Patna, June 11 (IANS) Bihar Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary highlighted the state’s growth story and sought major financial and institutional assistance from the Centre during the 11th meeting of NITI Aayog, held in New Delhi on Thursday.

The meeting was chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and attended by Chief Ministers and Deputy Chief Ministers of states and Union Territories across the country.

Addressing the gathering, the Bihar Chief Minister said the state has made remarkable progress in early childhood care and education.

Out of 11,529 approved Saksham Anganwadis, nutrition gardens (Poshan Vatikas) have been established in 10,579 centres.

Around 8,400 Anganwadi centres have been co-located with nearby schools, while 34,682 centres have been linked to primary schools within a 500-metre radius.

APAAR IDs have also been issued to nearly 70 percent of the 40.28 lakh children enrolled in the 3–6 years age group.

The Chief Minister said internet connectivity has been provided to 91 percent of Bihar’s 76,202 government schools, and more than 9,000 smart classrooms are operational across the state.

He added that 100 percent toilet coverage has been ensured in girls’ schools.

Children in the 15–19 years age group who are out of school are also being enrolled through Bihar’s own Open School Board system.

Highlighting the state’s progress in skill development, Samrat Choudhary stated that 1.18 lakh artisans have been trained under the PM Vishwakarma scheme.

He informed that the Aryabhatta International Skill Hub is being established in Patna at a cost of Rs 640 crore.

Under PM-Setu, provisions have also been made for strengthening 75 Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs).

The Bihar government requested Rs 750 crore from the Centre for a pilot project under the Integrated Scheme in Skilling Architecture (ISSA).

Additionally, assistance of Rs 1,500 crore was sought for the Jannayak Karpoori Thakur Skill University, along with support for establishing a National Skill Training Institute (NSTI) in Bhagalpur.

In the higher education sector, the Chief Minister informed that degree colleges are being established in 211 blocks across the state.

He also urged the Centre to support the establishment of regional branches of the Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER) and the School of Planning and Architecture in Bihar.

Referring to sports infrastructure and events, he said Bihar successfully hosted several national and international competitions in 2024, including the Asian Women’s and Men’s Hockey Championship, the Asian Rugby Championship, and the Khelo India Youth Games 2025.

Bihar also sought special assistance from the Centre to host the National Youth Games in 2028, the Hockey World Cup in 2030, and the National Games in 2031.

On agriculture and farmer welfare, the Chief Minister stated that Bihar is implementing the Agri Stack initiative to provide unique IDs to farmers, while around 61 percent of PM-KISAN beneficiaries have already been enrolled.

He requested the establishment of the Central Institute for Subtropical Horticulture in Bihar to promote horticultural research and enhance farmers’ income.

The Bihar government also urged the Centre to approve and support the establishment of the National Makhana Board office in the state.

Further, the government requested the early establishment of the National Institute of Food Technology Entrepreneurship and Management (NIFTEM) after transferring 100 acres of land for the project.

Speaking about tourism, Samrat Choudhary said Bihar possesses immense potential for economic growth through tourism.

Under the One State: One Global Destination initiative, efforts are underway to develop Gayaji, including Bodhgaya, as an international tourism, cultural, and spiritual destination.

He informed that integrated development work is progressing for the Vishnupad Corridor, Mahabodhi Corridor, and the Rajgir–Nalanda–Bodhgaya circuit.

In this regard, the state requested special support from the Centre for improving international air connectivity.

The Chief Minister said Bihar is also making rapid progress under the One District One Product initiative and the Prime Minister’s Formalisation of Micro Food Processing Enterprises (PMFME) scheme.

Through a 35 percent capital subsidy, micro-enterprises are being integrated into the formal economy, leading to more than 40 percent growth in production capacity.

He added that women associated with Self-Help Groups are playing a major role in the vision of a self-reliant India.

Under the Centre’s Lakhpati Didi Yojana, Bihar ranks first in the country with 48.30 lakh Lakhpati Didis.

He expressed confidence that Bihar would achieve its targets ahead of schedule.

The Bihar government is also establishing a regional centre of the National Institute of Design in the state to encourage innovation in industry, commerce, and socio-economic development.

Under the Bharat Industrial Development Scheme (BHAVYA), Bihar is being equipped with modern infrastructure and has sought Central assistance for plug-and-play industrial parks.

In the energy sector, the Chief Minister said Bihar is progressing rapidly with the construction of a 2,400 MW thermal power project at Pirpainti in Bhagalpur.

He also highlighted that the country’s largest battery-based solar power plant has been established at Kajra in Lakhisarai.

Beyond the target allocated under the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana, the state government is committed to installing nearly 10 lakh rooftop solar plants.

Under the Gyan Bharatam Mission, Bihar has secured a place among the top five states in the country by digitising more than eight lakh manuscripts.

On industrial development, Samrat Choudhary said the Bihar government is working in mission mode for industrialisation.

Approval has been granted for 14,037 acres of new industrial land in the state.

Through the Bihar Industrial Investment and Promotion Package 2025, the Semiconductor Policy 2026, the Bihar Global Capability Center Policy 2026, and the Bihar AI Mission, the state is promoting a new economy based on AI, electronics, and advanced manufacturing.

He informed that in the last two years, Bihar has attracted more than Rs 1 lakh crore in private investment for solar and energy projects, road infrastructure, and industrial units.

For planned and balanced urban development, the state government has also set a target to develop 14 greenfield satellite townships over more than three lakh acres of land.

The Chief Minister further stated that Bihar achieved the national goals of the Jal Jeevan Mission through the Har Ghar Nal Ka Jal programme.

However, for various reasons, the state could not draw down the allocated funds from the Centre.

Therefore, Bihar requested central assistance of approximately Rs 13,000 crore for expenditure already incurred under the scheme and an additional Rs 5,000 crore for ongoing projects, taking the total request to Rs 18,000 crore.

Concluding his address, Samrat Choudhary assured the Prime Minister that under his guidance, the Bihar government remains committed to contributing towards the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047.

He said Bihar would continue to move forward on the principle of “Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas” and actively participate in building a prosperous and developed India.

–IANS

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