Bihar Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary on Saturday, 8 August inaugurated the Eastern Zonal Conference-cum-Consultation on Missing Children and Human Trafficking at Gyan Bhawan in Patna, declaring a zero-tolerance stance on trafficking and linking the state's industrial push directly to curbing forced migration. The conference, organised by the Bihar Home Department, brought together officials from multiple states to coordinate on missing children recovery, victim rehabilitation, and inter-agency cooperation.

Zero-Tolerance Approach and Naya Savera 3.0

Inaugurating the conference with the lighting of the ceremonial lamp, Choudhary said the state government was reinforcing its anti-trafficking framework across four pillars: awareness, prevention, rescue, and rehabilitation. He specifically highlighted the 'Naya Savera 3.0' campaign as the operational backbone of these efforts. The Chief Minister stressed that rescued victims must not merely receive immediate relief — they must also be equipped with skills, employment pathways, and the means to lead independent, dignified lives.

Bihar has implemented a real-time monitoring system for missing children and persons, through which more than 1,200 missing children have been recovered, according to the Chief Minister. The state has also established Special Juvenile Police Units and expanded women's participation within the Bihar Police as part of its child-protection architecture.

Industrial Investment as a Migration Deterrent

Choudhary drew a direct line between economic development and anti-trafficking outcomes, arguing that employment generation at home is the most durable defence against trafficking vulnerability. He pointed to the recent signing of memoranda of understanding (MoUs) worth more than ₹51,000 crore with steel industry groups as evidence of Bihar's growing investment appeal. The Chief Minister said these investments would create employment, strengthen the state economy, and reduce the compulsion to migrate — a key risk factor for trafficking exposure.

He added that Bihar's large pool of skilled workers — spread across India and abroad — must be reconnected with quality education, skill development, and entrepreneurial opportunities within the state itself.

Grievance Redressal: Sahyog Shivirs

The Chief Minister also detailed the government's Sahyog Shivir initiative, which aims to resolve public grievances within 30 days. More than 6 lakh applications have reportedly been received under the programme, with over 5.50 lakh cases already resolved. Officials have been assigned accountability for each case. In instances where citizens remain dissatisfied at the administrative level, Choudhary personally hears grievances on the second Tuesday of every month. At the most recent State-level Sahyog Programme, 129 applications were presented, of which 100 were resolved on the spot.

Flood Management and River Interlinking Plans

Choudhary also addressed North Bihar's chronic flood challenge, saying the government was exploring permanent solutions through improved water management and expanded irrigation infrastructure. Plans are reportedly under consideration to interlink major rivers — including the Ganga, Gandak (Narayani), and Kosi — to tackle long-term flood and irrigation challenges. He said industrial development, skill-building, and robust social protection would together underpin a stronger, more self-reliant Bihar.