Danapur (Bihar) [India], April 28 (ANI): In a major push to strengthen the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) sector in Bihar, Union MSME Minister Jitan Ram Manjhi, along with Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary on Tuesday jointly inaugurated a Technology Centre at Sikandarpur village in Bihta in Bihar. Extension centres were also launched in Muzaffarpur, Rohtas, Darbhanga and Munger in the State.

Addressing the inauguration programme, the Chief Minister Choudhary said the technology centres would promote entrepreneurship and generate new employment opportunities for youth, along with providing technical training.

He added that the government is working towards building a self-reliant Bihar by strengthening the MSME sector. He also urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Minister Jitan Ram Manjhi to sanction 10 more such technology centres for the State.

Union Minister Manjhi expressed gratitude to the Prime Minister and said that Bihar earlier did not have even a single extension centre, but the number has now risen to around six, with four inaugurated today. He said the centres would provide modern technology and training facilities to local industries, thereby strengthening small and medium enterprises.

'A technology centre worth Rs171 crore has been set up, along with four extension centres of Rs 15 crore each...' Manjhi said.

Talking to reporters, he said that the Bihta facility spread over 15 acres, has been developed at a cost of around Rs 171 crore, while four additional centres, each built over 15,000 sq ft, have been constructed at a cost of about Rs 10 crore each.

'So, approximately Rs 60 crore has been added through these centres. In total, a project worth around Rs 213 crore has been implemented...' the minister said.

The establishment of these centres is expected to give a fresh boost to industrial development in the State.

Am exhibition showcasing MSME initiatives and opportunities was set up at the Bihta centre and participants visited an exhibition on MSME schemes and the newly constructed facility. The Union Minister also oversaw the distribution of toolkits, cheques and certificates among beneficiaries.

In another programme, the Sansad Jan Udhyam Sports and Cultural Mahotsav 2026, organised under the guidance of Jitan Ram Manjhi, concluded on a grand note at Gandhi Maidan in Gaya. Held from April 20 to April 25, the six-day event brought together sports, culture and entrepreneurship, providing a vibrant platform for youth engagement and community development.

No participation fee was charged from any participant and the initiative was designed to ensure equal opportunity for talented youth from all sections of society, particularly those from underprivileged backgrounds. (ANI)