FM Promotes Development and Cultural Heritage at Bihar's Credit Outreach Programme

New Delhi, Nov 30 (NationPress) Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, during the Credit Outreach Programme conducted in Madhubani on Saturday, stressed the significance of development and cultural preservation and distributed copies of the Constitution's new editions in Maithili and Sanskrit.

Referring to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of 'Vikas bhi, Virasat bhi (Development with Heritage)', she stated, "Keeping that legacy in mind, on Constitution Day, PM Modi presented the Constitution of India in Maithili and Sanskrit."

As part of the event, FM Sitharaman distributed the copies of these Constitution editions and also recommended the establishment of a grand Sita temple in Mithila, asserting, "As the Ram Temple was built in Ayodhya, there should be a Sita temple in Mithila."

Accompanied by Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary, Sitharaman handed out sanction letters from banks to recipients of various Central government schemes. "Loans totaling ₹1,121 crore were disbursed to over 50,000 beneficiaries during the Credit Outreach Programme," the Finance Minister's office disclosed on X.

In her speech, she commended the resilience and industrious nature of the people of Bihar, particularly the women of Madhubani.

"I see all the women here as Ma Sita, and this is Pavan Dharti (holy land)," she remarked. Praising their ability to excel despite difficulties, she added, "When we talk about Bihar, especially Mithilanchal, the people here are hard-working and do not falter even in challenging circumstances. They choose strong representatives. The biggest issue for Bihar remains the floods caused by the Koshi River. Numerous projects, such as the Vishnu Pad Mandir Corridor, have been initiated, alongside strategies to mitigate flooding."

Emphasizing the objective of 'Viksit Bharat' by 2047, when India will celebrate 100 years of Independence, FM Sitharaman reaffirmed PM Modi's commitment to uplifting four critical groups: The poor, women, farmers, and youth, highlighting their crucial role in India’s advancement.

"Women are the driving force behind the Viksit Bharat goal; they will bring it to fruition," she added.

The Finance Minister praised the success of Self-Help Groups (SHGs) in Bihar, an initiative championed by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, and promised ongoing support from banks to bolster these groups.

Before addressing the gathering, the Finance Minister visited the stalls and engaged with the stall owners who have benefited from various central and state government schemes during the Credit Outreach Programme in Madhubani, Bihar.

While touring the stalls, she interacted with women showcasing Madhubani paintings and even those operating drones. During her address, she remarked, "The women of Mithila, standing here, symbolize Ma Sita wielding drones in their hands," commending their skills and innovation.

Earlier on Friday, after a meeting in Patna, the Finance Minister attended the Entrepreneurship Development Promotion Programme held at Raj Maidan in Darbhanga.

During the event, 26 banks issued loans amounting to ₹1,300 crore, benefiting small entrepreneurs, agriculture-based industries, and 45,000 youths from the eastern region.