Chief Minister Raghubar Das today announced that the world’s largest Buddhist Stupa would be established in Itkhori, Chatra, which will prove to be a confluence of Hinduism, Buddhism and Jain religions in the world. The CM, while inaugurating the Itkhori Mahotsav at Chatra, said on Monday that the the Government was working to make the religious fest a global event.
Das said that a master plan for the development of the area will be prepared by March this year and by July a DPR will also be ready. “The works will be visible on the ground by next Itkhori Mahotsav. Rs 600 crore will be sanctioned for the purpose,” he added.
The CM said that there is considerable potential for cultural tourism in Jharkhand. “We have world famous religious places. They are being developed. Facilities are being expanded for the passengers at these places so that people from the world can come here with their family. This will not only create job opportunities but also get a lot of foreign currency in the country,” said he.
Das said that the government is specially working in four areas for development. The first area is agriculture. There are three fields in which work is being done. Agriculture, animal husbandry and horticulture are being promoted. Similarly, industry is also being promoted in the State. There is also great potential in the field of service. Fourth area is tourism. The government has a lot of emphasis on this area. Various tourist sites are being developed in the form of circuits so that devotees can visit at 3-4 places simultaneously and enjoy the journey.
Das said that initially Chatra was known as naxal affected area but with efforts of police administration and people the area has become free from naxals. “I appeal to strayed youths to come to mainstream; the Jharkhand government is fully prepared to help such children. I have prayed for blessings from Bhadrakali that our State which is rich and prosperous, the people here is also become prosperous. Our goal is that by 2022 no one remains poor, homeless, illiterate, uncertain, unemployed. Work is being done to connect every BPl family with employment. Women of rural areas are being linked to more and more work. Jharkhand has to intercept middlemen, for this, the government is connecting the people of the village with the help of the Chief Minister Entrepreneur Board,” said the CM.
Earlier Das performed rituals at the ancient temple of Bhadrakali and also worshiped lord Shiva. During the programme, Chatra MP Sunil Singh, MlA Jai Prakash Bhokta, Tourism Secretary Manish Ranjan, Buddhist monks of different monasteries, other prominent people including Jain Gurus were present.