Bihar officials seek central support for Kosi projects and announce exam reforms

Bihar Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary met with Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar in New Delhi to discuss various development projects for the state. A primary focus of the meeting was the Kosi-Mechi interstate river link project. The Chief Minister requested funding for the first phase and expedited technical approval for the second phase. In response, the Finance Minister directed the National Water Development Agency and the Ministry of Jal Shakti to take necessary action.

Additionally, the central government has been instructed to expedite the completion of the Detailed Project Report (DPR) for a high-level dam on the Kosi River. To ensure Bihar's interests are represented, a member from the state will be included in the joint technical expert committee.

Separately, the Bihar government is initiating major reforms to its examination system following controversies regarding paper leaks and cheating. Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary announced the formation of a five-member special committee, potentially headed by a retired judge, to review secondary, higher secondary, university, and competitive examinations. The committee is tasked with evaluating measures to prevent malpractice and integrating AI, digital technology, and cybersecurity to create a more transparent and reliable testing framework. The committee is expected to submit its recommendations within three months.