Nitish Kumar Promises ₹2 Lakh Aid for 94 Lakh Poor Families in Bihar

Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar today reiterated that 94 lakh economically weaker families identified through the caste-based survey will each receive financial assistance of Rs 2 lakh.

Speaking at a National Democratic Alliance (NDA) workers’ meeting in West Champaran, Kumar said new welfare schemes have been launched to strengthen Bihar’s development and prosperity.

He added that an economic survey would be conducted every two years to monitor the status of the poor and improve their living standards.

The Chief Minister highlighted that every household in Bihar is currently receiving 125 units of free electricity per month.

He also said the state, with central support, is promoting the use of solar energy. Referring to the situation before 2005, Kumar said Bihar then lived under fear and insecurity, but after his government came to power, the rule of law was established and infrastructure such as roads, power, and drinking water was expanded, transforming the state’s image.

Focusing on health services, Kumar noted that the number of medical colleges has increased from six to 12, with seven more in the pipeline.

Patient footfall at Community Health Centres (CHCs) has risen from just 49 a month earlier to an average of 11,600 now, with free medicines and facilities available.

Plans are also underway to expand Patna Medical College and Hospital (PMCH) to 5,400 beds and IGIMS to 3,000 beds.

In the education sector, Kumar said Bihar has 5.20 lakh government teachers. Of these, 2.58 lakh have been recruited through the Bihar Public Service Commission (BPSC), while 2.62 lakh contract teachers have cleared competency tests and been upgraded as regular teachers. The process is continuing for another 77,000.

Highlighting employment, the Chief Minister said the NDA government has so far provided eight lakh government jobs, 10 lakh jobs overall, and employment opportunities for 49 lakh people.

The state now targets providing jobs and employment to one crore youths in the next five years.

On women’s empowerment, Kumar said reservation in local bodies since 2006 has enabled large-scale participation of women in governance. Women’s representation has also grown significantly in the police force.

He pointed to the success of the Jeevika model, under which 11 lakh self-help groups have connected 1.40 crore women, with loan interest reduced from 10 percent to 7 percent.

Kumar also reiterated approval of Rs 4,026 crore for the construction of marriage halls in all panchayats across Bihar.