Patna: Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary on Wednesday announced that the Centre has agreed to release all pending funds under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS) to the Bihar government before June 30. The announcement came after a high-level meeting with Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare and Rural Development Shivraj Singh Chouhan at Sankalp Sabhagar in Lok Sevak Awas.
Meeting Focused on Agriculture and Rural Development
The meeting focused on issues related to Bihar's agriculture and rural development sectors. Choudhary stated that the decision to clear the pending MGNREGS dues was taken in the interest of rural workers. A few months back, the Union Ministry of Rural Development had informed the Rajya Sabha that Rs 1,570 crore was owed to Bihar under the scheme.
"Several decisions regarding the prosperity of farmers, strengthening of rural infrastructure, and faster implementation of public welfare schemes were taken during the meeting," Choudhary said. He added that the newly structured Viksit Bharat-G RAM G scheme, which replaces the older MGNREGS, would be fully implemented in Bihar from July 1.
Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana 2.0 Progress
The state government has identified 1.04 crore people in Bihar under Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana 2.0, of whom 60 lakh have been found eligible. Choudhary said Bihar has requested the Centre to ensure that these poor families receive pucca houses at the earliest. Under Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana-Grameen (PMAY-G), the process of house construction in the state will be accelerated. Choudhary said it was also decided that Bihar would get the first house under PMAY-G in the new financial year.
Jeevika Didi and Lakhpati Didi Initiative
The CM said the state government is working to make Jeevika Didi beneficiaries Lakhpati Didi under the Centre's Aajeevika Yojana. Bihar currently holds the top position in the country in promoting Jeevika Didis as Lakhpati Didis.
Agriculture Sector Proposals
Choudhary also urged Chouhan to support the establishment of model centres in the agriculture sector. He requested setting up 'centres of excellence' for tomato in Buxar and onion in Lakhisarai. Similar model centres will be developed for crops such as onion, tomato, and mango to boost innovation and productivity.
He said Bihar would work to promote horticulture and improve wheat and paddy production. The state's fruits will be linked with international markets to help farmers secure better prices. Choudhary also sought the Centre's cooperation in completing the process for setting up a Makhana Board, citing rising global demand.
Future Plans for Bihar's Agriculture
He said Bihar, the first state to adopt an agriculture road map, will now focus on integrated farming and develop itself as a model state. Watershed projects and soil conservation programmes will be implemented to protect environmental balance and soil fertility.
