Patna: Chief minister Samrat Choudhary on Saturday said the state govt has set a target of establishing 10,000 industrial units over the next five years, asserting that Bihar now offers a conducive environment for investment and entrepreneurship.Addressing the National Innovation Challenge programme organised under the Sewa Sankalp Abhiyan at the Planetarium here, Choudhary said land has already been allotted to about 1,000 industries. He said 12 lakh people from Bihar leave the state for employment every year, and the govt wants to ensure that no one is forced to migrate for labour work. Industries and entrepreneurs are being encouraged with this objective, he added.The CM said entrepreneurs could transform Bihar through startups, and promised full govt support for their initiatives. To promote innovation in information technology, the Bihar Tech Portal for Innovation in IT Sector has been launched. He also inaugurated the National Innovation Challenge portal at the event.Choudhary said service, innovation, technology and entrepreneurship would play a major role in Bihar’s progress. He said the state’s youth population should be converted into developmental energy rather than seen as a challenge, and Bihar must be taken to new heights.Highlighting education initiatives, Choudhary said the govt is moving quickly in the sector and has opened 700 Saraswati Vidya Niketan model schools. Through the Vidyarthi Saathi app, students are receiving live classes and preparation support for NEET and JEE. A 24×7 online tutor and mentorship system is also available for youths and students. He said 1.42 lakh children study online even at 1am, with teachers present to resolve their doubts. For this, 75,000 teachers have been enrolled, which he described as a major achievement of the govt.The CM said 2,500 assistant professors were recently appointed. Many had been teaching outside Bihar but will now teach children in rural areas of the state, he said, calling it a matter of satisfaction. At beginning of the programme, Choudhary flagged off 25 vehicles under the Shyama Prasad Mookerjee Car Rally before addressing participants.
