Patna, Aug 15 — Bihar Chief Minister Samrat Chaudhary on Saturday hoisted the national flag at Patna's historic Gandhi Maidan for the first time as Chief Minister and took the salute from the ceremonial parade during the state's Independence Day celebrations.
He extended his greetings to the people of Bihar and the nation, recalling the sacrifices, struggle and martyrdom of the freedom fighters who secured India's independence.
Addressing the gathering, CM Samrat Choudhary said his government is committed to strengthening education, healthcare, agriculture, industry, social security and employment in Bihar.
He said housing land had been provided to 30,000 landless families and highlighted the establishment of new universities, medical colleges and degree colleges at the block level.
He also said model hospitals were being developed in every district to reduce the need for patients to be referred to other locations.
On infrastructure, the Chief Minister said work was continuing on roads and other development projects across the state.
Choudhary said the government was prioritizing industries capable of generating large-scale employment and creating stronger markets for agricultural produce.
He announced a target of attracting Rs 5 lakh crore in investment in Bihar by November. He said the broader objective was to ensure that at least one member of every family has access to employment or a livelihood opportunity, either in the government or private sector.
The Chief Minister also said the government was working towards establishing 25 sugar mills in the state and expressed the goal of restoring Bihar to a position of economic prominence.
For maintaining law and order, Gandhi Maidan was divided into four sectors and multiple sub-sectors. Magistrates and police officers were deployed at 62 locations around Gandhi Maidan and Kargil Smriti Chowk. Security agencies maintained close surveillance through CCTV cameras and drones.
Cameras installed under the Smart City Project monitored different parts of Gandhi Maidan and its surrounding areas. The Integrated Command and Control Centre at the police office premises monitored the event continuously.
The district control room operated in three shifts, while reserve magistrates and police personnel were kept ready to respond to any emergency. The arrangements were aimed at ensuring that the Independence Day gathering passed off peacefully and without disruption.