The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, laid the foundation stone, inaugurated, and dedicated to the nation development projects worth over Rs 70 billion in Motihari, Bihar, today. Paying respects at the feet of Baba Someshwarnath during the sacred month of Sawan, he sought blessings for the happiness and prosperity of all Bihar residents. Addressing the gathering, Shri Modi highlighted Champaran’s historic significance, noting how the land inspired Mahatma Gandhi during India’s freedom movement. He emphasised that this inspiration will now help shape Bihar’s future and congratulated the people of Bihar on these development initiatives.

Shri Modi observed that the 21st century is witnessing rapid global progress, with Eastern nations gaining new momentum alongside the West. He asserted that India’s eastern states, including Bihar, are entering a new era of development. He envisioned Motihari rising to prominence comparable to Mumbai in the West and highlighted equal opportunities and industrial growth in cities across the East matching those in other Indian regions. The Prime Minister expressed confidence that Bihar’s transformation is possible due to the commitment of both the Central and State governments, contrasting the Rs 20 trillion allocated to Bihar in the last 10 years under previous governments with the Rs 90 trillion invested by his administration since 2014—four times more funding dedicated to public welfare and development.

Recalling Bihar’s struggles two decades ago under previous administrations, Shri Modi criticised their failure to deliver funds to the poor and their focus on corruption. He praised the resilience of Bihar’s people and the current government’s efforts to deliver welfare schemes directly. Over the past 11 years, more than 40 million houses have been built under the PM Awas Yojana nationwide, including nearly 6 million in Bihar alone—exceeding the populations of countries such as Norway and New Zealand. In Motihari district, around 300,000 families have received pucca houses, with over 12,000 receiving keys today. Additionally, more than 40,000 poor families, mainly Dalit, Mahadalit, and backward communities, have received funds to construct homes. The Prime Minister noted such support was unimaginable under previous governments.

Shri Modi credited Bihar’s progress to the strength of its women, highlighting their increased access to financial services. He noted the widespread adoption of Jan Dhan accounts, with approximately 35 million women in Bihar now holding these accounts, enabling direct transfer of government scheme funds. The Bihar government recently increased monthly pensions for the elderly, differently-abled, and widowed mothers from Rs 400 to Rs 1,100, with payments directly credited to beneficiaries. Over the past six weeks, more than 24,000 self-help groups in Bihar received Rs 10 billion in support, strengthening women’s financial empowerment.

The Prime Minister highlighted the rise of ‘Lakhpati Didis’—women earning one lakh rupees or more—across India and Bihar. He stated the national goal is to create 30 million such women, with 15 million already achieving this milestone, including over 2 million in Bihar. Over 80,000 women in Champaran have joined self-help groups. Shri Modi announced the release of Rs 4 billion as a Community Investment Fund to further empower women, praising the “Jeevika Didi” scheme initiated by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar.

Reiterating that Bihar’s progress is vital to India’s growth, Shri Modi emphasised that employment for youth is central to this vision. He applauded the Bihar government for transparent recruitment of hundreds of thousands of youth in government roles and assured full Central support for further employment initiatives. The Central Government has approved a major scheme to support first-time private sector job seekers, granting Rs 15,000 to each youth appointed under this scheme starting August 1, with a budget of Rs 1 trillion. Shri Modi also noted the promotion of self-employment through the Mudra Yojana, with hundreds of thousands of loans disbursed recently, including 60,000 in Champaran.

Shri Modi contrasted today’s Bihar with the past, crediting the coalition government for ending political vendettas and delivering progress. He highlighted decisive action against Naxalism, transforming districts like Champaran, Aurangabad, Gaya, and Jamui from Maoist influence zones to areas of opportunity. He reaffirmed the government’s resolve to eliminate Naxalism completely.

The Prime Minister stated that Bihar has abundant resources and capability, noting rising makhana prices due to integration with larger markets and the formation of a Makhana Board. He highlighted Bihar’s agricultural richness with products such as banana, litchi, Mircha rice, Katarni rice, Zardalu mango, and Maghai paan, emphasising efforts to connect farmers and youth to global markets.

Under the PM-Kisan Samman Nidhi Yojana, Rs 3.5 trillion has been disbursed to farmers nationwide, including over Rs 15 billion to more than 500,000 farmers in Motihari alone.

Shri Modi asserted the government’s commitment to prioritising backward regions and communities. Over 110 districts previously neglected have been designated aspirational districts for focused development. Border villages formerly deemed ‘last villages’ are now ‘first villages’ receiving priority. The government fulfilled demands for constitutional status of the OBC Commission and launched the Janman Yojana for tribal communities, allocating Rs 250 billion. A new scheme, the Pradhan Mantri Dhan-Dhanya Krishi Yojana, will target 100 districts with agricultural potential but low productivity, benefitting nearly 17.5 million farmers nationwide, with many from Bihar.

Highlighting rail and road projects worth billions, Shri Modi noted these will enhance convenience in Bihar. He flagged off the Amrit Bharat Express on four routes, including a new direct service from Motihari-Bapudham to Anand Vihar, Delhi. The Motihari railway station is being redeveloped with modern facilities. The doubling of the Darbhanga-Narkatiaganj rail line will also improve travel convenience.

Emphasising Champaran’s cultural heritage, Shri Modi announced that the Ram-Janaki Path will pass through Motihari and other key locations, with a new railway line connecting Sitamarhi to Ayodhya to facilitate pilgrimage, boosting connectivity and employment.

The Prime Minister criticised previous governments for divisive politics and urged collective efforts to accelerate Bihar’s development. He concluded by congratulating the people of Bihar on today’s projects and called for a shared commitment to building a new Bihar.