FM advocates for development, cultural preservation at Bihar Credit Promotion Programme

New Delhi, November 30 (IANS): Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman at the Credit Promotion Program held at Madhubani on Saturday emphasized the importance of cultural development and preservation and handed over copies of the new editions of the Constitution in Maithili and Sanskrit.

Referring to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of ‘Vikas bhi, Virasat bhi (Development with Heritage)’, she noted, “Keeping this heritage in mind, on Constitution Day, Prime Minister Modi presented the Constitution of India in Maithili and Sanskrit.”

As part of the event, FM Sitharaman handed over the copies of these editions of the Constitution and also suggested the need for a big Sita temple in Mithila, saying, “As the Ram Temple was built in Ayodhya, there should be a Sita temple in Mithila . “

Accompanied by Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary, Sitharaman distributed sanction letters from banks to beneficiaries of various central government schemes. “During the Credit Expansion Program, loans worth 1,121 million euros were granted to more than 50,000 beneficiaries,” the Finance Minister’s office announced on X.

In her speech, she highlighted the resilience and hardworking spirit of the people of Bihar, especially the women of Madhubani.

“I see all women here as Ma Sita and this is Pavan Dharti (holy land),” she said. Lauding their ability to thrive despite challenges, she added, “When we talk about Bihar, especially Mithilanchal, the people here are hardworking and do not give up even in difficult situations. They choose strong representatives. The biggest challenge for Bihar remains floods. caused by Koshi River Many projects like Vishnu Pad Mandir Corridor have been introduced along with flood control strategies”.

Highlighting the goal of ‘Viksit Bharat’ by 2047, when India completes 100 years of independence, FM Sitharaman reiterated PM Modi’s focus on uplifting four key groups: the poor, women, farmers and the youth, highlighting their pivotal role in India’s progress. .

“Women are the driving force behind the Viksit Bharat goal, they will make it a reality,” she added.

The Finance Minister lauded the success of self-help groups (SHGs) in Bihar, an initiative led by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, and assured continued support from banks to strengthen these groups.

Before addressing the event, the Finance Minister visited the stalls and interacted with stall owners who have benefited from various central and state government schemes during the Credit Extension Program in Madhubani, Bihar.

While visiting the stalls, she interacted with women displaying Madhubani paintings and even those operating drones. During her speech, she mentioned, “The women of Mithila, sitting here, reflect Ma Sita holding drones in her hand,” applauding their capabilities and innovation.

Earlier on Friday, following a meeting in Patna, the Finance Minister attended the Entrepreneurship Development Promotion Program held at Raj Maidan in Darbhanga.

During the event, 26 banks granted loans totaling 1,300 million lei. Beneficiaries included small entrepreneurs, agro-based industries and 45,000 youth in the eastern region.