Sitamarhi (Bihar) [India], August 8 : Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Friday said that development works are progressing rapidly across the state, with welfare schemes benefitting a large section of the population.
Addressing a public rally in Sitamarhi, Chief Minister Kumar stated that around 1.12 crore elderly, specially abled and widows are going to benefit from the increased pension.
"The development works are ongoing rapidly in all places. We have increased the pension to the elderly, specially-abled and widows from Rs 400 to Rs 1100 (per month). Around 1 crore 12 lakh people are to benefit from this," the Chief Minister said.
The Chief Minister iterated that the Central government will redevelop the Maa Janki temple complex at a cost of Rs 883 crore.
He said, "The Central government will re-develop the Maa Janki temple complex at a cost of Rs 883 crores. The government is working to improve connectivity between Sitamarhi and Ayodhya by road and rail networks. Today, a train is being introduced between Sitamarhi and Delhi..."
Earlier today, Union Home Minister Amit Shah performed the Bhoomi Pujan for the comprehensive development of the Punaura Dham temple and complex, the birthplace of Mata Sita in Sitamarhi district.
Shah also flagged off the Amrit Bharat train from Sitamarhi to Delhi through video conferencing. Many dignitaries, including Bihar Chief Minister Shri Nitish Kumar, were present on this occasion.
He laid the foundation stone for the redevelopment of Janki Mata Temple at Punaura Dham in Sitamarhi in Bihar. Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar and Deputy CM Samrat Chaudhary were also present during the event.
Punaura Dham, also known as Maa Janaki Janmabhoomi Temple, is widely considered to be the birthplace of Goddess Sita, the wife of Ram. After the construction of the Ram temple in Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh, multiple people associated with the Janaki temple brought gifts for Lord Ram during the Pran Pratishtha ceremony held on January 22, 2024.
According to Bihar tourism, Punaura Dham also contains other attractions, like a lake which is believed to help with her pregnancy, and Panth Pakar, which is associated with Sita's marriage.