Bihar’s Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary announced the reopening of all closed sugar mills in the state. The announcement was made during his ‘Samriddhi Yatra’ visit to Chhapra. The move is expected to benefit farmers, laborers, and local youth by creating employment opportunities within Bihar and reducing migration.
Why is this happening now?
Chaudhary stated that Bihar is expanding beyond education, healthcare, roads, and electricity and is now focusing on industry and employment. He added that a network of industries was being developed to prevent youth from seeking jobs in other states. Historically, Bihar was a significant sugar producer in the early 20th century, but mismanagement led to the closure of many mills.
How will the government support investors?
The government planned to prioritize the future of the youth and has implemented the country’s best industrial policy in Bihar. Land was being offered to investors for ₹1, and loan approvals were expected to happen within 15 days. This policy was designed to attract advanced factories like semiconductor plants to Bihar.
What about infrastructure improvements?
Chaudhary mentioned Chief Minister Nitish Kumar’s ‘Nyay Yatra’, ‘Pragati Yatra’, and ‘Samriddhi Yatra’ as initiatives to understand the needs of the people and lay a strong foundation for Bihar’s development. Significant work had been done in basic sectors like roads, education, health, and electricity. Road construction was underway from villages to streets, and an airport would soon be built in Chhapra to improve connectivity for Saran and surrounding districts, boosting trade and tourism.
What are the plans for electricity?
Previously, even cities in Bihar struggled to get five hours of electricity, but Chaudhary stated that the situation had completely changed. Electricity was being supplied 24 hours a day in villages. Approximately 19 million families in the state were getting up to 125 units of free electricity, resulting in zero electricity bills for about 17 million families.
What are the job creation targets?
The government has focused on skill development for the youth and had formed a Youth Skill Development Department. Training was being provided to youth according to industry needs. Chaudhary claimed that 5 million government jobs and employment opportunities had been provided in the last five years, and the target was to provide 10 million more in the next five years.
Past Challenges
A 2022 report by the CAG highlighted previous challenges in reviving the sugar industry, pointing to issues with investment and infrastructure.
