Patna: Bihar is planning to connect rural products with tourist markets by speeding up the construction of an emporium in Bodh Gaya and preparing a special plan for similar markets at other important tourist destinations. The initiative aims to give products made by JEEViKA Didis greater visibility among domestic and international visitors while creating wider market opportunities for rural artisans and producers.
The directions came during a review meeting of the Rural Development Department and the Information and Public Relations Department, chaired by Minister Shravan Kumar on Monday, October 12. The meeting reviewed the progress of several flagship schemes, including the Viksit Bharat–G RAM G, Lohiya Swachh Bihar Abhiyan, Jal-Jeevan-Hariyali Abhiyan, rural housing schemes and JEEViKA.
Bodh Gaya Emporium to Promote Rural Products
The minister directed officials to complete the emporium in Bodh Gaya as soon as possible. The proposed facility is intended to showcase quality products made by JEEViKA Didis and help visitors discover Bihar’s handicrafts, traditional artwork and other rural products.
Bodh Gaya attracts visitors from India and abroad, making it a potential market for locally made goods. Displaying rural products at such destinations could help women producers reach customers beyond their immediate communities and increase the visibility of traditional crafts.
The department will also prepare a special action plan to develop similar rural markets at other important tourist destinations. The broader objective is to connect tourism with rural livelihoods and create better marketing opportunities for products made in villages.
Read also: Small Businesses, Big Impact: Bihar Records 54 Lakh MSMEs and 2 Crore Jobs
Housing Survey to Identify Eligible Families
The meeting also reviewed the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana–Gramin and the Awaas Plus 2.0 survey.
The minister directed officials to conduct special checks of the survey list and investigate possible irregularities at the block level. He stressed that people who meet the eligibility criteria but remain excluded from the housing scheme should be added to the list after verification.
The review is intended to improve the identification of eligible beneficiaries and address possible errors in the survey process. Accurate lists are important to ensure that housing assistance reaches families who qualify for support.
Officials were also instructed to accelerate construction of Anganwadi centres and select sites for Didi Kitchens without delay.
Rural Markets, Goat Rearing and Sudha Sales Centres
Expanding rural livelihoods was another major focus of the meeting. The minister reviewed goat-rearing activities in rural areas and called for expanding their coverage.
He also directed officials to establish Sudha sales centres at the block level and arrange for JEEViKA Didis to operate them. The plan could create additional opportunities for women to participate in local sales and distribution activities.
Officials from the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) said the department would extend support to activities such as goat rearing and the construction of rural markets under the marketing linkages initiative.
The minister asked departmental officials to coordinate with NABARD and prepare plans for implementation and operation. The proposed coordination aims to strengthen rural development and create more livelihood opportunities for women.
Gandhi Maidan to Host SARAS Fair in December
The department also announced plans for a large SARAS fair at Gandhi Maidan from December 12 to 28 this year. More than 800 stalls are expected at the event.
The fair will provide a platform for rural producers and self-help groups to display and sell their products. The department is also making special efforts to promote products made by JEEViKA Didis in urban areas.
Such events can help rural producers interact directly with customers, test demand for their products and explore markets outside their villages. The expected participation of more than 800 stalls would make the fair a significant marketplace for local products.
Review of Rural Infrastructure and Employment Schemes
The meeting examined progress under several other programmes, including the Viksit Bharat–G RAM G scheme, the Jal-Jeevan-Hariyali Abhiyan, rural housing initiatives and JEEViKA activities.
Officials discussed the construction of rural haat-bazaars, e-KYC for active, skilled and semi-skilled workers, plantation activities and sewing-related work undertaken by JEEViKA Didis.
The meeting also reviewed the supply of school uniforms against targets received from the departments of Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe Welfare, Integrated Child Development Services, and Backward Classes and Extremely Backward Classes Welfare.
The minister directed officials to ensure timely payment of wages to workers engaged in different schemes. He also stressed faster site selection for Didi Kitchens and quicker progress on Anganwadi centre construction.
Officials informed the meeting that a standard operating procedure was being prepared for pending works under the earlier Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act, now referred to in the meeting as the Viksit Bharat–G RAM G scheme.
Checkdam Planning Under Jal-Jeevan-Hariyali Abhiyan
The department has prepared a master budget for checkdams constructed under the Jal-Jeevan-Hariyali scheme. The plan aims to ensure that communities receive appropriate benefits from the water stored in these structures.
Effective planning and use of checkdams can support local water management. The meeting reviewed the issue as part of the department’s broader focus on rural infrastructure and natural resource management.
Senior Officials Attend Review Meeting
The meeting was attended by Rural Development Department Additional Chief Secretary H.R. Srinivas; NABARD Chief General Manager Gautam Kumar Singh; Viksit Bharat–G RAM G Commissioner Anjani Kumar; Jal-Jeevan-Hariyali Mission Director Sumit Kumar; JEEViKA Additional Chief Executive Officer Ananya Singh; NABARD Deputy General Manager Laxman Kumar Jha; and the minister’s private secretary, Sunil Kumar, along with other senior officials.
The review brought together several rural development priorities, including housing access, women’s livelihoods, local markets, infrastructure and water management. The proposed emporiums and rural marts could help rural producers connect with new customers, while the other directions focus on improving the implementation of ongoing schemes.
Read also:Bihar Bridges Education and Ecology as Patna Women’s College Signs Biodiversity MoU
