Strengthening Villages Will Accelerate India's Growth: PM Modi Launches Rs 13,480-Crore Projects in Bihar

Patna, April 24 (NationPress) In celebration of National Panchayati Raj Day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed a large audience in the Madhubani district of Bihar, where he inaugurated numerous developmental initiatives spanning vital sectors such as railways, infrastructure, LPG, and rural empowerment, collectively valued at over Rs 13,480 crore.

The event commenced with a moment of silence to honor the victims of the April 22 Pahalgam attack, marking a somber start.

Additionally, he paid homage to the eminent national poet Ramdhari Singh Dinkar on his death anniversary.

“Before we discuss development, let us remember those who have left us. We should pay our respects in silence,” he remarked.

Highlighting the significance of village self-governance, PM Modi referenced Mahatma Gandhi's vision, asserting that robust villages are essential for India's advancement.

“When India’s villages are strong, the nation will progress more rapidly. This embodies the essence of Panchayati Raj,” he emphasized.

Over the past decade, the Modi administration has connected more than two lakh Gram Panchayats to the Internet, established 5.5 lakh Common Service Centres in rural locales, built 30,000 Panchayat Bhawans, allocated Rs two lakh crore for Panchayat funds, and invested directly in rural development.

“Today, Panchayats can digitally issue certificates such as birth, death, and land records. Technology has introduced transparency and efficiency to grassroots governance,” PM Modi added.

Commending Bihar's groundbreaking initiative to reserve 50 percent of Panchayat seats for women, PM Modi described it as a true representation of social justice.

“Numerous sisters and daughters from marginalized backgrounds are now in decision-making roles. This is the genuine power of democracy,” he noted.

He also recognized the achievements of the ‘Jeevika Didi’ self-help group movement, revealing an additional Rs 1,000 crore in financial support for women-led SHGs in Bihar.

The Prime Minister laid the foundation stone and inaugurated projects focused on rail connectivity, which include multiple new lines and Amrit Bharat and NaMo Bharat express trains.

PM Modi laid the foundation stone for an LPG bottling facility in Hathua block of Gopalganj district, a Rs 340 crore project aimed at enhancing bulk LPG transportation and optimizing the supply chain.

He also launched projects in the power sector worth Rs 1,170 crore and Rs 5,030 crore in power infrastructure projects under the Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme.

PM Modi flagged off new trains, including the Amrit Bharat Express between Saharsa and Mumbai, the Namo Bharat Rapid Rail between Jaynagar and Patna, along with regional connections and new rail lines across several areas.

He also allocated Rs 930 crore from the Community Investment Fund to more than two lakh Self-Help Groups (SHG) in Bihar under the Day-NRLM. Linking the event to Bihar's rich history, PM Modi stated: “The whole nation is connected to the soil of Mithila. The initiatives launched today will generate new job opportunities and stimulate growth in the region.”

A total of 1.5 lakh families in Bihar were granted new pucca homes under PMAY-G, with approval letters for new homes issued to 15 lakh families nationwide, including 3.5 lakh from Bihar, and financial aid distributed to 10 lakh impoverished families across the country, encompassing 80,000 rural and one lakh urban families from Bihar.

“Homes for the poor have been constructed in villages, roads have been built, and gas and water connections have reached every household. This is modern infrastructure laying the groundwork for a developed India,” PM Modi stated.

He noted that over 12 crore rural families now enjoy tap water connections, 2.5 crore homes have been electrified, and LPG cylinders have reached countless households that previously relied on firewood.

PM Modi praised the cultural and economic significance of Makhana, an aquatic crop native to Mithila: “Makhana has been awarded the GI (Geographical Indication) tag, officially acknowledging its origin in Bihar. The Makhana Research Centre has attained national status. A dedicated Makhana Board, announced in the Union Budget, aims to empower local farmers and enhance exports,” he stated.

“Makhana is not only food; it embodies culture. Now, it will also become a source of prosperity,” the Prime Minister stressed.

PM Modi previewed India Steel 2025, a two-day summit aimed at fortifying India’s strategic and high-grade steel production, particularly for defense and aerospace.

“India was once reliant on imported steel. Today, the steel used in our first indigenous aircraft carrier is produced in India. Our Chandrayaan Mission too relied on the strength of Indian steel,” he proudly stated.