BIHAR

Calling it path breaking, a marvel of engineering, avant-garde and outcome of Himalayan resolve of the , CM Nitish Kumar on Sunday inaugurated theGangaJal Aapurti Yojana (Ganga Water Supply Scheme) atRajgir.

The first phase of the scheme will ensure uninterrupted drinking water supply to Rajgir, Bodh Gaya and Gaya towns. The CM is to launch the Gaya and Bodh Gaya Plants on Monday. Nawada is in the second phase of the project.

The novelty of the scheme lies in the fact that floodwater from the Ganga is being lifted, transported in a special pipeline to 151 kms, stored in huge reservoirs, treated in state-of-the-art water treatment plant and then supplied as potable water to households and institutions in these cities.

State industries ministerShahnawaz Hussain inaugurated Bihar Pavilion at the 40th India International Trade Fair (IITF) atPragati Maidanin Delhi and also cut the ribbon marking the start of theBihar Day celebrationsat the fair.

In a communique from Delhi, Hussain said the Bihar Pavilion at the IITF has been attracting a large number of visitors. During the inaugural functions, BJP MP Manoj Tiwari and the partys MLC Sanjay Mayukh were also present.

While the theme of the 40th IITF is Atmanirbhar Bharat, an exhibition of the products from Bihars countryside is also being held at Bihar Pavilion in tune with Atmanirbhar Gaon as an extension of Atmanirbhar Bihar.

Sources in the Dfccil, which is implementing the project, said they have about 95% of land available with them for the 374 km stretch between Sonnagar and New Andal and hence it can be bid out quickly. For the remaining stretch, they have hardly 55% land under their possession.

The private player will be responsible for design, finance (for 75% of project cost), build, operation and maintenance for the contract period and then will transfer the project to the DFCCIL.

With a view to going vocal for local, a special cover onSikkigrass products was released at the Postal Training Centre in Darbhanga.

Such special postal covers were necessary for making the traditional products of Bihar popular at the national level.

The special cover would help create awareness about Sikki craft and provide a fillip to the Cottage industries. Most Sikki artists belong to the lower strata of Society“.

The traditional craft, which received the geographical indication tag in 2007, is made from a special kind of grass called Sikki. The products are eco-friendly, natural, stylish, attractive, and affordable.

The states first-of-its-kind transgender shelter Home-cum-skill training centre has started functioning at Khagaul in westernPatnawith five inmates. Set up under the Garima Greh scheme of theMinistry of Social Justiceand Empowerment, the objective of setting up such a shelter home is to integrate transgender people into the mainstream.

The three-storey building would provide infrastructural support to 25 transgender persons at a time and make them self-sufficient by empowering with skill training programmes which may open a range of professions they can choose for their livelihoods. A separate skill training block has been built to provide soft skills.

Bihar CMNitish Kumar launched Kharif Mahaabhiyan-2023 by flagging off altogether36 Prachar Raths(chariots), which will visit different districts to provide information about the state governments various schemes for Kharif season to the farmers.

The Prachar (propagation) Raths, fitted with modern equipment, were flagged off from a special podium set up outside the chief minister residence at 1, Anney Marg, in Patna.

Besides these, the chariots would also educate the farmers and rural Population about the harms caused by burning of crop residues in the farm lands, the benefits of and Climate resilient crops as well as the state governments scheme Har Khet Tak Sinchai ka Pani (Irrigation water up to each farm land).

Acting at the directive of chief ministerNitish Kumar,Bihargovernment sent a financial assistance of Rs one crore toLakshadweepfor accelerating relief and rehabilitation works in theTauktaecyclone-hitisland.

The official said the Bihar government decided to send the to Lakshadweep after reports began pouring that Tauktae has left behind a trail of destruction in the countrys smallest union territory.

Consisting of 36 islands with an area of 32 sq km, Lakshadweep, an archipelago, came under the impact of heavy rains and strong winds of the cyclone.

With the second phase of the caste based census underway in Bihar, the people of the state are starting to analyse its positives and negatives.

The ‘intellectual community’ believes that it has some loopholes like the sub-castes in the Extremely Backward Class (EBC), Other Backward Castes (OBC), Dalit and Muslim communities will be counted but there is no provision to count sub-castes in upper castes.

It has created suspicions in the minds of the people about the intentions of the , or this loophole being used for political purposes.

The first phase of the caste based census was completed in March this year where every house had a unique house code. The second phase kicked off from April 15 and will end in one month.

In the second phase, Bihar government employees will go to every house and ask 17 questions printed on one sheet. The same will also be uploaded digitally as well so that anyone can access it from the Internet.

The employees will ask the name of the family head, his/her father’s name, age, sex, marital status, religion, caste, sub-caste (In case of EBC, OBC, minority) followed by code, educational qualification, profession, residential status (Staying in own house or rent), temporary Migration status, owning computer, laptop, motor vehicles, Agriculture-notes-for-state-psc-exams”>Agriculture land, residential land and income from all sources.

The three-dayBihar Diwas celebrations, which commenced on March 22, culminated in a stunning display of artistic talents and creative fervour on Friday. The department of art, culture and youth organised a diverse range of events and activities that enthralled participants of all ages. From immersive heritage walks, which brought the rich HISTORY of Bihar to life, to thought-provoking film and theatre festivals which showcased the extraordinary artistic abilities of local talents, the celebrations were a true feast for the senses. The inclusion of museum tours and cultural programmes ensured that there was something for everyone to enjoy.

Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekarsaid that the government has been pursuingcrime controland law and order management with utmost diligence, besides paying attention to constructing Police buildings and establishing forensic science laboratory in all the police zones on a priority basis to strengthen the police force.

The governor also said land has been identified in this regard for all new construction activities and to be incurred on each of the activities has also been sanctioned.
He said the government has been working with zero Tolerance on Corruption, and effectively implementing the Prohibition policy under which 2,611 accused persons from outside the state, including 115 big players involved in illegal liquor trade, have been nabbed.