CM Nitish Kumar Lays Foundation for 2615 Panchayat Government Buildings and Inaugurates Solar Street Lights
October 24, 2024 : Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar laid the foundation for an ambitious project aimed at improving rural governance and infrastructure. At a ceremony held at ‘Sankalp’, 1 Ane Marg, the CM officially kick-started the construction of 2615 Panchayat Government Buildings and the State Panchayat Resource Center in Sonpur, with a total investment of Rs 7,160 crore under the Panchayati Raj Department.
The project is set to transform the administrative landscape in rural Bihar, ensuring that Panchayati Raj institutions are equipped with the same systems and facilities as state government offices. This initiative is part of a broader vision to strengthen local governance and provide better services to the rural population, enabling more efficient execution of various government schemes and programs.
Empowering Panchayats with Dedicated Government Buildings
CM Nitish Kumar emphasized that the goal behind the construction of Panchayat Government Buildings is to ensure that Panchayati Raj institutions operate with the same efficiency and organization as state government offices. This will enable local officials to carry out a wide range of administrative tasks, including documentation, public grievances, and welfare programs, all under one roof.
So far, the Bihar government has approved the construction of Panchayat Government Buildings in 6,858 Panchayats across the state, out of a total of 8,053 Panchayats. 1,548 buildings have already been completed, while the remaining ones are currently under construction. The government aims to complete the construction of all Panchayat Government Buildings by June 2025, further streamlining rural governance and improving public service delivery.
Once these buildings are completed, rural citizens will have better access to government services, with a single point of contact for village-level administrative tasks. This initiative will be particularly beneficial for people in rural areas who often face challenges in accessing government services and facilities due to the lack of infrastructure.
Inauguration of 3.75 Lakh Solar Street Lights
As part of the Saat Nischay-2 program, the Chief Minister also inaugurated 3,75,000 solar street lights in rural areas, a significant step toward ensuring better illumination and enhancing safety in villages across Bihar. This initiative, which began in 2021, is aligned with the state government’s goal of creating a sustainable, eco-friendly energy infrastructure in rural areas.
The installation of solar-powered street lights is part of Bihar’s larger effort to promote renewable energy and reduce the carbon footprint of the state. These solar lights will help increase night-time visibility and security in rural communities, benefitting both residents and visitors.
The remaining work related to the installation of solar street lights is scheduled to be completed by March 2025, covering additional rural areas that are yet to receive this infrastructure.
Improving Panchayat Resource Centers and E-Governance
In addition to the Panchayat Government Buildings and solar street lights, the Chief Minister also inaugurated several key e-governance initiatives, including 13 District Panchayat Resource Centers, 65 Panchayat Government Buildings, the e-Gram Kachhari Court Management System, and the District Council Portal. These initiatives are aimed at improving the efficiency of rural governance through technology and digital infrastructure.
The Panchayat Resource Centers will serve as hubs for information and services, allowing rural citizens to access various government programs more easily. The e-Gram Kachhari System and District Council Portal will streamline administrative processes, ensuring faster service delivery and greater transparency in rural governance.
Bihar’s Vision for Rural Development
CM Nitish Kumar highlighted that the development of Panchayat Government Buildings is a core part of the government’s broader vision for rural development. By improving local governance structures and introducing modern administrative systems, Bihar is taking concrete steps to empower rural areas and strengthen democracy at the grassroots level.
With Saat Nischay-2, the government is addressing critical infrastructure gaps in rural Bihar, from solar street lights to modernized government buildings. These projects will improve the quality of life for millions of people in the state, creating a more connected, prosperous, and self-reliant rural Bihar.
Conclusion: A New Era for Rural Governance and Infrastructure
The foundation stone laying for 2615 Panchayat Government Buildings and the inauguration of solar street lights marks a significant leap forward in the state’s efforts to strengthen rural governance and improve the living conditions of rural communities. Through these initiatives, Bihar is not only enhancing its infrastructure but also empowering local authorities to deliver services more efficiently and effectively.
With the target to complete these projects by June 2025, Bihar’s commitment to rural development and sustainable infrastructure is evident. The people of Bihar are set to witness a transformation in the way government services are delivered, making it easier for them to access the support they need and ensuring that rural areas are more connected, illuminated, and secure.