On the occasion of National Panchayati Raj Day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Madhubani, Bihar, where he launched, dedicated, and laid the foundation stones for development projects valued at over ₹13,480 crore. The Prime Minister’s address was marked not only by optimism for India’s rural and infrastructural future but also by a deep sense of national grief and solidarity, as he paid heartfelt tributes to the victims of the recent terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir.
The gathering opened with a poignant moment of silence for those who lost their lives in the April 22 attack. PM Modi expressed the nation’s shared sorrow, stating that the pain of the loss was felt from Kargil to Kanyakumari. Assuring the public that terrorism will not go unpunished, he asserted that justice would be delivered, and the country remains united in its fight against such brutality. His voice carried the grief of a nation and the promise of relentless pursuit against those responsible.
Turning to development, the Prime Minister outlined his vision for rural empowerment and infrastructural transformation. He emphasized how, over the past decade, village Panchayats have been digitally empowered, with over two lakh connected to the internet and more than five lakh Common Service Centers providing essential documentation services to rural citizens. A key highlight was the construction of 30,000 new Panchayat Bhawans and the allocation of over ₹2 lakh crore for rural development, which has revitalized local governance.
Bihar, the land of Mahatma Gandhi’s Satyagraha, has been at the forefront of this transformation. PM Modi pointed to Bihar’s pioneering move to reserve 50% of Panchayat seats for women, enabling thousands of women from marginalized communities to take on leadership roles. These steps, he said, have brought true social justice and grassroots democracy to life.
Women’s empowerment remained a central theme. Through the ‘Jeevika Didi’ initiative, Bihar’s self-help groups have received financial support amounting to ₹1,000 crore. This initiative, he noted, is helping to realize the goal of creating three crore ‘Lakhpati Didis’ across the country.
The Prime Minister also underlined improvements in housing, infrastructure, and health. More than 57 lakh families in Bihar have received permanent housing under the PM Awas Yojana, with 3 crore more homes planned nationwide. In healthcare, Bihar is witnessing rapid growth, with over 10,000 Ayushman Arogya Mandirs and 800 Jan Aushadhi Kendras offering affordable medicines. The AIIMS project in Darbhanga and a new medical college in Jhanjharpur are expected to raise the bar for medical education and care in the state.
In terms of connectivity and infrastructure, PM Modi announced significant upgrades. From electrifying over 2.5 crore homes to bringing 4G and 5G services even to the remote regions of Ladakh and Siachen, the country has seen a leap in development. New railway lines and metro projects are transforming travel. The ‘Namo Bharat Rapid Rail’ between Patna and Jaynagar and modern train services like the Amrit Bharat Express are opening up opportunities for workers and families alike.
Agriculture and disaster resilience were also addressed. With repeated floods affecting the Mithila and Kosi regions, an ₹11,000 crore plan is underway to build dams and canals that will both reduce flood damage and ensure irrigation for thousands of farmers. The region’s beloved Makhana, now globally recognized as a superfood with GI tag status, is being supported through a new Makhana Board and a National Food Technology Institute, empowering local farmers and entrepreneurs.
Throughout his address, Prime Minister Modi reflected on the role of the Panchayati Raj system in transforming rural India. His words carried both pride in the achievements of the last decade and a commitment to continue building a future where even the most remote villages can access modern opportunities.
The event also witnessed the presentation of National Panchayat Awards and saw the inauguration of several infrastructure projects, including an LPG bottling plant and new rail services that will further strengthen Bihar’s economic fabric.
As the ceremony drew to a close, PM Modi reaffirmed that a strong Bihar is key to a strong India. His message was clear: every citizen matters, every village counts, and every effort will be made to ensure the light of progress reaches all corners of the country.