Nitish launches Rs1,203-crore projects in Saran district

Patna/Buxar: CM Nitish Kumar on Thursday laid the foundation stones for 27 schemes worth Rs 1,203 crore in Saran district to boost power and road infrastructure, even as preparations gathered pace for his scheduled visit to Rajpur block headquarters on Sept 6.The foundation-laying ceremony at Ratanpur Bintolia was followed by an interaction with beneficiaries of recent welfare measures. Nitish spoke with pensioners, Mamata bahans, Asha workers and artists, all of whom have benefited from enhanced pensions and incentives. He also held discussions with Jeevika didis, highlighting the govt’s emphasis on women’s economic empowerment.“When we took charge of the govt, the number of self-help groups in the state was minimal. From 2006, with World Bank support, we promoted SHG formation. It has proved to be a path-breaking step aimed at strengthening economic activities at the grassroots,” the CM said. “We gave the name Jeevika didis to the SHG workers, and their activities became so successful that even the Centre adopted the name and called their programme Ajeevika,” he added.Among the new schemes, the power sector accounted for Rs 545 crore for a 400/132 KV grid sub-station and transmission line, alongside high-tension re-conductoring works and grid sub-stations at Ekma, Shitalpur and Mashrakh. Road projects included widening of the Ekma-Mashrakh road (Rs 93 crore), Ekma-Dumrigarh road (Rs 41 crore), Khaira-Bintolia road (Rs 40 crore) and a portion of NH-19 (Rs 89 crore). Nitish also inspected the ongoing widening of the Jagdamb College-Khaira Bintolia road, expected to ease Chhapra’s traffic congestion.Meanwhile, Buxar DM Vidyanand Singh chaired a review meeting to oversee preparations for the CM’s Rajpur visit. Special arrangements are being made at the helipad, the middle school playground — venue for the main event — and near the Naira petrol pump. Singh stressed inter-departmental coordination and ordered intensive cleanliness drives at entry points, parking zones and around the helipad.Security arrangements are being tightened and special personnel would deployed at high-rise buildings and along the convoy route. SP Shubham Arya reviewed traffic plans and directed officers to identify congestion points. “It is important to adhere strictly to VVIP security norms,” he told officials.The Jeevika didi stall will feature prominently at the Rajpur venue, with displays from social security and health departments. Former minister Santosh Kumar Nirala said Nitish would also address NDA workers after inaugurating and laying foundation stones for further schemes.