New Delhi

Inspired by ‘Vision-2020’

An artist’s impression of what the Bihar Pavilion would look like at the IITF in New Delhi.

NEW DELHI: Deriving inspiration from former President A.P.J. Abdul Kalam’s much talked about “Vision-2020”, the Bihar Pavilion at the upcoming India International Trade Fair at Delhi’s Pragati Maidan will highlight the State’s road map for infrastructure development and women’s empowerment.

“The pavilion’s theme, ‘Bihar Vision-2020’, is based on Dr. Kalam’s vision that he had shared during his various visits to our State. History is testimony to the fact that Bihar has had a glorious past. The State is now poised to reclaim its lost glory and is all set to become the engine to propel the country’s economic growth in future. The pavilion will exhibit Bihar’s rich cultural heritage as well as modern developmental activities carried on by the State Government,” said the Bihar Government’s Principal Secretary for Industries, A.K. Sinha, at a press conference here on Monday.

Stating that the Bihar pavilion would showcase measures taken by the State to promote women’s empowerment, he noted: “Our State has implemented 50 per cent reservation for women at the panchayat level. Of the 1.4 lakh primary teachers, 7,575 physical education teachers and 11,458 Urdu teachers appointed, 55 per cent are women. We will highlight various achievements including the ‘Mukhyamantri Balika Poshak Yojana’ in which girl students from Class VI to VIII would get Rs.700 every year for purchasing two pairs of uniforms and ‘Mukhyamantri Balika Cycle Yojana’ in which all girls would be given bicycles free of cost by the State Government after getting admission to Class IX.”

He said the success of all these schemes could be gauged from the fact that two Dalit village women, America Devi and Tiliya Devi, had been nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize.

The pavilion will also focus on the State Government’s accomplishments in improvement of infrastructure, industry, education, health care and social welfare. “It will also showcase Bihar Rajya Pul Nirman Nigam’s achievements in construction of bridges and roads,” said Bihar Rajya Pul Nirman Nigam chairman Pratyaya Amrit.

A website showcasing various aspects of Bihar was launched. It will provide a daily update of the events at the Bihar Pavilion during the trade fair apart from a virtual tour of the pavilion.

A cultural programme based on Bihar’s folk dance and music will be a special attraction at the fair. Stalls featuring Madhubani and Godna paintings, handloom silk and saris, applique bed-sheets, Madhubani saris and special delicacies will be the other attractions of the pavilion.

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