ENVIRONMENT REVOLUTION IN BIHAR: CM

ENVIRONMENT REVOLUTION IN BIHAR: CM

5-NOV-ENG 2

RAJIV NAYAN AGRAWAL

ARA----------------------------Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, speaking on the issue of providing jobs and employment to youth in Bihar, said that before 2005, unemployment was at its peak in Bihar. At that time, there was neither any policy nor any intention for youth. Recruitment in various departments was stalled, and corruption was rampant. "During that period, land was taken in exchange for jobs, and the youth of Bihar were forced to wander from door to door in search of employment," he said.

The Chief Minister said that when the new government was formed on November 24, 2005, a concrete policy was formulated keeping the future of the youth in mind. Between 2005 and 2020, more than 800,000 youth were given government jobs and lakhs of people were given employment. Following this, a target of 10 lakh government jobs and 10 lakh jobs was set under the Saat Nishchay-2 scheme.

Nitish Kumar stated, "In the last five years (2020-2025), we have performed four times better than our target. During these years, 1 million youth have been provided government jobs and 4 million people have been employed. This means a total of 5 million youth have received employment and job opportunities."

The Chief Minister announced that the state government is now moving forward with the goal of providing jobs and employment to 10 million youth by 2025-2030. To achieve this, new positions are being created, skill development training is being expanded in technical institutions, and large-scale investment is being encouraged under the new industrial policy.

He added, "A land bank is being created in every district of the state to ensure no obstacles in setting up industries. A new era of industry and employment is dawning in Bihar under the strength of the double-engine government."

The Chief Minister also made a major announcement regarding contract workers. He stated that contract workers are being given tenure up to 60 years, increased honorarium, preference based on experience, and other benefits. Steps are also being taken to provide all contract workers with benefits comparable to government employees.

Referring to the development in the sports sector, Nitish Kumar said, "Priority is being given to the development of sports and athletes in the state. Under the 'Bring a Medal, Get a Job' scheme, 454 athletes have been given government jobs so far." In recent years, Bihar has earned national recognition by successfully hosting the Women's Hockey Asia Cup 2025, Men's Hockey Asia Cup 2025, Sepak Takraw World Cup, and Khelo India Youth Games 2025.

The state government has also launched the Bihar Sports Scholarship Scheme for athletes, under which financial assistance is being provided to 725 athletes. Additionally, sports grounds have been constructed in more than 3,000 panchayats to provide a platform for rural talent.

"We deliver on our promises. Don't fall for false and misleading promises. Only we can provide employment and respect to Bihar's youth, because we have lifted Bihar from unemployment and put it on the path to self-reliance."