Patna (Bihar) [India], August 20 : Bihar Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary on Thursday termed the latest allocation of housing targets a "proud moment" for the state's progress, noting that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Bihar has seen the construction of 50 lakh pucca houses since 2014.
Speaking at a massive 'Griha Pravesh' (housewarming) ceremony for the completion of 2,35,000 houses under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana-Gramin (PMAY-G), Choudhary said, "Today is a proud day; it is a day of progress for Bihar. We are here to provide pucca houses to the poor. In this very state, under the Modi government from 2014 to 2026, 50 lakh houses have been provided. Today, 2,35,000 people have received their completed homes," Choudhary said.
Highlighting the significant contribution of Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, who was present at the event, he added, "In the past two years alone, Shivraj Singh Chouhan ji has provided 19 lakh houses. He has travelled from Delhi today to allocate a massive new target of 11,18,937 houses for 2026-27, with more to follow. Modi ji and Nitish ji have worked towards a Developed India, and this progress is continuing," he added.
He further said, "According to the 2018 survey of Pradhan Mantri Awas Plus in Bihar, approximately 19 lakh permanent houses were left out of our list. In the last two years, during Shivraj Chouhan's tenure as minister, approximately 19 lakh people have been provided with permanent houses...A home provides security, respect, and a firm future. The true mark of development is when its benefits reach the families most in need."
Highlighting the shift in housing quality, Choudhary said, "Earlier under Indira Awas, cluster housing was provided in colonies, but now people build their own independent pucca houses. Receiving a new home elevates one to new heights."
Addressing administrative accountability, Choudhary emphasised the success of the 'Sahayog Portal,' which mandates that officials resolve public grievances within a strict 30-day window.
"If any officer or employee fails to respond within 30 days, they will be automatically suspended. Almost 96 per cent of the 6.42 lakh applications received so far have been resolved," he stated.
Providing updates on other welfare initiatives, Choudhary informed that the state is preparing ration cards for nearly 1 crore people, with 30 lakh cards already generated. He also noted the success of women's empowerment schemes in the state.
"Work towards taking the Lakhpati Didi initiative forward; from Bihar alone, 30 lakh Didis have become Lakhpati Didis," he said.
The CM called for further Central support to transform rural Bihar.
"There are 45,000 villages in Bihar where work needs to be undertaken. The Government of India should run special campaigns, develop tourist destinations, and build markets for Jeevika Didis," he stated, while appealing to Shivraj Singh Chouhan to continue providing assistance to help build a "prosperous Bihar."
Earlier, Union Minister for Rural Development Shivraj Singh Chouhan, while handing over the house keys to beneficiaries, extended Raksha Bandhan greetings and praised the state's governance. He drew a sharp contrast between the current administration and previous regimes regarding financial transparency.
"Earlier, during the Congress regime, when Rs 1 was sent, only 15 paise reached the ground. Under Modi ji's tenure, for every Rs 1 sent, the full Rs 1 reaches the beneficiary... It is our firm resolve that no sister shall remain poor," Chouhan said, adding that while Bihar once suffered under 'Jungle Raj,' the current leadership has successfully tackled crime and corruption.
Chouhan further assured that every kutcha house in Bihar would be converted into a pucca dwelling and highlighted the new 'Viksit Bharat G-RAM-G' scheme, which will provide approximately Rs 5 crore to each panchayat for development. He also lauded Bihar's 'Lakhpati Didi' and 'Farmer ID' initiatives, noting that over 30 lakh women in the state have already attained 'Lakhpati' status.