GAYA JI/ARA, June 16 -- Chief minister Samrat Choudhary on Monday laid the foundation stone for a technology centre in Devgaon under Khizersarai block of Atri Assembly constituency in Gaya Ji on Monday. It will be built by the MSME department at a cost of Rs.170 crore. Choudhary said the centre would provide local youth with world-class training using state-of-the-art machinery and technology, enabling them to secure direct employment and boost the MSME sector. Small and medium-sized industries in Gaya Ji and surrounding areas would no longer need to look to other states for design, tooling and technical assistance. It would pave the way for a new hub for logistics and small manufacturing units in the future, he added. The CM also laid foundation stone for an integrated aqua park, to be constructed at a cost of Rs.31.2 crore at Karisath in Udwantnagar block of Bhojpur district. The project, spanning 32 acres, is being established under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana. It is considered a significant development for the state's fisheries development. Under this initiative, 17 components will be constructed, including a carp hatchery, a state-of-the-art RAS fish feed mill, water and fish health testing laboratories, and an administrative building. Upon completion, the project will not only give fresh momentum to fish production in Bihar but also boost aquaculture-based tourism, the CM said. Choudhary said the state is striving to increase the income of farmers and fish farmers by integrating fisheries and aquaculture sectors with technology. He added the project will generate job opportunities for locals. The CM said Bihar offered cheapest and most abundant electricity in the country. The number of electricity connections had risen from 1.7 millions to over 22.2 millions. He added that 125 units of electricity were being provided for free and his government was providing Rs.23,000 crore subsidy for the purpose. "Once your solar setup generates the 126th unit, beyond the initial 125 free units, the Bihar government will deposit money directly into your account," he announced. The CM said only a crime and corruption free Bihar will lead to prosperity. "Whenever criminals pose a challenge, I have given a free hand to police. At least 80% to 90% criminals have fled Bihar and the remaining have their Pind Daan (last rite) performed at Gaya or end up in jail," he said. He said the state was elevating the quality of government schools to the level that will lead to closure of all private coaching centres in Bihar. To achieve this, degree colleges and model schools are being opened across 211 blocks. "Children will be able to prepare for the NEET exam there. Studies and coaching classes will continue until 8 PM," the CM added. Taking a dig at RJD rule and Tejashwi Yadav, Choudhary said that Bihar has lagged 15 years behind other states in terms of development and we must work hard to bridge this gap. "I have told the officials that the time of slumber is over. We will neither sleep ourselves nor let others sleep. People in Bihar must work 20 out of the 24 hours. Corruption can be eradicated if we adopt the principle of neither taking bribes nor allowing others to take them," he said. "Some opponents (Tejashwi Yadav) claim no work is being done in Bihar. Manjhiji can corroborate, 18.7 million people have been provided with direct employment over the past four years, only by his department. Nitish ji has worked continuously for Bihar's development and Prime Minister Narendra Modi always extended generous support for this" the CM said. Choudhary urged Bihar natives living outside the state to return and set up industries and businesses here, assuring them that they are welcomed. He announced to bring Rs.5 lakh crore investment to the state....