Patna: Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary on Tuesday announced in the Bihar Legislative Council that three closed sugar mills in Gopalganj, Sakri and Raiyam would soon be reopened.
Replying to a short-notice question raised by MLC Shashi Yadav, Choudhary said the state government would soon sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with a central government agency to facilitate the revival of the mills. He said the government was working to restart closed sugar factories and that operations at the three units would begin shortly.
The reopening of the mills is expected to generate employment and support economic activity for farmers and local communities in the surrounding areas.
Ward Members Seek Control of Nal-Jal Scheme Maintenance
The Legislative Council also discussed the maintenance of the state’s Nal-Jal (tap water) scheme, with members from both the ruling alliance and the opposition demanding that responsibility be handed back to ward members.
Members argued that local representatives are better equipped to oversee maintenance because of their familiarity with the area. Around Rs 225 crore is being spent on the scheme, according to the discussion in the House.
JD(U) MLC Dinesh Prasad Singh supported the proposal, while Public Health Engineering Department (PHED) Minister Sanjay Kumar Singh outlined the existing maintenance system.
Responding to the demand, Choudhary said the government would hold consultations with the Panchayati Raj and PHED departments before taking a decision. He assured members that their concerns would be considered.
Drug Abuse Raises Concern in the House
The Legislative Council also witnessed a debate over the increasing use of narcotic substances after RJD MLC Sunil Kumar Singh raised a calling attention motion on the issue.
Sunil Kumar Singh said the growing use of dry drugs, including cannabis, opium and heroin, was adversely affecting the state. He also alleged that cannabis consumption had become common near temples.
His remarks drew objections from ruling alliance members, including Art and Culture Minister Pramod Kumar, who disputed the claim regarding drug use near religious places.
The exchange led to a heated debate between treasury and opposition members. During the discussion, Sunil Kumar Singh accused ruling members of misusing temple funds, further escalating the proceedings.
