Nitish Kumar Inaugurates Major Development Projects in Begusarai and Sheikhpura
Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, during his 'Samriddhi Yatra' on Saturday, launched a significant series of development initiatives across Begusarai and Sheikhpura districts in Bihar. In Begusarai, he inaugurated 402 government projects with a total value of Rs 330 crore, marking a substantial boost to local infrastructure and public services.
Major Investments and Employment Generation
A highlight of the visit was the foundation stone laying for Reliance Industries' 'Campa Cola' bottling plant, situated on the BIADA premises. This plant, with an estimated investment of about Rs 1,000 crore, is projected to create employment opportunities for approximately 1,500 individuals, providing a significant economic lift to the region.
Additionally, the CM distributed loans exceeding Rs 578 crore to various Jeevika self-help groups, empowering women and promoting self-employment initiatives. During his inspection, Nitish Kumar reviewed the ongoing construction of a medical college and hospital on the BIADA premises and inaugurated a private hospital in the Singhaul area via online mode. He also engaged with Jeevika didis at their stalls, showing keen interest in their work.
Addressing Public and Reflecting on Governance
In his public address, CM Nitish Kumar emphasized his government's continuous efforts for Bihar's development since 2005 under the NDA administration. He highlighted achievements such as the establishment of numerous new hospitals, medical colleges, schools, and the appointment of thousands of teachers to enhance education.
Contrasting this with the pre-2005 era under RJD rule, he described it as a period of 'dark days' characterized by poor roads, unreliable electricity, low school attendance, and a deteriorated law and order situation. He noted that his administration has worked to prevent communal tensions by undertaking projects like fencing graveyards and constructing boundary walls around temples statewide.
During the speech, some JD(U) workers chanted slogans advocating for his son Nishant Kumar to be appointed as the next chief minister. Nitish Kumar responded by urging them to listen first and discuss their demands after his address.
Sheikhpura District Development Initiatives
Later, the CM visited Sheikhpura district, where he launched 316 development projects valued at over Rs 206 crore. This included inaugurating 196 schemes costing Rs 62 crore and initiating work on 120 projects worth Rs 144 crore. He reviewed ongoing developments and instructed officials to expedite pending works.
At a 'Jan Samvad' program in Sarva village, Nitish Kumar recounted the transformation since NDA came to power on November 24, 2005. He mentioned that Sheikhpura previously suffered from poor road conditions, lengthy travel times, and weak electricity supply.
Key developments highlighted include:
- Construction of the Sheikhpura bypass
- Establishment of an Engineering College, Polytechnic Institute, Women ITI, and ITIs in sub-divisions
- Ongoing projects like a Karpoori Hostel and two residential schools
- Improved irrigation with 19 pucca check dams built
Future Plans Under 'Saat Nishchay-3' Programme
Looking ahead, the CM outlined plans for Sheikhpura under the 'Saat Nishchay-3' programme for 2025-2030. These include:
- Providing additional support of up to Rs 2 lakh to 95,000 women who have already received Rs 10,000 each for self-employment
- Developing an industrial area
- Forming dairy committees in remaining villages
- Setting up Sudha milk sales centres in all 50 panchayats
- Establishing model schools and degree colleges in all six blocks
- Upgrading all six community health centres into speciality hospitals
These initiatives aim to further accelerate socio-economic growth and improve living standards across the districts, reinforcing the government's commitment to holistic development in Bihar.
