Patna: Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar on Wednesday inaugurated and laid foundation stones for 178 development projects worth more than Rs 980 crore in Kaimur district.
Speaking at an event at Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel College in Bhabhua, Cm Nitish unveiled 127 completed projects valued at Rs 125.49 crore and laid the foundation for 51 others worth Rs 854.66 crore. Major schemes include the Jamania-Kakraith Ganga Water Lift Irrigation project (Rs 528.44 crore), widening of the Kudra–Chenari–Malhipur road (Rs 147 crore), and the construction of a road connecting Rehal to Chaurasan Temple via Rohtasgarh Fort (Rs 66.89 crore). Other projects involve new roads, a degree college, and sports facilities.
During the programme, CM Nitish met pensioners, self-help group (SHG) members and other beneficiaries. Attendees welcomed the government’s decision to raise pensions for senior citizens, widows and people with disabilities from Rs 400 to Rs 1,100, as well as the provision of 125 units of free electricity for households. Members of Jeevika SHGs praised initiatives such as the Chief Minister’s Women’s Employment Scheme, easier access to loans at 7% interest, and higher honorariums for Anganwadi and ASHA workers. Artists and Home Guards also expressed appreciation for increased financial support, including a Rs 3,000 monthly pension for registered artists.
Addressing Jeevika members, CM Nitish said the number of SHGs in Bihar was minimal when his government took office. He recalled that in 2006, the state expanded the network with World Bank support and that SHG members themselves had chosen the name “Jeevika.” The success of the model, he added, had later inspired a national scheme under the title “Ajeevika.” Kumar urged members to continue their efforts and promised the government’s continued backing.
The event was attended by deputy chief minister Samrat Chaudhary, JD(U) working national president Sanjay Kumar Jha, minority welfare minister Mohammad Jama Khan and several senior officials and local representatives.
