Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Friday pledged to provide government jobs and other employment opportunities to one crore youth in the state “in the coming years”.He was addressing a gathering after unfurling the tricolour at the Gandhi Maidan on Independence Day here.“Bihar is moving ahead with high growth rate and development. Earlier, we had promised to provide 10 lakh government jobs to our youth. But now we have fixed a new target of providing jobs and employment opportunities to one crore youth in the state,” Kumar said.“Over eight lakh youths were given government jobs initially. In 2020, under ‘Seven Resolves-2’, the target was raised to 12 lakh government jobs and 38 lakh employment opportunities. So far, 10 lakh youths have already been given government jobs, and 39 lakh people have been given employment. Over 50 lakh will be employed before the coming assembly polls. Over the next five years, one crore youths will be provided jobs and employment opportunities”, he added.The CM also announced several initiatives that will be taken by the NDA government in the state.“The government has also decided to introduce a uniform fee of Rs 100 for preliminary tests of all competitive exams in the state and no money will be charged for appearing in the mains. This decision will benefit lakhs of youth who aspire for government jobs in the state,” Kumar added.The decision assumes significance in view of the Assembly polls in the state due later this year.Highlighting the state’s industrial growth, Kumar said the government is taking steps to attract new industries.“We will offer capital subsidies, interest subsidies, and GST incentives for setting up industries. Land will be provided in all districts, and employment-intensive industries will be given land free of cost. All disputes over industrial land will be resolved within four months,” he added.The CM said seven new medical colleges will be opened in Kishanganj, Katihar, Rohtas, Sheohar, Lakhisarai, Sheikhpura, and Arwal.He added that special buses will run for Bihari migrants during Diwali, Chhath Puja, and Holi from cities like Delhi, Gurugram, and Chandigarh. The state government will also request additional festival trains from the Centre.Referring to the 2023 caste-based survey, Kumar said, “Our survey identified 94 lakh poor families across castes and communities. We had planned financial assistance of Rs 2 lakh per family over five years. Now, the entire amount will be provided at once. A high-level committee has been formed to oversee this.” Kumar asserted that restoring law and order has been a key focus since his government was formed in November 2005.“At that time, crime was rampant. Today, Bihar Police strength has reached 1.31 lakh. Recruitment is ongoing. Incidents of murder, dacoity, loot, and kidnappings have drastically declined compared to 2005,” he added.He said special attention has been given by the state government on education and healthcare sectors.Highlighting the initiatives taken by the state government for women empowerment, Kumar said, “Since 2006, 50 per cent reservation has been given to women in panchayats. Since 2007, such reservations were implemented in urban local bodies. In 2016, 35 per cent reservation was also given in all government jobs to women”.He added that the government approved 430 new schemes worth Rs 50,000 crore to address development gaps.Pensions for the elderly, disabled, and widows have been increased from Rs 400 to Rs 1,100 per month, he added.“When we formed the government in 2005-06, the budget of the state was Rs 28,000 crore. It increased to Rs 34,000 crore in 2006-07 and has now surpassed Rs 3.16 lakh crore,” he said.The recent decision by the central government to conduct a nationwide caste-based census is a commendable step, the CM said.“The Union Budget 2025-26 included a Makhana Board, Greenfield airport, support for the Western Kosi Canal, a national-level food processing institute, and expansion of IIT Patna. Hosting the 2025 Khelo India Youth Games was a matter of great pride, and the event was successfully held in the state,” he added.Continuing a long-standing tradition, after the ceremony at Gandhi Maidan, the CM visited a Mahadalit Tola, a symbolic gesture he performs every Independence Day.Additionally, the tricolour was ceremonially hoisted by Sukhu Choudhary in Punpun, on the outskirts of Patna, following another tradition.