The Hotel Taj City Centre in Patna hosted a national conference aimed at fostering comprehensive development within Bihar’s districts. The event, a joint initiative of the Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances (DARPG), the Bihar Administrative Reforms Mission Society, and the General Administration Department of the Bihar government, convened over 200 delegates, including district magistrates, policymakers, and innovators from across India.
The conference schedule included technical sessions that highlighted both award-winning and nominated initiatives. The initial session, presided over by Punit Yadav, Additional Secretary, DARPG, showcased innovative projects from UIDAI, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, and Andhra Pradesh. These included digital authentication methods, cyber tehsils, and GIS-based water conservation strategies. A subsequent session, led by Sarita Chauhan, Joint Secretary, DARPG, focused on citizen-centric projects in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, underscoring the significance of district administration as a key component of effective governance.
Central Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh and Bihar’s Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary attended the opening session. Dr. Singh lauded the Bihar government and its officials for their innovative approaches, especially in grievance redressal and digital transformation, which he suggested could serve as national models. He also acknowledged the crucial role of district magistrates as the foundation of India’s administrative structure.
Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary recounted Bihar’s developmental journey, from the initial concept of a marine drive to the ongoing construction of additional drives. He highlighted the improvement in road networks, which has significantly reduced travel times. He characterized this as an example of a progressive, inclusive, and future-oriented Bihar.
The third session, centered on innovation within the Bihar government, was chaired by Dr. B. Rajender, Additional Chief Secretary, General Administration Department. District Magistrates from Nalanda, Begusarai, and Gaya presented their respective district-level innovations. Dr. Pratima, Secretary, Department of Science and Technology Education, provided a detailed presentation on Bihar’s grievance redressal system, showcasing how technology and local coordination are used to address citizens’ concerns effectively.
The CEO of Jeevika shared the story of the economic empowerment of women’s self-help groups, while Dr. A.N. Safena, Commissioner of Magadh Division, highlighted the contribution of women to governance.
Dr. B. Rajender stated that the journey of women from Jeevika didis to MLAs has proven that women are pivotal in bringing change to Bihar. He also praised the visionary leadership of Chief Minister Shri Nitish Kumar.
A multi-departmental exhibition was incorporated into the conference, offering insights into key schemes, handicrafts, and services from departments such as tourism, art and culture, youth, Jeevika, and industries. Attendees experienced a virtual reality tour of historical sites such as Nalanda University, Mahabodhi Temple, Vikramshila, and the Bihar Museum. The conference culminated in a cultural program that celebrated Bihar’s culture with performances by folk singer Maithili Thakur, classical and folk dance troupes, and flutist Vishnu Thapa. The event concluded with a shared understanding that strengthening district administrations and exchanging best practices could contribute significantly to the national aim of inclusive and comprehensive development.