Bihar News : A high-level review meeting on projects being implemented under the Rural Infrastructure Development Fund (RIDF) was held at the Bihar Secretariat on Friday under the chairmanship of Development Commissioner Mihir Kumar Singh. The meeting focused on reviewing the progress of ongoing projects and planning future infrastructure initiatives across the state.
Review of FY 2025–26 and 2026–27 Progress
During the meeting, officials conducted a department-wise review of funds sanctioned and disbursed by NABARD under the RIDF scheme. It was informed that a total of ₹1,865.82 crore had been disbursed during the 2025–26 financial year.
Priorities for FY 2026–27
For the 2026–27 financial year, the Bihar government has prioritized 854 development projects across various departments, including:
- Road Construction Department
- Rural Works Department
- Water Resources Department
- Minor Water Resources Department
- Agriculture Department
- Animal Husbandry Department
The estimated cost of these projects is ₹1,931.24 crore.
Concern Over Delayed Projects
The Development Commissioner expressed concern over projects that are progressing slowly or have not commenced despite receiving approval. He directed all concerned departments to immediately resolve pending issues and accelerate construction work to ensure timely completion.
Timely Submission of Completion Reports
Officials were also instructed to submit Project Completion Reports (PCRs) for completed projects to NABARD within three months. This, he said, would help reduce financial gaps and facilitate the timely release and utilization of fresh funds.
Focus on Better Coordination
Mihir Kumar Singh emphasized the need for stronger coordination between NABARD and the state’s implementing departments to ensure that rural infrastructure projects are completed within the stipulated timeframe while maintaining quality standards.
The meeting was attended by Rachna Patil, Secretary (Expenditure), Finance Department, along with Additional Chief Secretaries, Principal Secretaries, Secretaries, and senior officials from the departments of Rural Development, Agriculture, Irrigation, Road Construction, Social Welfare, Animal and Fisheries Resources, Forest, and other related departments.
