With special focus on maintaining Rule of Law and according top most priority to it in the state, Bihar governor Arif Mohammad Khan on Wednesday said that the state government will further intensify the development efforts in the next five years to make Bihar a prosperous and developed state, contributing significantly to India's overall growth.

Addressing the joint session of Bihar legislature after constitution of the 18th Assembly, Khan said here that the state government adhering to its principle of development with justice will focus on the upliftment of all sectors and all sections of society.

He said that the government has outlined new programmes to accelerate growth across the state.

Since the formation of the new government on November 24, Bihar has recorded substantial progress in the past 20 years, he said adding that the government will further intensify its development efforts in the next five years to make Bihar a prosperous and developed state, contributing significantly to India's overall growth.

He said under the NDA government there is rule of law in Bihar and the government has accorded top most priority to maintain it across the state for which the Governor outlined various initiatives including modernisation digitalisation and strengthening of police department

Khan said that the government is committed to the overall development of all sectors and all sections of society. New programmes have been prepared to strengthen development and welfare initiatives across the state.

The Governor said that the state government is continuously working to create more employment and job opportunities for the youth. Under the Seven Resolves-II programme launched in 2020, the government had announced the creation of 10 lakh government jobs and 10 lakh additional employment opportunities for young people.

He said nearly 10 lakh youths have already been appointed to government jobs, while around 40 lakh people have been provided employment through various means. In total, 50 lakh youths have so far received jobs or employment in the state. The government has now set a new target to provide employment to one crore youths over the next five years.

He said the government has announced that one crore youths will be provided employment over the next five years, as part of its expanded development roadmap.

Appreciating the efforts of the NDA government, the Governor said that since the formation of the new government on November 24, Bihar has witnessed significant progress over the past two decades. The development efforts will be intensified in the coming five years to accelerate Bihar's growth and enhance its contribution to the nation's development.

To address pending gaps in development, he said that the state approved 430 new schemes for all districts during the Pragati Yatra conducted in December 2024 and January and February 2025. Work on these projects has already begun and the government has assured their timely completion.

Khan said Bihar is receiving strong support from the central government in its development initiatives. In the July 2024 union Budget, Bihar was granted special economic assistance for roads, industries and flood-control measures. The February 2025 Budget further announced the establishment of a Makhana Board, a new airport, and special aid for the Western Kosi Canal.

The governor stated that while the Khelo India Youth Games were previously organised in select states in 2018, the event was successfully hosted in Bihar this year, marking a proud moment for the state.

Highlighting several key projects by the Prime Minister in Nihar, Khan said that the work on these initiatives is progressing rapidly and expressed gratitude to the Prime Minister for his continued support.

Expressing gratitude towards the people of Bihar, Election Commission of India and the machineries engaged in conducting elections in Bihar, the governor said that peaceful, free and fair elections were conducted across Bihar, and the people have given strong support to the leadership that focused on development

He said that the rule of law has been firmly established in the state, and continuous efforts are being made to strengthen development across all regions and all sections of society. Essential resources are being provided to ensure effective governance.

Highlighting the expansion of medical facilities in Bihar he said that new medical colleges are being set up in 27 identified districts. Patna Medical College and Hospital (PMCH) is being upgraded into a 5,400-bed super-specialty hospital, along with an additional 2,500-bed facility.

IGIMS in Patna is also being expanded into a 1,000-bed hospital.

Engineering and polytechnic colleges have been established in several districts, enabling students to pursue higher studies within the state. The students from other states are now coming to Bihar for education due to improved facilities, he added.

Speaking about the road infrastructure, Khan said that massive road construction and widening works have been undertaken.

The earlier target of reaching Patna from remote districts within six hours was achieved in 2016. With the construction of new roads, bridges, rail overbridges and bypasses, travel time from the farthest parts of the state has now reduced to about five hours. The state will also construct five new expressways, further improving the connectivity.

For Women Empowerment, the government provided 50 per cent reservation to them in Panchayati Raj Institutions (2006) and urban local bodies (2007). In addition to this 35% reservation for women in the police force (2013) and in all state jobs (2016).

Formation of Self-Help Groups (SHGs) under the Jeevika programme, which has now increased to 11 lakh groups, covering 1.4 crore women. Since 2024, SHGs have also been formed in urban areas, with more than 41,000 SHGs created.

He said under the Chief Minister Women Employment Scheme, one woman from each household is being provided Rs 10,000 as financial assistance.So far, 1.56 crore women have received this support. Women will also be given training through SHGs, and those running successful enterprises will be eligible for additional assistance of up to Rs 2 lakh.

Khan said that with special focus on inclusive development the government has always worked for all communities including Hindus, Muslims, upper castes, backward classes, extremely backward classes, the poor and the marginalised.

Special attention is being given to uplift deprived sections and link them with the mainstream through targeted schemes.

Scholarships are being provided to Scheduled Caste, Scheduled Tribe, Backward and Extremely Backward Class students, and residential schools and hostels are being built for them.

Khan further said that for minority communities, the state government is running several schemes including schools, hostels, coaching for competitive exams and scholarships.Financial assistance for divorced Muslim women, which began in 2006, has been increased from Rs 10,000 to Rs 25,000.

Madrasas have been granted government recognition, and their teachers are being paid salaries equal to other government teachers.

He said that the pension for elderly persons, persons with disabilities and widows has been increased from Rs 400 to Rs 1,100, benefitting more than 1.14 crore people.

Speaking about the progress in the agriculture sector, he said that since 2008, agricultural development has been carried out under comprehensive road maps, resulting in major increases in the production of food grains, fruits and vegetables.

The productivity of paddy, wheat and maize has doubled compared to earlier years. Production of milk, eggs, meat and fish has also risen significantly. Fish production has increased more than two-and-a-half times, making Bihar self-sufficient in this sector.

The fourth Agriculture Road Map is currently under implementation, with projects worth Rs 1,62,268 crore approved.

To support farmers, 21 agricultural market complexes are being developed at a cost of Rs 1,289 crore.

He also outlined the achievements made through seven resolves part I and part II in the state.

The Governor expressed his hope that the members of the Legislature would play a vital role in development of the state and would also discharge their responsibilities in constructive manner for a smooth functioning of the house.