Jobs and infrastructure development top priorities for government: Governor | Patna News

Patna: Governor Arif Mohammed Khan, while addressing people on the 77th Republic Day at Gandhi Maidan in Patna on Monday, said the state govt has set a target to provide employment to 1 crore youth in the next five years,Khan said the state had already provided govt jobs to 10 lakh youth and employment opportunities to 40 lakh people under the Seven Resolves (Saat Nishchay)-2 programme. He added that the rule of law was the govt’s highest priority and pointed out that the strength of the police force had increased from a very low number in 2005 to 1.31 lakh personnel at present.Referring to improvements in law and order, the governor said incidents of murder, dacoity and kidnapping for ransom had declined significantly compared to 2005. Highlighting emergency response systems, he said, “The emergency service ‘Dial-112’ is being operated and provided emergency services to more than 52 lakh people.” He added that to maintain social harmony, the govt had completed fencing of sensitive graveyards and was constructing boundary walls around temples older than 60 years to prevent theft.On infrastructure, Khan said the target of reaching Patna from remote areas within six hours was achieved in 2016 and, with the construction of new expressways and bypasses, travel time had now been reduced to five hours. In the healthcare sector, he noted that the number of govt medical colleges had increased from six to 12, with construction under way in the remaining 27 districts. He said facilities at PMCH and IGIMS were being expanded to 5,400 and 3,000 beds respectively.On women’s empowerment, the governor said Bihar was the first state to provide 50% reservation for women in local bodies. He said a 35% reservation for women in police and govt jobs had resulted in more than 30,000 women joining the police force. He also said the “Jeevika” programme was supporting 1.40 crore women through 11 lakh self-help groups. In education, he noted that large-scale recruitment through the BPSC had increased the total number of govt teachers to 5.24 lakh.The governor also spoke about progress under the Agriculture Road Map, saying Bihar had become self-sufficient in fish production. He said electricity had reached every household by 2018 and announced that solar panels would be installed for interested consumers. Outlining the roadmap for Seven Resolves-3 for the period 2025 to 2030, Khan said, “Under the Chief Minister Women Employment Scheme, an assistance of Rs 10,000 was given to 1 woman in every household.”He said Seven Resolves-3 aimed to double per capita income, establish industrial areas in all districts and restart closed sugar mills. The programme also focuses on strengthening the Bihar Marketing Promotion Corporation for agriculture, creating an “Education City” in Patna, and developing five new expressways and eco-tourism. Khan emphasised that the govt was committed to the development of all sections of society, including Hindus, Muslims, Dalits and all backward classes.Chief minister Nitish Kumar, deputy chief minister Samrat Choudhary, several cabinet ministers, and senior administrative and police officials were present at the ceremony.As part of the celebrations, 12 tableaux from various govt departments showcased the state’s development initiatives. The transport department secured first place, followed by the agriculture department in second position and the energy department in third.Before hoisting the tricolour, the governor inspected the ceremonial parade. The Special Task Force received the award for best professional parade while the NCC Army Boys were awarded in the non-professional category. The Best Platoon Commander award in the professional category was given to the SSB, while in the non-professional category it went to the NCC.During the event, 95 citizens, known as Rah-Veers, were honoured for assisting road accident victims. These citizens were recognised for providing immediate help and ensuring victims reached medical facilities during the golden hour. The govt said such good samaritans are eligible for a commendation certificate and a reward of up to Rs 25,000 for their humanitarian efforts.