Patna: The Bihar government has assigned the task of developing Makhana clusters in Darbhanga, Saharsa, and Katihar to the Infrastructure Development Authority (IDA), representing a significant advancement in the Chief Minister’s Micro and Small Industries Cluster Development Scheme. This decision was made during a recent meeting of the scheme’s state-level committee under the Industries Department. The committee instructed district Industries Centres and Jeevika units in the three districts to furnish the necessary technical and logistical details for the initiative. Officials reported that Rs 1.98 crore has been allocated for the Darbhanga cluster, around Rs 2.34 crore for Saharsa, and approximately Rs 2.50 crore for Katihar.
Jeevika has been appointed as the project monitoring agency, while IDA will act as the implementing authority. Guidelines for registering special purpose vehicles and managing land-related matters have been issued, which are essential for the clusters’ establishment. Progress and delays in other clusters were also reviewed by the committee. Rice mill cluster in Lakhisarai: The suggestion for a new cluster was discussed but postponed for further evaluation at the next state-level committee meeting. Jhula cluster in Kanhaiyaganj (Nalanda): An updated status report has been requested by the committee. The first phase has operational machines, and the procurement of transformers is in progress.
Silav Khaja cluster: The construction of the cluster building is finished, but the project is at a standstill due to a civil court case regarding access to the common facility center. Sheep button clusters in East Champaran: A common facility center has been established in Bathna but remains inactive. The cluster at Main Mahesi is experiencing similar operational difficulties. Brass Bronze and Water Chestnut clusters in Vaishali: There is no updated report on the Brass Bronze cluster in Ramrai. Officials indicate considerable conflict among members of the Brass Bronze Kasera Tola Manjhaulia cluster, resulting in restrictions on withdrawals from related bank accounts.
The state-level committee plans to address these projects in future meetings, with officials suggesting that advancements across clusters will hinge on resolving administrative and coordination issues.