A national conference on the comprehensive development of each district in Bihar took place at the Hotel Taj City Centre in Patna. The event, a collaborative effort of the Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances (DARPG), the Bihar Administrative Reforms Mission Society, and the General Administration Department, Government of Bihar, brought together over 200 participants. Attendees included district magistrates, policymakers, innovators, and institutional heads.
The conference featured two technical sessions, during which award-winning and nominated initiatives were presented. The first session, chaired by Punit Yadav, Additional Secretary, DARPG, focused on innovative projects from UIDAI, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, and Andhra Pradesh, such as digital authentication, cyber tehsils, and GIS-based water conservation. The second session, led by Sarita Chauhan, Joint Secretary, DARPG, highlighted citizen-centric initiatives from Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, emphasizing the significance of district administration in governance and program implementation.
Central Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh and Bihar’s Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary attended the opening session. Dr. Singh praised the Bihar government and its officials, noting that the state’s innovative projects in grievance redressal and digital transformation could serve as models for the nation. He underscored the importance of district magistrates, calling them the backbone of India’s administrative framework.
Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary spoke about Bihar’s transformation, from the initial marine drive plan to the construction of three additional drives. He highlighted improvements in road infrastructure, which have dramatically reduced travel times. He presented this as evidence of a new Bihar: efficient, inclusive, and prepared for the future.
The third session, focused on innovation in the Bihar government, was chaired by Dr. B. Rajender, Additional Chief Secretary, General Administration Department. District Magistrates from Nalanda, Begusarai, and Gaya presented their district-level innovative projects. Dr. Pratima, Secretary of the Department of Science and Technology Education, provided a detailed presentation on Bihar’s grievance redressal system, showcasing the use of technology and local coordination to address citizens’ concerns.
The CEO of Jeevika discussed the economic empowerment of women’s self-help groups, and Dr. A.N. Safena, Commissioner of Magadh Division, highlighted the contributions of women in governance.
Dr. B. Rajender noted that the progress of women, from Jeevika didis to becoming MLAs, shows that women are the driving force behind Bihar’s transformation. He acknowledged the visionary leadership of Chief Minister Shri Nitish Kumar for making this change possible.
A multi-departmental exhibition showcasing key schemes, handicrafts, and services from departments such as tourism, art and culture, youth, Jeevika, and industries was held at the conference venue. Participants experienced virtual reality tours of historical sites including Nalanda University, the Mahabodhi Temple, Vikramshila, and the Bihar Museum. The conference concluded with a cultural program, featuring folk singer Maithili Thakur, classical and folk dance troupes, and flutist Vishnu Thapa, celebrating Bihar’s rich cultural heritage. The event underscored the belief that strengthening district administrations and sharing best practices can help achieve the national goal of inclusive and comprehensive development.