Nitish Kumar Launches 69 Development Initiatives Valued at Rs 299.56 Crore

Synopsis
Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar inaugurated 69 development projects worth Rs 299.56 crore in Madhepura during the Pragati Yatra. The initiatives include significant allocations for self-help groups and the establishment of a Centre for Excellence.
Key Takeaways
- 69 development projects inaugurated in Madhepura.
- Rs 299.56 crore allocated for various initiatives.
- Economic empowerment for women through self-help groups.
- Inauguration of a Centre for Excellence at Government Polytechnic College.
- Plans for a new milk chilling plant in Gram Panchayat Bhadoul-Budhma.
Patna, Jan 30 (NationPress) During the ongoing Pragati Yatra, Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar arrived in Madhepura on Thursday, where he unveiled and initiated the groundwork for 69 development projects valued at Rs 299.56 crore.
The ceremony was held at Government Polytechnic College, Udakishunganj, situated in Rasalpur Dhuria Panchayat of Chausa block.
During his visit, the Chief Minister evaluated various development initiatives in Rasalpur Dhuria Panchayat. He also examined displays from various government departments at ITI, Udakishunganj, and engaged with beneficiaries.
Nitish Kumar distributed cheques to self-help groups (SHGs) and Jeevika Didis: a total of Rs 33.98 crore was allocated to 5,251 SHGs and Rs 82.55 crore to an additional 7,685 SHGs. Furthermore, Rs 6.55 crore was given to 1,232 Jeevika Didis in the district.
The Chief Minister explored the Jeevika stalls, examined various products, and conversed with the women.
He recalled that in 2005, when his administration assumed control, SHGs were uncommon in Bihar.
"We secured a loan from the World Bank and initiated the formation of SHGs under the title 'Jeevika'. The Union government subsequently adopted this framework and executed it nationwide as 'Ajeevika'," Kumar stated.
He stressed the economic and social empowerment of women through SHGs, noting enhancements in financial autonomy, confidence, and communication abilities.
The Chief Minister inaugurated a Centre for Excellence at Government Polytechnic College and assessed the modern technology-based machinery in the workshop. He also laid the groundwork for the Bihar State Minority Residential School, which will be constructed at a cost of Rs 56.52 crore. Officials presented the project design, and Kumar instructed that the sports ground adjacent to the school be preserved to ensure access to sports facilities for students.
Additionally, he inaugurated a sports ground valued at Rs 9.94 lakh at Raghunath Vidya Mandir Senior Secondary School and interacted with students and athletes.
He further assessed departmental stalls from various government sectors, including Industries, Health, Rural Development, Agriculture, Labour, Animal and Fisheries Resources, Social Welfare, and Education.
The Chief Minister was informed about the expansion and reinforcement of the Yogi Raj (SH-58) road, which stretches 14.90 km through Murli Chowk, Shri Krishna Tola, Polytechnic, and Vanshgopal Chowk.
He highlighted the need for high-quality construction to facilitate public transport. Officials also presented plans for a milk chilling plant in Gram Panchayat Bhadoul-Budhma, which the Chief Minister examined thoroughly.