BY Tanmay Sharma
Photo Credit: The Suncity News
New Delhi, June 11, 2026: At the 11th meeting of NITI Aayog held in New Delhi under the chairmanship of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary presented an extensive overview of the state’s development initiatives and future roadmap, highlighting progress achieved under the NDA government across development, agriculture, energy, tourism, sports, and industrial investment.
Addressing the gathering, Samrat Choudhary said Bihar has made significant progress in early childhood care and education. He informed that out of 11,529 approved Saksham Anganwadi centres, nutrition gardens (Poshan Vatikas) have been established in 10,579 centres.
Additionally, 8,400 Anganwadi centres have been co-located with nearby schools, while 34,682 centres have been linked with primary schools within a 500-metre radius.
Samrat Choudhary stated that APAAR IDs have already been issued to nearly 70 percent of the 40.28 lakh enrolled children in the 3—6 years age group.
Samrat Choudhary highlighted the school education and digital infrastructure:
Highlighting improvements in the school education sector, Samrat Choudhary stated that internet connectivity is now available in 91 percent of Bihar’s 76,202 government schools, while more than 9,000 smart classrooms have become operational across the state.
He added that Bihar has achieved 100 percent toilet coverage in girls’ schools. Efforts are also underway to bring out-of-school children in the 15—19 age group into the education system through Bihar’s own Open School Board.
Skill Development and Employment push:
Under the PM Vishwakarma scheme, around 1,18 lakh artisans have been trained in Bihar, Samrat Choudhary said.
He also informed that the Aryabhatta International Skill Hub is being established in Patna at an estimated cost of Rs 640 crore.
He sought central support for strengthening 75 Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) under the PM-Setu initiative and requested financial assistance of Rs 750 crore for a pilot project under the Integrated Scheme in Skilling Architecture (ISSA).
The state government also urged the Centre to provide Rs 1,500 crore for the proposed Jannayak Karpoori Thakur Skill University and support for establishing a National Skill Training Institute (NSTI) in Bhagalpur.
Expansion of higher education:
The Bihar government informed the NITI Aayog meeting that degree colleges are being established in 211 blocks across the state to improve access to higher education.
Samrat Choudhary also requested support from the Central Government for setting up regional centres of the Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER) and the School of Planning and Architecture in Bihar.
Bihar’s push in sports infrastructure:
The Chief Minister highlighted Bihar’s growing role in sports, noting that the state successfully hosted several national and international sporting events in 2024, including the Asian Women’s and Men’s Hockey Championship, the Asian Rugby Championship, and the Khelo India Youth Games 2025.
He sought special assistance from the Centre for hosting the National Youth Games in 2028, the Hockey World Cup in 2030, and the National Games in 2031.
Agriculture and Farmer Welfare:
On agriculture, Samrat Choudhary informed that Bihar is implementing the Agri Stack initiative to provide unique digital IDs to farmers. Approximately 61 percent of PM-KISAN beneficiaries in the state have already been enrolled.
The state also requested the establishment of a Central Institute for Subtropical Horticulture and a National Makhana Board office in Bihar to promote research and improve farmers’ incomes. Additionally, Bihar sought support for the establishment of the National Institute of Food Technology Entrepreneurship and Management (NIFTEM) after transferring 100 acres of land for the project.
Tourism development plans:
Highlighting Bihar’s tourism potential, the Chief Minister said efforts are underway under the “One State: One Global Destination” initiative to develop Gaya, including Bodh Gaya, as an international tourism, spiritual, and cultural destination.
Integrated development projects related to the Vishupad Corridor, Mahabodhi Corridor, and Rajgir—Nalanda—Bodhgaya tourism circuit are also being pursued.
In this regard, the state requested improved international air connectivity support from the Centre.
ODOP and Women’s Empowerment:
The Chief Minister said Bihar is making rapid progress under the One District One Product (ODOP) initiative and the PM Formalisation of Micro Food Processing Enterprises (PMFME) scheme, under which micro-enterprises are receiving 35 percent capital subsidy support.
He also highlighted the achievements of women associated with Self-Help Groups under the Lakhpati Didi scheme, stating that Bihar currently ranks first in the country with over 48.3 lakh Lakhpati Didis.
Energy and green development:
Samrat Choudhary informed the meeting that Bihar is witnessing rapid expansion in the energy sector.
Construction of a 2,400 MW thermal power project is underway in Pirpainti, Bhagalpur, while the country’s largest battery-based solar energy plant has been established in Kajra, Lakhisarai.
He added that Bihar aims to install nearly 10 lakh rooftop solar systems under the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana.
Industrialization and investment:
Samrat Choudhay stated that Bihar is working in mission mode to accelerate industrialization. The state has approved 14,037 acres of new industrial land and introduced several policy initiatives, including the Bihar Industrial Investment and Promotion Package 2025, Semiconductor Policy 2026, Bihar Global Capability Center Policy 2026, and the Bihar AI Mission.
According to the Chief Minister, Bihar has attracted more than Rs 1 lakh crore in private investment over the last two years in sectors such as renewable energy, road infrastructure, and industrial development.
The government also plans to develop 14 greenfield satellite townships over more than three lakh acres of land for balanced urban growth.
Demand for central financial assistance:
The Chief Minister informed the NITI Aayog meeting that Bihar had already achieved the objectives of the Jal Jeevan Mission through the state’s “Har Ghar Nal Ka Jal” program.
However, he said certain funds sanctioned under the scheme could not be drawn from the Government of India.
He requested central assistance of approximately Rs 18,000 crore, including Rs 13,000 crore for reimbursement of earlier expenditure and Rs 5,000 crore for ongoing projects.
Concluding his address, Samrat Choudhary assured Prime Minister Narendra Modi that Bihar remains committed to contributing actively toward the vision of “Viksit Bharat 2047.”
“Guided by the principle of ‘Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas,’ Bihar will continue working toward inclusive growth and a prosperous future while contributing significantly to the vision of a developed India,” he said.
EOM
