Patna : Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Tuesday reviewed the ambitious citizen-participation campaign, Aapka Shahar Aapki Baat – Growing Steps of Urbanisation in Bihar, aimed at strengthening civic infrastructure and fostering inclusive urban growth across the state.
The review meeting, held at the CM’s residence ‘Sankalp’ at 1 Anne Marg, brought together key officials from the Urban Development and Housing Department, along with district magistrates and representatives of urban bodies via video conference.
Urban Development Secretary Abhay Kumar Singh briefed the Chief Minister, noting that the campaign’s formal launch, initially scheduled for this week, has been deferred to April 25 due to the national mourning declared following the death of Pope Francis.
Highlighting the campaign’s core ethos, Singh said Aapka Shahar Aapki Baat aims to deepen civic engagement by enabling direct dialogue between municipal authorities and citizens. Public priorities will inform urban development plans, ensuring a more responsive and inclusive governance model. “The campaign will not only enhance civic amenities but also reinforce public trust in the administration,” he said.
Under Nitish Kumar’s leadership, Bihar’s urban landscape has seen rapid growth. From 123 municipal bodies in 2006, the number has more than doubled to 261 in 2025. According to the 2011 census, the state’s urban population stood at 1.57 crore — about 15.2% of the total — and that number is believed to have grown significantly in the last decade, putting pressure on infrastructure and services.
The campaign will target civic deficiencies in rapidly expanding urban zones, addressing urgent needs such as housing, road and drainage upgrades, public parks, street lighting, water supply, sewage management, and funeral infrastructure like Mokshadham and Samrat Ashok Bhawan Ghats.
As part of Aapka Shahar Aapki Baat, over 2,400 programmes are scheduled across 1,609 wards in 90 municipal areas. The initiative builds on the momentum of the Chief Minister’s recent Pragati Yatra, during which 25 urban schemes worth ₹1,696 crore were sanctioned.
During the meeting, a short film on the campaign was screened, and the Chief Minister examined the information-gathering tools developed for the programme, including a dedicated mobile app. He later inspected a specially designed awareness van stationed at his residence.
Senior state officials including Deputy CM Samrat Chaudhary, Urban Development Minister Jivesh Kumar, and Chief Secretary Pratyaya Amrit were present. Several senior bureaucrats and local leaders also joined via video conferencing.
The government views Aapka Shahar Aapki Baat as a keystone initiative to reshape Bihar’s cities, making them more liveable, equitable and responsive to the people they serve.
