component of the event was the interaction with local women involved in the Jeevika self-help groups. Since their inception in 2006, these groups have grown to include 1.31 crore women across Bihar, and Nitish Kumar emphasized the government’s efforts to extend their reach into urban areas. The Chief Minister lauded the Jeevika members, known as Jeevika didis, for their contribution to rural development and women’s empowerment.
“Today, 1 crore 31 lakh women in Bihar are engaged in self-help groups, and we are also forming these groups in urban areas. Women’s respect in society has increased, and this is a direct result of the government’s support,” CM Nitish Kumar said, congratulating the Jeevika didis for their dedicated work.
During his visit, the Chief Minister also addressed local students, praising the government’s efforts to encourage girls’ education and to promote women’s upliftment through various schemes.
Infrastructure Development and Flood Mitigation
CM’s tour included an inspection of vital infrastructure projects, particularly those aimed at flood mitigation and improving transportation. The Chief Minister reviewed the construction of a 400-meter RCC bridge over the Bagmati River in Alauli block, designed to provide crucial connectivity during floods. He also laid the foundation for a 1.5 km road from Rajendra Chowk to Bakhri Bus Stand and a Road Over Bridge (ROB) from Khagaria Railway Station to Umesh Nagar.
These initiatives, with a combined estimated cost of Rs 111 crore, are expected to significantly improve transportation links in the region and provide better access to essential services, particularly during adverse weather conditions.
Additionally, Nitish Kumar inspected the proposed construction of an anti-flood sluice on the city security dam in Khagaria, which aims to strengthen flood protection in the area. A short film showcasing the project’s details was also screened during the visit.
Political and Administrative Presence
The event saw the participation of several key political and administrative figures, including Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Chaudhary, Water Resources Minister Vijay Kumar Chaudhary, and senior officials such as Chief Secretary Amrit Lal Meena and Director General of Police Vinay Kumar. The presence of local MPs, MLAs, and public representatives underscored the broad political support for the Chief Minister’s development agenda.
The Pragati Yatra is expected to continue making strides in the coming months, as Kumar’s administration works to address the needs of Bihar’s rural and urban populations, particularly in areas related to infrastructure, education, and women’s empowerment.
