- Bihar will develop 725 model rural haat markets with NABARD support, with Minister Shravan Kumar directing districts to quickly submit identified land proposals.
Bihar News : Bihar will develop 725 model rural haat markets with support from the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD). A review meeting on various development schemes being implemented with NABARD’s support was held on Monday under the chairmanship of Rural Development and Information & Public Relations Minister Shravan Kumar.
During the meeting, the minister directed districts to promptly submit proposals for land identified for the construction of rural haat markets at 725 locations across the state.
Three Categories of Rural Haat Markets
According to the plan, the model rural haats will be developed in three categories based on land area. One model will cover 20 decimals, another 50 decimals, while the third will cover one acre.
Shravan Kumar said proposals for construction of rural haats requiring more than 20 decimals of land have already been received from seven districts — Araria, Banka, Bhagalpur, Katihar, Madhepura, Supaul and Samastipur.
The remaining districts have been directed to prepare their proposals and submit them to NABARD at the earliest.
Up to Rs 40 Lakh Proposed for Each Rural Haat
A maximum financial assistance of Rs 40 lakh has been proposed at the Central Government level for the rural haats. However, a proposal seeking an increase in the allocated amount has also been sent to the Union Ministry of Rural Development.
The minister said the development of these rural haats would help Jeevika Didis take their products beyond rural areas and connect them directly with markets and consumers.
He said the development of the haats would provide a new dimension to the rural economy.
Special Facilities for Jeevika Didis
Special facilities will be made available at these rural haats for Jeevika Didis. The initiative is expected to provide better opportunities for them to display and sell their products.
NABARD Chief General Manager Gautam Kumar Singh expressed the organisation’s commitment to strengthening rural development and the rural economy in Bihar.
He said NABARD was committed to working with the state’s Rural Development Department and providing all possible technical, financial and institutional support as required.
Review of Rural Development Schemes
Officials also held detailed discussions on the progress of various proposed and ongoing schemes, potential new areas of intervention and possibilities of accelerating development in Bihar’s rural areas through greater coordination and cooperation.
