KKN Gurugram Desk | Bihar’s Rural Development Minister, Ashok Choudhary, has extolled the transformative leadership of Chief Minister Nitish Kumar during a series of public outreach programs held on June 19 in the Barari and Manihari assembly constituencies of Katihar district. These events followed the recent launch of several high-impact schemes under the Rural Development Department, showcasing the government’s focus on rural infrastructure, social welfare, and financial discipline.

1. Nitish Kumar’s Vision for Inclusive Growth

During the public interactions, Choudhary emphasized that Bihar’s development trajectory is more than just statistics—it reflects the people-centric governance, efficient administration, and budgetary restraint upheld by CM Nitish Kumar since 2005. He stated that under poor management in 2005, the state faced religious violence, 118 massacres, and GDP growth stagnating at around 2.3%, with an annual state budget of a mere ₹23,000 crore. Today, powered by Nitish Kumar’s leadership, Bihar has transitioned to self-reliance, with an annual budget exceeding ₹3 lakh crore and a growth rate of nearly 10%, outpacing many other Indian states.

2. Dramatic Reduction in Poverty

Choudhary highlighted Bihar’s achievement in poverty reduction—from a 46% poverty rate in 2005 to 16% in 2025. This dramatic socioeconomic shift is attributed to rural upliftment schemes and targeted welfare programs that prioritized previously marginalized communities.

3. Massive Rural Infrastructure Gains

Highlighting the state’s infrastructural boom, the minister outlined some of the key milestones:

• Expansion of rural road network from 8,000 km to 117,000 km, connecting nearly every tola (hamlet) to main roads.

• 100% rural electrification, compared to just 22% back in 2005.

• Bihar now has night-lit villages, improved access to education, and universal school enrollment.

Choudhary lauded the RRSMP (Rural Road Strengthening & Management Programme), MGSY (Chief Minister Rural Bridge Scheme), and MMGSY (Chief Minister Rural Connectivity Programme), highlighting that each of the Barari and Manihari constituencies is receiving ₹150 crore – totaling ₹300 crore in targeted development funds.

4. Improved Education & Empowerment

Education reforms form the cornerstone of Bihar’s rural transformation:

• School dropout rates have fallen from 10.5% in 2005 to less than 1% today.

• Specialized talimi markaz and tola sevikas have promoted inclusion of children from Mahadalit, minority, and backward communities.

• The state introduced schemes like “Girls’ School Dress” and “Cycle Yojana”, encouraging girls’ education and empowerment.

• Matriculation volumes have surged from 4 lakh in 2005 to 18 lakh in 2025, with 8.5 lakh girls enrolled—highlighting a generational shift in female education and social upliftment.

5. Agriculture & Industry: Double-Digit Progress

In agriculture, Bihar secured five Krishi Karman Awards, signaling increased productivity. The industry sector also thrived—with a reported 300% growth in entrepreneurs. Choudhary detailed the expansion of the agriculture sector and rising industrial activity, reinforcing Bihar’s role in India’s rural-industrial mix.

6. Enhanced Social Welfare Budgets

Choudhary stressed the upgraded role of social sector budgeting:

• SC/ST Welfare Budget surged from ₹40.48 crore in 2004–05 to ₹1,935 crore.

• OBC & Most Backward Classes Welfare Department saw an increase to ₹1,878.53 crore.

• Minority Welfare Budget climbed from ₹3.53 crore to over ₹800 crore.

This financial emphasis demonstrates Bihar’s commitment to social justice and inclusive prosperity.

7. Expanded Connectivity in Katihar

In his address, Choudhary delved into concrete infrastructure projects slated under the RRSMP, MGSY, and MMGSY in Barari and Manihari. The ₹300 crore investment will cover the construction of:

• High-grade rural roads

• Bridges at key locations (e.g., Nawabganj–Hariprasad, Sisia–Navadih, Bhangha–Kushiyari)

• Connectivity upgrades to Katsaria railway station, Dilarpur ferry, and Gogabil pond

These improvements are expected to significantly boost access to education, healthcare, agriculture, and employment, especially for remote communities.

8. Bihar’s Future Awaits: Chief Minister as State’s Greatest Asset

Concluding his speech, Ashok Choudhary urged the public to support Nitish Kumar’s leadership, describing him as Bihar’s greatest asset. He urged voters to back the current government for its record of good governance, development, and social equity, adding that the state “no longer merely echoes history—it is scripting its own future.”

Why This Announcement Matters: Key Themes

• Rural Infrastructure: Unprecedented expansion in connectivity transforms the rural economy and social landscape.

• Poverty Reduction: A 30-point drop in poverty is a testament to sustained policy implementation.

• Education as Change Agent: Lower dropout rates and increased female enrollment signal lasting social progress.

• Social Investment: Large-scale budget elevates marginalized communities’ access to opportunities.

• Economic Revival: Productivity gains and entrepreneurship growth suggest a dynamic rural economy.

Collectively, these developments indicate Bihar’s transformation from underdeveloped to rapidly emerging, driven by focused rural policies and infrastructure rollout.

Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Bihar’s Villages?

• Continued expansion of road and bridge projects under RRSMP, MGSY, and MMGSY.

• Scaling up digital connectivity, water supply, healthcare, and renewable energy access.

• Sustained reduction in poverty, dropout rates, and improved women’s empowerment.

• Boosting Bihar as a hub of rural industry and agritech innovation.

• Ensuring budgetary discipline and transparent governance for accountable progress.

Minister Ashok Choudhary’s public interactions in Katihar have spotlighted Bihar’s rural transformation under Nitish Kumar. With robust infrastructure investment, social welfare expansion, and empowering education reforms, Bihar is emerging as a model for sustainable rural development in India.

As the state accelerates its journey, the message is clear: Bihar is not just catching up—it’s setting a new trajectory of inclusive and future-ready growth.