A national conference focusing on the comprehensive development of districts commenced at the Hotel Taj City Centre in Patna. The event, a collaborative effort of the Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances (DARPG), the Bihar Administrative Reforms Mission Society, and the General Administration Department, Government of Bihar, brought together over 200 delegates from across the country. Attendees included district magistrates, policymakers, innovators, and institutional heads, who gathered to discuss strategies for advancing district-level progress.
The conference began with two technical sessions highlighting award-winning and nominated initiatives. The first session, chaired by Additional Secretary of DARPG, Punit Yadav, explored innovative schemes from UIDAI, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, and Andhra Pradesh, such as digital authentication, cyber tehsils, and GIS-based water conservation projects. The second session, led by Sarita Chauhan, Joint Secretary, DARPG, showcased citizen-centric initiatives from Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, emphasizing the critical role of district administration as a hub for implementing effective government programs.
Central Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh and Bihar’s Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary were present at the inaugural session. Dr. Singh praised the Bihar government and its officials, noting that the state’s innovative initiatives, particularly in grievance redressal and digital transformation, could serve as models for the entire nation. He lauded the district magistrates’ contributions, recognizing them as the backbone of India’s administrative framework.
Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary shared Bihar’s transformation journey, from the initial vision of a marine drive to the ongoing construction of three more. He highlighted the improvements in road infrastructure, which have drastically reduced travel times across the state. He presented this as evidence of a new Bihar: fast-paced, inclusive, and future-ready.
The third session, focusing on innovation in the Bihar government, was chaired by Dr. B. Rajender, Additional Chief Secretary, General Administration Department. District Magistrates from Nalanda, Begusarai, and Gaya presented their innovative schemes implemented at the district level. Dr. Pratima, Secretary of the Department of Science and Technology Education, delivered a detailed presentation on Bihar’s grievance redressal system, emphasizing the use of technology and grassroots coordination to provide sensitive solutions to citizen concerns.
The CEO of Jeevika discussed the economic empowerment journey of women’s self-help groups, while Dr. A.N. Safena, Commissioner of Magadh Division, highlighted the role of women in governance.
Dr. B. Rajender noted that the journey of women, from Jeevika didis to becoming MLAs, has proven that women are the axis of change in Bihar. He lauded the visionary leadership of Chief Minister Shri Nitish Kumar for making this transformation possible.
In addition, a multi-departmental exhibition was organized at the conference venue, where departments of tourism, art and culture, youth, Jeevika, and industries showcased their key schemes, handicrafts, and services. Participants experienced digital tours of historical sites like Nalanda University, the Mahabodhi Temple, Vikramshila, and the Bihar Museum through a special VR show.
The evening featured a cultural program, bringing Bihar’s cultural spirit to life through performances by renowned folk singer Maithili Thakur, classical and folk dance troupes, and flutist Vishnu Thapa. The day concluded with a shared belief that by strengthening district administration and sharing best practices from states, the national goal of inclusive and comprehensive development can be realized.