India News | Bihar CM Samrat Choudhary Announces 'Mati Kala Board' in 3 Months to Promote Prajapati Community, Traditional Pottery Art

Patna (Bihar) [India], August 23 (ANI): Bihar Chief Minister Samrat Chaudhary on Sunday announced that a Maati Kala Board (Terracotta Art Board) would be constituted within the next three months to preserve and promote the traditional art form and work for the welfare of the Kumhar (Prajapati) community.

Choudhary made the announcement while addressing a programme organised by the Bihar Kumhar (Prajapati) Samanvay Samiti at Shri Krishna Memorial Hall in Patna to mark the death anniversary of Amar Shaheed Ramchandra Vidyarthi and felicitate newly elected members of the Bihar Legislative Council.

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The Chief Minister inaugurated the programme by lighting a ceremonial lamp and paying a floral tribute to Ramchandra Vidyarthi.

Addressing the gathering, the Chief Minister, as per a Bihar CMO statement, said, "I welcome you all to this programme organised by the Bihar Kumhar (Prajapati) Coordination Committee. On this occasion, I pay my heartfelt tributes to the immortal martyr Ramchandra Vidyarthi. At the age of just 13, the immortal martyr Ramchandra Vidyarthi sacrificed his life for the country's freedom. His life and sacrifice are a source of inspiration for us all. It is our collective responsibility to remember his contribution to the freedom struggle and to pass on his ideals to the new generation. Today is a day to remember three brave martyrs; I also pay my respects and offer tributes to Pandit Rajkumar Shukla and the immortal martyr Ramphal Mandal."

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The Chief Minister stated, "We are actively concerned about how the Prajapati community can move forward and progress." He said the Prajapati community shapes even ordinary clay into the form of idols and, through its art, labour and skill, has enriched Bihar's culture and traditions for centuries."

He said everyone must work together to beautify Bihar and propel it forward by charting a new roadmap for its development. Two women from the Prajapati community, Sheila Pandit and Shivrani Prajapati, have been entrusted with responsibilities as Members of the Legislative Council (MLCs), according to the statement.

The Chief Minister urged them to reach out to the people and do whatever is possible for the development of the community and to ensure justice for them. He said the government stood ready to support the community's advancement and the pursuit of justice wherever needed.

The Chief Minister stated that Bihar's Mati Kala (clay art) is a vital part of the state's rich folk and traditional culture. A Mati Kala Board will be constituted within the next three months to preserve and promote this traditional art form, he said.

He noted that the Board would work systematically for the welfare of the Kumhar (Prajapati) community and artisans associated with clay art. Initiatives will also be taken to provide artisans with modern technology and training, as well as ensure better marketing and market access for their products.

The Chief Minister affirmed that the state government is committed to the development, dignity and empowerment of all sections of society. All residents of Bihar are being provided with 125 units of electricity. The old-age pension amount has been raised from Rs 400 to Rs 1,100.

Applications submitted at Sahyog Shivirs (assistance camps) to resolve grievances are being processed within 30 days. Provisions are in place to take action against any official or employee who fails to issue an order on an application within this 30-day timeframe. So far, 6.5 lakh applications have been processed, he said.

The Chief Minister said the banks of the Kosi, Gandak and Ganga rivers need to be systematically developed. The government is continuously working to provide employment opportunities for the youth.

A sum of Rs 10,000 has been transferred to the accounts of 1.81 crore women under the Chief Minister's Employment Scheme to enable them to start their own businesses.

He stated that everyone must work unitedly to realise the visions of a 'Developed India' (Viksit Bharat) envisioned by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and a 'Prosperous Bihar' envisioned by former Chief Minister Nitish Kumar. To propel Bihar forward, he said, the pace of work needs to be further accelerated.

During the event, the Chief Minister was welcomed with a traditional stole (angavastra), a memento and a bouquet.

Dignitaries present on the occasion included Pramod Kumar, Minister of Mines & Geology and Art, Culture & Youth Affairs, Rajya Sabha MP Bhim Singh, MLAs Alok Singh and Vashishth Singh, MLCs Sheila Pandit and Shivrani Prajapati, Rupesh Kumar Pandit, State President of the Bihar Kumhar/Prajapati Coordination Committee, and Prajapati Pintu Guru, State General Secretary of the Prajapati Coordination Committee, along with other prominent figures and a large number of people. (ANI)

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