KKN Gurugram Desk | On the occasion of Panchayati Raj Day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Madhubani for a one-day tour. During this visit, a significant event was held in Lohna North Panchayat, Jhanjharpur, where Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar addressed the gathering. His speech not only highlighted the achievements of the state government but also condemned the recent terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu & Kashmir, which resulted in the deaths of several individuals, including foreign nationals. This tragic event, according to Kumar, was deeply distressing and he extended his heartfelt condolences to the grieving families.

In his address, Nitish Kumar also acknowledged the importance of unity in fighting terrorism and expressed gratitude towards Prime Minister Modi for his leadership and support in these difficult times. The event was not only a moment for the state to reflect on its development achievements but also a reminder of the country’s collective stand against terrorism.

Chief Minister Nitish Kumar’s Speech at Panchayati Raj Day Celebrations

At the event in Jhanjharpur, Nitish Kumar spoke at length about the journey of Bihar’s governance, tracing its progress since the formation of his government in 2005. Kumar emphasized that this year marks the 20th anniversary of the government’s formation and highlighted the stark contrast between the earlier governance under the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) and the significant improvements under the NDA (National Democratic Alliance) government since 2006.

He pointed out that before the establishment of the NDA government, the situation in Bihar’s Panchayats was dire. “Under the previous government (RJD), Panchayats were in a bad state, and no substantial work was done for their development. But in 2006, after the NDA government took charge, we brought reforms. We amended the laws for Panchayati Raj in 2007, and one of the major highlights of our governance was the empowerment of women through 50% reservation in Panchayats,” Kumar remarked, emphasizing the landmark initiatives that have made a significant impact on local governance and women’s participation in political processes.

He continued by criticizing the opposition, particularly RJD, for their lack of focus on issues concerning women’s empowerment and social justice during their time in power. “Did the RJD government ever think about the welfare of women or any marginalized groups? It’s our government that worked to make the Panchayat system more effective and inclusive,” he added.

Infrastructure Development: A Focus on Panchayat Buildings

In his speech, Nitish Kumar also detailed the progress made under the government’s Panchayati Raj reform initiatives. One of the most notable achievements was the construction of Panchayat Government Buildings across the state. These buildings are vital to strengthening the administrative capacity of rural local bodies and ensuring that government services are more accessible to the people in rural areas.

Kumar proudly stated that 1,639 Panchayat government buildings have already been constructed, with the remaining ones expected to be completed before the upcoming elections. He assured the audience that work on these buildings was progressing at a rapid pace and will be completed as planned. This development is seen as a crucial part of Bihar’s decentralization of governance and a step towards improving the functioning of Panchayats.

The Chief Minister emphasized that the initiative to build these Panchayat government buildings was a direct result of his government’s efforts to ensure that grassroots democracy is not only a political concept but is also backed by robust infrastructure. This reflects Bihar’s commitment to ensuring that local leaders have the necessary tools to serve their communities effectively.

Focus on Key Areas: Education, Health, Roads, and Water Supply

During his address, Nitish Kumar highlighted the significant strides made in various key areas such as education, health, road infrastructure, electricity, and water supply. He stated that these developments are a cornerstone of the government’s commitment to improving the quality of life for the people of Bihar.

1. Education: Kumar spoke about the significant improvement in the education sector, particularly in rural areas, where the establishment of new schools and educational facilities has improved access to education. The government has also focused on skill development programs to better equip the youth for employment.

2. Health: In the health sector, Kumar highlighted the expansion of medical facilities and healthcare services, especially in underserved regions. The state government has focused on building new healthcare centers and improving existing infrastructure to ensure better healthcare delivery.

3. Roads and Connectivity: Another major focus of the government has been the improvement of rural road infrastructure. Better connectivity between villages and urban centers is seen as a crucial factor in economic growth and better service delivery. Nitish Kumar mentioned several ongoing projects to expand and upgrade roads and transport systems in rural Bihar.

4. Water Supply: Water management has been a central issue for rural areas in Bihar, and the state government has initiated several projects to improve water supply systems in these regions. Ensuring access to clean drinking water is a top priority for the state government, and several schemes are in place to address this challenge.

Tribute to the Pahalgam Attack Victims

Kumar also addressed the unfortunate terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu & Kashmir, which took place two days prior to the event. The attack resulted in the deaths of 26 people, including a foreign national. Expressing his deep condolences, the Chief Minister stated that this tragic incident was highly condemnable. He emphasized the importance of standing united as a nation against the scourge of terrorism.

“The attack in Pahalgam is a grim reminder of the dangers of terrorism, which continues to threaten the safety and security of our citizens. This is a deeply sad and unfortunate event, and I extend my heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families. We, as a nation, stand united in the fight against terrorism,” Nitish Kumar stated.

He also expressed gratitude towards Prime Minister Modi for his strong leadership and the steps taken by the Indian government to combat terrorism and provide support to the victims of the attack.

The Panchayati Raj Day event in Madhubani, where Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Nitish Kumar addressed the crowd, not only celebrated the achievements in local governance but also reiterated the importance of unity in the fight against terrorism. Nitish Kumar’s speech was a combination of reflecting on the government’s achievements and showing solidarity with the victims of the recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam.

The event highlighted the progress Bihar has made in empowering women, improving local governance infrastructure, and investing in essential sectors like education, health, and road infrastructure. It also underscored the state’s commitment to improving the lives of its citizens through systematic reforms at the grassroots level.

In addition to these positive developments, the Chief Minister’s tribute to the victims of the Pahalgam terror attack serves as a reminder that India must remain united in its fight against terrorism and continue to take steps toward a peaceful and secure future.