PATNA/MUNGER, June 29 -- Chief minister Samrat Choudhary on Sunday kicked off the first 'Panchayat Vikas Diwas' event at Tetiya gram panchayat in Munger district with a view to strengthening the grassroots level governance. With this, every gram panchayat across the state will organise 'Panchayat Vikas Divas' on the last Sunday of every month to create a regular platform for local leaders and villagers to discuss development issues and find solutions together. Addressing the gathering, CM Choudhary said the such events would help the government eradicate poverty from panchayats and make the institutions prosperous and self-reliant. "We will hold broad discussions every month on different themes related to panchayat development schemes. This will give a new direction to overall progress and people's participation," he added. The theme for the inaugural event was kept as 'women-friendly panchayat'. Drawing a parallel with the successful Sahyog Shivir (cooperation camps), held on the first and third Tuesdays of every month, the CM expressed confidence that Panchayat Vikas Diwas would similarly become an effective platform for resolving local problems and driving rural development. In Sahyog Shivir, over 3.5 lakh pending applications have already been disposed of by the state government within stipulated timeframe. Choudhary appealed to MPs, MLAs, district council members, panchayat representatives, mukhiyas, sarpanches, ward members and panchs to ensure active participation through gram sabhas. "For a developed India and a prosperous Bihar, self-reliant panchayats and self-reliant villages are essential," he stressed. Under the women's theme, the government highlighted ongoing efforts to economically empower women through initiatives like JEEViKA self-help groups, providing financial assistance for self-employment to thousands. Discussions during these days will cover critical areas such as health, education, water management, irrigation, drinking water, sanitation, green development, social justice and social security. On the education front, Choudhary reiterated the government's plan to open model schools in all blocks and degree colleges in 211 blocks. He shared his vision after inspecting schools in Patna, saying these model institutions should reach such standards that even children from private schools would prefer them. "Our dream will be fulfilled when officials and public representatives send their children to these government schools," he noted. Choudhary praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership for transformative works in rural housing, basic amenities and development, and said that the shift from MGNREGA to schemes under Viksit Bharat, expecting Bihar to receive substantial central funds in the coming years. Recalling past achievements, he noted that while the previous government provided pucca houses to about one crore people over 20 years, the Centre has delivered to 4.5 crore across the country. Choudhary also spoke about providing 125 units of free electricity and plans to promote solar energy for long-term affordable power. On health, he said from August 15, efforts would ensure better treatment at subdivisional and district hospitals to reduce unnecessary referrals. He assured strict action against criminals to maintain the rule of law. Representing the Tarapur assembly segment, Choudhary expressed gratitude to the people of the area for electing him with a huge margin....