A national conference was convened at the Hotel Taj City Centre in Patna to discuss the comprehensive development of Bihar’s districts. The event was jointly organized by the Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances (DARPG), the Bihar Administrative Reforms Mission Society, and the General Administration Department, Government of Bihar. The conference saw the participation of over 200 delegates, including district magistrates, policymakers, innovators, and institutional heads from across India.
The conference agenda included two technical sessions dedicated to presentations of award-winning and nominated initiatives. The first session, led by Punit Yadav, Additional Secretary, DARPG, featured discussions on innovative schemes from UIDAI, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, and Andhra Pradesh, focusing on digital authentication, cyber tehsils, and GIS-based water conservation projects. The second session, chaired by Sarita Chauhan, Joint Secretary, DARPG, highlighted citizen-centric initiatives from Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, emphasizing the importance of district administration in ensuring the effective implementation of government programs.
Central Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh and Bihar’s Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary graced the inaugural session. Dr. Singh commended the Bihar government and its officials, stating that the state’s innovative endeavors, particularly in grievance redressal and digital transformation, could serve as exemplary models nationwide. He acknowledged the critical role of district magistrates as the backbone of India’s administrative system.
Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary shared Bihar’s transformation journey, recalling the initial vision of a marine drive and its subsequent realization, alongside the construction of three more. He emphasized improvements in road infrastructure, which have significantly reduced travel times within the state, reflecting a new Bihar: progressive, inclusive, and prepared for the future.
The third session, focusing on innovation within the Bihar government, was led by Dr. B. Rajender, Additional Chief Secretary, General Administration Department. District Magistrates from Nalanda, Begusarai, and Gaya presented their innovative schemes implemented at the district level. Dr. Pratima, Secretary, Department of Science and Technology Education, provided an in-depth presentation on Bihar’s grievance redressal system, highlighting the use of technology and local coordination to address citizens’ concerns effectively.
The CEO of Jeevika spoke about the economic empowerment journey of women’s self-help groups, while Dr. A.N. Safena, Commissioner of Magadh Division, underscored the role of women in governance.
Dr. B. Rajender noted that the journey of women from Jeevika didis to becoming MLAs proves that women are central to the transformation of Bihar. He commended the forward-thinking leadership of Chief Minister Shri Nitish Kumar for enabling this progress.
A multi-departmental exhibition was held at the conference venue, showcasing key schemes, handicrafts, and services from departments including tourism, art and culture, youth, Jeevika, and industries. Participants experienced virtual reality tours of historical sites such as Nalanda University, the Mahabodhi Temple, Vikramshila, and the Bihar Museum. The conference culminated in a cultural program featuring folk singer Maithili Thakur, classical and folk dance troupes, and flutist Vishnu Thapa, celebrating Bihar’s cultural heritage. The event concluded with the conviction that by strengthening district administrations and sharing best practices, the national objective of inclusive and comprehensive development could be realized.
