On the occasion of National Panchayati Raj Day today, CM Nitish Kumar joined Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Lohana Uttar Gram Panchayat at Jhanjharpur in Madhubani district. On the occasion, the Prime Minister inaugurated and laid the foundation stone of various development projects. In his address, the Prime Minister lauded the work done by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar for the progress of Bihar and said that the development of Bihar is essential for the progress of the country.
Welcoming the Prime Minister on his arrival at Madhubani, the Chief Minister said that it is a matter of pride that on the occasion of Panchayati Raj Day, the Prime Minister has inaugurated the Power Distribution Gas Plant, new rail lines and three new train services. Along with this, 12 lakh beneficiaries of Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana were given allotment letters and 10 lakh beneficiaries were given the first installment.
Expressing grief over the terror attack in Pahalgam, the Chief Minister conveyed his condolences to the bereaved families and said the nation stands united in this hour of crisis. He said that since the formation of the NDA government in 2005, continuous efforts are being made for development in all areas of Bihar. In the Panchayati Raj system, 50 per cent reservation was given to women, due to which a large number of women are leading panchayats as public representatives.
He informed that the construction of 1639 Panchayat Government buildings has been completed so far and the remaining work will be completed before the Assembly elections. The Chief Minister said the state budget, which was Rs 34,000 crore in 2005-06, has now been increased to Rs 3.17 lakh crore. He informed about the sanction of 430 new schemes and provision of 50 thousand crore rupees for their implementation.
The Chief Minister thanked the central government for special financial assistance to Bihar, schemes like Makhana Board, Greenfield Airport, Kosi Canal Scheme, Food Processing Institute and expansion of Patna IIT. He also informed that the organization of Khelo India Youth Games 2025 has been entrusted to Bihar, which will start from 4th May. He urged the Prime Minister to come to Patna and inaugurate it.
At the end of the programme, the Chief Minister reiterated that he was with the NDA from the beginning and would always remain in the alliance. He said that the Centre and the state government will together take Bihar and the country forward. He also expressed gratitude to all the officers, employees and people present on the occasion.