CM highlights state’s industry and infra push, seeks Centre’s support

Patna: CM Samrat Choudhary on Thursday said Bihar’s developmental aspirations are aligned with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Vikshit Bharat-2047 vision, as he highlighted the state’s push towards a new-age economy, industrial growth and skill development while addressing the governing body meeting of NITI Aayog in New Delhi.

“The state govt is working under a mission mode for industrialisation. The sanction has been given to 14,037 acres of land for use in the industrial sector,” Samrat said, adding that steps had been taken to create a conducive atmosphere for promoting the new-age economy.

He said the Bihar Industrial Investment and Incentive Package, 2025, had been announced, while policies relating to semiconductors and Global Capability Centres had also been framed. Under the AI Mission, efforts were underway to promote artificial intelligence, electronics and advanced manufacturing-based industries.

“In the last two years, the state has attracted private investment proposals to the tune of Rs 1 lakh crore in solar and other energy sectors, in road construction and for various industrial units,” Samrat said. He added that a target had been set to establish 14 greenfield satellite townships across 3 lakh acres of land.

Referring to initiatives in health, nutrition and education, Samrat said 91% of govt schools had internet connectivity and 9,000 smart classrooms were operational. He said 1.18 lakh youths had been trained under the PM Vishwakarma Yojana. The Aryabhatta International Skill Centre is being established in Patna at a cost of Rs 640 crore, while 75 ITIs are being strengthened under PM Setu with an investment of Rs 3,615 crore.

The chief minister sought Rs 750 crore for launching a pilot project on integrated skill architecture. He also requested Rs 1,500 crore in central assistance for Jannayak Karpoori Thakur Kaushal University and for establishing a National Skill Training Institute in Bhagalpur.

Pointing out that 61% of farmers covered under the PM Kisan scheme had been provided unique ID markers, Samrat demanded the establishment of a Central Institute for Subtropical Horticulture in Bihar. He also sought approval for opening the National Makhana Board office and the National Institute of Food Technology Entrepreneurship and Management in the state.

Highlighting Bihar’s progress in tourism, Samrat urged the Centre to grant international aviation connectivity to the state. As a special request, he sought the release of Rs 18,000 crore spent on implementing the Har Ghar Nal Ka Jal scheme, saying the reimbursement remained pending for various reasons.