On the occasion of National Panchayati Raj Day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed a massive public gathering in Bihar’s Madhubani district and inaugurated a series of development projects spanning railways, infrastructure, LPG, and rural empowerment—collectively worth over ₹13,480 crore.
The event began on a solemn note, with the Prime Minister urging the crowd to observe a moment of silence in memory of the victims of the April 22 Pahalgam attack. He also paid tribute to national poet Ramdhari Singh Dinkar on his death anniversary.
“Before we speak of development, let us remember those who were taken from us. Let’s pay our respects with silence,” he said.
Emphasising the importance of self-governance at the village level, PM Modi reflected on Mahatma Gandhi’s vision that strong villages are the cornerstone of national progress.
“If the villages of India are strong, the country will develop faster. This is the soul of Panchayati Raj,” he stated.
Highlighting his government’s rural initiatives over the past decade, Modi said more than two lakh Gram Panchayats have been connected to the Internet, 5.5 lakh Common Service Centres set up in rural areas, 30,000 Panchayat Bhawans constructed, and ₹2 lakh crore allocated to Panchayat funds.
“Today, Panchayats can issue certificates such as birth, death, and land records digitally. Technology has brought transparency and efficiency to grassroots governance,” the Prime Minister added.
He praised Bihar for being the first state to provide 50% reservation to women in Panchayats, calling it a powerful example of real social justice.
“Thousands of our sisters and daughters from marginalised communities are now decision-makers. This is the true strength of democracy,” he said.
Modi also highlighted the success of the ‘Jeevika Didi’ self-help group movement and announced fresh financial assistance of ₹1,000 crore for women-led SHGs in Bihar.
He laid the foundation stone and inaugurated various projects in rail connectivity, including new lines and express services such as the Amrit Bharat and NaMo Bharat trains.
Among key initiatives, the Prime Minister laid the foundation for an LPG bottling plant at Hathua block in Gopalganj district, a ₹340 crore project aimed at enhancing bulk LPG transportation and streamlining the supply chain.
He also launched projects worth ₹1,170 crore in the power sector, and ₹5,030 crore under the Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme to strengthen power infrastructure.
Modi flagged off several new trains, including the Amrit Bharat Express between Saharsa and Mumbai and the Namo Bharat Rapid Rail between Jaynagar and Patna. He also launched regional rail connections such as Pipra–Saharsa–Samastipur, Supaul–Pipra, and Hasanpur–Bithan rail lines, along with rail overbridges in Chapra and Bagaha, and dedicated the Khagaria–Alauli rail line to the nation.
Under the Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana–National Rural Livelihood Mission (DAY-NRLM), the Prime Minister distributed ₹930 crore under the Community Investment Fund to over two lakh SHGs in Bihar.
Connecting the day’s initiatives to Bihar’s rich legacy, he said, “The entire country is connected to the soil of Mithila. The work launched today will create new job opportunities and drive growth in the region.”
As part of the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana – Gramin (PMAY-G), 1.5 lakh families in Bihar received new pucca homes. Approval letters for new houses were handed over to 15 lakh families nationwide, including 3.5 lakh from Bihar. Financial assistance was disbursed to 10 lakh poor families across the country, including 80,000 rural and one lakh urban families from Bihar.
“Houses of the poor have been built in villages, roads paved, gas and water connections reached every doorstep. This is modern infrastructure building the foundation of a developed India,” PM Modi stated.
He shared that over 12 crore rural families now have tap water connections, 2.5 crore homes have been electrified, and LPG cylinders have replaced firewood in countless households.
He also highlighted the cultural and economic significance of Makhana, a crop native to Mithila. “Makhana has received the GI (Geographical Indication) tag, officially recognising its origin in Bihar. The Makhana Research Centre has been given national status. A dedicated Makhana Board, announced in the Union Budget, is expected to empower local farmers and boost exports,” he said.
“Makhana is not just food, it’s culture. Now, it will also be a source of prosperity,” the Prime Minister emphasised.
PM Modi also previewed the upcoming India Steel 2025 summit, which will focus on strengthening India’s strategic and high-grade steel production, particularly for defence and aerospace.
“India was once dependent on imported steel. Today, the steel used in our first indigenous aircraft carrier is made in India. Our Chandrayaan Mission too rode on the strength of Indian steel,” he said proudly.
-IANS
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