In a major push for holistic regional development, Bihar Chief Minister Mr. Nitish Kumar laid the foundation stone and inaugurated 178 infrastructure and welfare schemes worth over Rs. 700 crore during his visit to Kaimur district on Wednesday. The event took place at Jagjivan Stadium in Bhabua, as part of the NDA rally and beneficiary interaction programme.
The Chief Minister reiterated the state government’s commitment to inclusive growth, announcing a significant price cut in meals at Didi’s Kitchen and enhanced pensions for elderly, disabled, and widowed women, alongside showcasing the progress made under the Saat Nischay (Seven Resolves) schemes.
Rs. 700 Crore Development Package Unveiled
Mr. Kumar laid the foundation for several high-impact infrastructure projects aimed at improving connectivity, irrigation, education, and electrification in Kaimur:
- Mohaniya Dadwa bypass road (NH 319)
- Degree college construction in Adhaura block (Rs. 14.52 crore)
- Zamania to Kakrait Ganga Water Origin Irrigation Scheme (Rs. 528.44 crore)
- Son Kohira Link Irrigation Scheme (Rs. 154.54 crore)
- Expansion of power transformer capacity across the district (Rs. 8.92 crore)
- Har Ghar Nal Jal Yojana across multiple villages in Bhabua block
These schemes involve departments including the Water Resources Department, Public Health Engineering, Education, Sports, Animal and Fisheries, Rural Works, and Energy, contributing to multi-sectoral upliftment of the region.
Relief Measures for the Vulnerable: Food at Rs. 20 and Pension Hike
Addressing a large gathering at Jagjivan Stadium, Mr. Nitish Kumar announced that food at Didi’s Kitchen will now cost just Rs. 20, down from Rs. 40, making it more accessible to low-income individuals.
He also declared a pension increase for elderly, disabled, and widowed women from Rs. 400 to Rs. 1,100, a move aimed at strengthening the state’s social welfare net.
Expanding Access to Free Electricity and Rooftop Solar
The Chief Minister highlighted that free electricity is now being provided to citizens and urged residents to adopt rooftop solar power systems being promoted by the state to reduce dependency on conventional energy and promote green infrastructure.
Progress of Saat Nischay Schemes Lauded
Mr. Kumar reflected on the transformation brought by the Saat Nischay and Saat Nischay 2.0 schemes since 2015 and 2020, respectively. These initiatives have delivered:
- Tap water in every home
- Toilets for all
- Paved roads in localities
- Street lighting
- Telemedicine and healthcare (Child Heart Scheme)
- Enhanced irrigation facilities
- Better road connectivity across districts
He proudly noted that now anyone can reach Patna from any district within 5 hours, due to the state’s upgraded road network.
Inspection of Medical College Land and Beneficiary Dialogue
Earlier in the day, Mr. Kumar visited Chainpur to inspect land identified for the proposed medical college, reflecting the government’s focus on expanding healthcare infrastructure in the region. He later reviewed departmental stalls at SVP College under the Beneficiary Dialogue Programme, showcasing services and schemes being availed by local residents.
