Chief Minister Calls for Technology-Driven Governance and a Developed Bihar at Space Application Adoption Workshop in Patna
Scientists and technology experts urged to develop practical applications tailored to Bihar’s needs.
‘TechConnect’ portal launched; MoU signed between Bihar Remote Sensing Application Centre (BIRSAC) and the Survey of India (SOI).
Space-based technology to support flood monitoring, water management, agricultural planning and effective implementation of development projects.
Patna, October 2026: Bihar Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary on Thursday emphasised the importance of space-based technology, modern scientific solutions and innovation in accelerating the state’s development and improving governance.
He was addressing the Space Application Adoption Workshop 2026 at Dr A.P.J. Abdul Kalam Science City in Patna. The theme of the workshop was “Empowering Governance: Leveraging Space-enabled Solutions for a Progressive Bihar.”
At the beginning of the programme, the Chief Minister visited an exhibition showcasing projects developed by participants at the two-day workshop. He obtained detailed information about the new applications and their potential uses.
Choudhary directed officials to explore how these applications could be used across government departments and for public welfare. He also called for identifying the most suitable technologies and equipment for different activities and ensuring their maximum effective utilisation.
On the occasion, the Chief Minister launched the ‘TechConnect’ portal. A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was also signed between the Bihar Remote Sensing Application Centre (BIRSAC) and the Survey of India (SOI).
These initiatives aim to promote technical cooperation and make development planning more effective through space-based applications.
Technology Essential for a Developed Bihar
Addressing the workshop, Choudhary said progress in the present era was impossible without technological development. The effective use of modern technology could play a crucial role in taking Bihar to new heights of development.
He said science, technology and innovation must be prioritised to realise Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of a developed India by 2047 and former Chief Minister Nitish Kumar’s goal of a prosperous Bihar.
The Chief Minister noted that Bihar had been a centre of knowledge, education and intellectual achievement since ancient times. The legacy of great personalities such as Aryabhata and Acharya Chanakya reflected the state’s rich intellectual tradition.
He said this proud heritage could be combined with modern scientific thinking and technological capabilities to open new avenues for the state’s development.
Choudhary urged officials, scientists and technology experts to develop practical and useful applications suited to Bihar’s specific requirements. He stressed that these solutions should not remain confined to technological experiments but must be implemented on the ground so that ordinary citizens, farmers and the administrative system could benefit directly.
Space Technology to Help Tackle Floods and Water Management Challenges
The Chief Minister said it was essential to transform Bihar’s challenges into opportunities.
He pointed out that water flowing into the state from Nepal, Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh contributed to flooding in several areas. At the same time, Bihar’s large population required better resource management and more effective public services.
He said space-based technology, remote sensing and scientific data could help improve flood monitoring, water management, agricultural planning and the implementation of development schemes.
Referring to rainfall and river water levels, Choudhary said that despite rainfall being approximately 32 per cent below normal, water flowing into Bihar from outside the state had affected water levels in rivers such as the Ganga, Sone and Gandak.
In such circumstances, he said, scientific forecasting, continuous monitoring of river levels and coordinated water management were particularly important.
Better Utilisation of River Water
The Chief Minister also stressed the need to ensure the proper utilisation of Bihar’s river water.
He said effective initiatives were required to use water from the Ganga throughout the year for essential purposes, including drinking water supply and irrigation.
Scientific studies, improved planning and coordination with neighbouring states would be important to achieving this objective, he added.
Choudhary also highlighted the Bihar government’s efforts to make technical education more accessible. He said the provision of fees of Rs 10 at engineering colleges and Rs 5 at polytechnic colleges in the state was intended to provide young people with opportunities to pursue technical education.
He further referred to the government’s plan to develop 12 new townships inspired by historical names and heritage. He said modern technology and a scientific approach would be essential for planned urban development.
Departments Urged to Adopt Innovations
The Chief Minister called on all concerned government departments and technical institutions to adopt new innovations, strengthen cooperation and connect technological solutions with public welfare.
He said the real objective of technology was to make governance more effective, transparent and citizen-centric while giving fresh momentum to Bihar’s development.
The workshop discussed the use of space-based technological solutions, coordination among different government departments and the potential of scientific applications to address the state’s development challenges.
During the programme, Anupam Anand, Joint Secretary in the Space Department of the Government of India, and Himanshu Sharma, Secretary of the Bihar Department of Science, Technology and Technical Education, welcomed the Chief Minister by presenting him with a memento, a green sapling and traditional angavastram.
A short film highlighting the work of the Department of Science, Technology and Technical Education was also screened.
Deputy Chief Ministers and Senior Officials Attend
The programme was also addressed by Deputy Chief Ministers Vijay Kumar Chaudhary and Bijendra Prasad Yadav, Science, Technology and Technical Education Minister Sheila Kumari, Joint Secretary in the Space Department Anupam Anand, Department Secretary Himanshu Sharma, and D.B. Khot, Director of Strategy and Planning in the Space Department.
Chief Minister’s Secretary Lokesh Kumar Singh, Inspector General of Police for the Patna range Jitendra Rana, District Magistrate Kundan Kumar, Senior Superintendent of Police Kartikey K. Sharma, other senior officials, distinguished guests and workshop participants were also present.
