Patna, March 18 (NationPress) Aiming to bolster industrial growth in Bihar, Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary unveiled several significant development plans for Jamui and Nawada during the ongoing ‘Samriddhi Yatra’. Speaking at public events alongside Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, Choudhary announced the establishment of a Rs 6,000 crore steel plant in Jamui and a nuclear power facility in Nawada, both anticipated to greatly enhance employment and industrial advancement in the region.

While addressing a rally in Lachhuar, Choudhary emphasized that the proposed steel plant would generate extensive job opportunities and curtail migration. He also declared plans to develop Bhimbandh and Kund Ghat as eco-tourism hotspots, aimed at boosting tourism and local job creation.

Reflecting on the state’s development journey, Choudhary remarked that prior to 2005, Bihar was lacking in essential infrastructure such as roads, electricity, healthcare, and education. He pointed out that the state’s road network has expanded from roughly 6,000 km to nearly 1.4 lakh km, and the state budget has surged from about Rs 23,000 crore to Rs 3.5 lakh crore.

Furthermore, he highlighted improvements in the electricity sector, stating that the number of consumers has risen from 17 lakh to over 2.16 crore. Bihar now enjoys 22–24 hours of electricity supply, with free electricity up to 125 units benefiting a significant portion of households, nearly 88 percent of which have reported zero electricity bills in recent months.

Regarding women’s empowerment, Choudhary underscored the success of the ‘Mukhyamantri Mahila Rojgar Yojana’, which provides financial assistance to women, fostering their self-reliance. He mentioned that women involved in ‘Jeevika’ self-help groups contribute significantly—around Rs 1.26 lakh crore—to the state’s economy.

The Deputy Chief Minister expressed the government’s goal to create job opportunities for one crore individuals over the next five years, noting that more than 50 lakh jobs and employment opportunities have been generated in the past five years. He asserted that industries are being promoted throughout districts to mitigate migration and strengthen local economies.

Choudhary observed that Jamui, which was once troubled by Naxal activities, has now evolved into a region characterized by peace and development. He stated that infrastructure projects like the Kund Ghat Reservoir have been completed, with others, such as the Barnar Reservoir, currently in progress.

Later, while addressing a rally at the ITI grounds in Nawada, he remarked that the district has also transitioned from being Naxal-affected to development-oriented. He emphasized that enhanced road infrastructure has been crucial for Bihar’s progress. Choudhary also outlined ongoing projects in Nawada, which include the construction of a medical college, initiatives to supply water from the Ganges to combat water scarcity, the development of the Phulwaria Dam, and the promotion of fisheries.

He reiterated that the planned nuclear power plant in Nawada would provide affordable electricity and create extensive job opportunities. Expressing confidence in Chief Minister Nitish Kumar’s leadership, he stated that Bihar is set to continue its steady developmental progress.