Patna: CM Samrat Choudhary on Sunday urged financially capable, prosperous and income tax-paying residents of Bihar to voluntarily surrender the benefit of 125 units of free electricity, saying their decision would support the state’s development efforts.He made the appeal after inaugurating the two-day Patliputra Rashtriya Yuva Sansad-2.0 on the Gyan Niketan School campus in Patna. Choudhary said the free electricity facility was being extended to all households across Bihar, irrespective of their financial status. The state govt spends Rs 8,000 to Rs 10,000 per family annually on electricity subsidies, taking the total yearly burden to around Rs 23,000 crore, he said.Addressing the gathering of young people, Choudhary said the youth had a crucial role in strengthening democracy, carrying forward India’s civilisation and culture, and building a strong Bharat. Referring to the 1974 movement, he said young people had participated enthusiastically at the time and that the present Gen-Z and Gen Alpha generations must work to strengthen the democratic system further.He said events such as Patliputra Rashtriya Yuva Sansad were important platforms for familiarising young people with democratic processes, constitutional values and nation-building.“Democracy is the voice of the people. Understanding what the people and youth want, making laws and policies, and carrying out development work in line with their expectations is the real meaning of democracy,” he said.Choudhary thanked Patliputra Rashtriya Yuva Sansad founder Sayan Kunal and Samastipur MP Shambhavi Chaudhary for organising the event. He said it should be held every year to bring young people into the mainstream and sensitise them to democracy, nation-building and social responsibilities.The CM presented mementos to members of the organising committee and garlanded the statue of late Acharya Kishore Kunal, a retired IPS officer. Education minister Mithilesh Tiwari, MP Shambhavi Chaudhary and Sayan Kunal also addressed the gathering. Food and consumer protection minister Ashok Choudhary, Gyan Niketan School principal Shailendra Mohan Jha, and several students and young people attended the event.
