PATNA, Aug. 22 -- Bihar chief minister Samrat Choudhary, accompanied by deputy chief minister Vijay Kumar Choudhary and Rajya Sabha member Sanjay Kumar Jha, met Union finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman and external affairs minister S Jaishankar in New Delhi on Friday and sought their active cooperation for accelerated progress on key infrastructure, water management, education and tourism projects critical to the state's development. According to a statement issued by the information and public relations department (I&PRD), the discussions mainly veered on translating central budget announcements into timely financial and administrative support for Bihar. A major outcome was the finance minister's directive, issued at the CM's request, to expedite the detailed project report (DPR) for a high-level dam on the Kosi river. The Kosi, often called the "sorrow of Bihar" for its history of devastating floods originating in Nepal, remains a long-standing priority for flood control, irrigation and regional stability in the state's northern districts. Officials also agreed that Bihar would have representation on the joint technical expert committee to safeguard the state's interests. On the Kosi-Mechi intra-state river link project-aimed at diverting surplus Kosi water to irrigate over 2.14 lakh hectares across Seemanchal districts including Araria, Purnea, Kishanganj and Katihar-Sitharaman directed the National Water Development Agency (NWDA) and the ministry of jal shakti to release funds for the first phase and grant technical approval for the second phase. The Rs.6,282-crore project, recently approved for central assistance under the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana, is targeted for completion by March 2029 and is expected to boost agricultural productivity in a flood-prone, largely agrarian region. Related talks also covered the Sapt Kosi project and broader India-Nepal water and dam issues, reflecting the transboundary nature of these rivers. According to officials, financial reforms also featured prominently in their meeting. "The two sides agreed to operationalise the Single Nodal Agency (SNA) and SPARSH systems by 30 September and to effectively implement reform-based incentives under SASCI. These measures are intended to unlock additional central assistance and improve the flow of funds for Bihar's development schemes," the statement said. In the education sector, the chief minister informed the Union ministers that the Bihar government has already allotted 219 acres in Bhagalpur for the proposed Vikramshila University and 100 acres in Hajipur for the National Institute of Food Technology Entrepreneurship and Management (NIFTEM). Choudhary also urged the Centre to begin work on both institutions without delay, positioning them as anchors for higher education and specialised skill development in the state. Tourism and cultural infrastructure also received attention, with discussions on the early commencement of the Sone-Falgu river link project, the Mahabodhi corridor and the Vishnupad temple corridor. These initiatives aim to enhance connectivity and facilities around major pilgrimage and Buddhist heritage sites in Gaya and Bodh Gaya, supporting the state's growing tourism economy. CM Choudhary described the meeting as 'highly positive,' noting assurances of continued central cooperation on pending matters and greater resource allocation for Bihar's overall development, infrastructure expansion and public welfare. In a post on X, Choudhary said the meeting focused on placing issues concerning Bihar's development and public interest before the Centre and strengthening coordination on these matters. "Participated in an important meeting in New Delhi with the Hon'ble Union Minister of Finance & Corporate Affairs, Smt. @nsitharaman ji, and the Hon'ble Minister of External Affairs, Shri @DrSJaishankar ji. The meeting extensively discussed India-Nepal water and dam projects, matters related to the budget, tourism development, and other important issues concerning the interests of Bihar," he said....