Patna: The Centre is poised to release funds for constructing 45,000 km of rural roads in Bihar under the fourth phase of the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY), valued at ₹76,000 crore, as soon as the state submits its survey report, said Union Minister of State for Rural Development Kamlesh Paswan said here on Wednesday.
Speaking in Patna, Paswan urged Bihar to expedite the survey, citing Jammu and Kashmir’s prompt submission that secured immediate funding. “The sooner the survey report is sent, the sooner funds will be released,” he emphasized.
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Bihar’s Broader Rural Demands
In a meeting with Bihar’s Rural Development Minister Shrawan Kumar, Rural Works Minister Ashok Choudhary, and senior official Lokesh Kumar Singh, Paswan reviewed demands related to PMGSY, MGNREGA, and rural infrastructure. Kumar highlighted Rs 200 crore in pending MGNREGA dues and requested more houses under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY) for marginalized communities, noting Bihar’s 94 lakh homeless families. The state also sought funds for 6,800 playgrounds under MGNREGA. Paswan assured that the Centre would prioritize these demands to support Bihar’s development.
Transforming Rural Bihar
Paswan underscored the Modi government’s achievements over the past 11 years, including enhanced road and air connectivity, healthcare, and Vande Bharat trains, with PM Modi visiting Bihar over 51 times. The Rs 76,000 crore PMGSY project could revolutionize rural connectivity, boosting economic activity, education, and healthcare access. However, delays in Bihar’s survey submission highlight administrative challenges that must be addressed to unlock these funds. The state’s push for MGNREGA and PMAY support reflects urgent needs to tackle rural poverty and housing, critical for equitable growth under the ‘Viksit Bharat’ vision.
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Centre owes ₹200-Cr to Bihar
Talking to reporters later, State’s Rural Development Minister Shrawan Kumar said that he raised the issue of outstanding dues of ₹200 crore on account of MGNREGA and urged the Centre to release the amount that is due to the state at the earliest. Kumar also requested the union minister to clear the allotment of remaining number of houses to be built under PM Awas Yojana for people belonging to Extremely Backward Class, SC and ST community.
94 lakh Families Homeless in Bihar
The number of homeless families is 94 lakh in Bihar, he said adding that the number is likely to increase further with the Centre relaxing the criteria for availing the house under PMAY. The state government is constructing 6800 playgrounds across the state from MGNREGA, the minister said and added that Centre has also been requested to release the funds for it.
