Unique Initiative by the Information and Public Relations Department Among Devotees in Shravani Mela; Detailed Information on 'Satat Jivikoparjan' and 'Vriddhjan Pension Yojana' Given Through Street Plays on Kanwaria Route
Bhagalpur, Special Correspondent: A massive wave of faith is sweeping across the route stretching from Deoghar and Sultanganj to Baba Baidyanath Dham. On this auspicious occasion of the world-famous Shravani Mela, while long queues of Shiva devotees are visible on one hand, the Information and Public Relations Department (IPRD) of the Government of Bihar is undertaking a remarkably unique and commendable effort to connect devotees with public welfare schemes alongside the spiritual environment. Through specially organized street plays (nukkad nataks) at various key halts, dharamsalas, and resting places along the fair, Kanwarias and the general public are being educated in a very simple, lucid, and engaging style about important state government schemes—especially the 'Satat Jivikoparjan Programme' (Continuous Livelihood Programme) and the 'Mukhyamantri Vriddhjan Pension Yojana' (Chief Minister Senior Citizen Pension Scheme).
Echoes of Development Reaching Kanwarias Through Street Plays
Amidst the hustle and bustle and spiritual energy of the Shravani Mela, troupes of artists are conveying messages of social reform and economic empowerment through the medium of their art:
Engaging Performances Captivating Audiences: When staging of street plays begins in the fairgrounds with traditional music, drums, and cymbals, Kanwarias and locals passing by are compelled to stop and watch. The language of the play is so simple and entertaining that viewers connect deeply with the dialogues of the artists.
Double Information Gained by Devotees: Kanwarias stated that during a strenuous and long foot journey, such cultural events not only relieve their mental fatigue but also provide them with detailed insights into government schemes that are transforming the lives of individuals standing on the lowest rung of society.
Satat Jivikoparjan Yojana: A Vivid Portrayal of Changing Destinies for the Ultra-Poor
The core storyline of the play prominently showcased the Bihar Government's highly ambitious 'Satat Jivikoparjan Yojana':
Freedom from Traditional Cottage Occupations and Dignified Livelihood: Through theatrical staging, artists poignantly depicted how this scheme is proving to be a boon for those extremely poor families in society who were previously tied to toddy-selling or other hazardous traditional vocations. The government is inspiring them to adopt alternative and dignified employment.
Financial Assistance and Skill Training: Through the scenes of the play, it was explained how the government identifies poor families and provides them with financial grants, livelihood resources, and skill training for self-employment, empowering women and men in rural areas to become self-reliant.
Mukhyamantri Vriddhjan Pension Yojana: A Strong and Secure Support System in Old Age
Centering around the social dignity and financial security of senior citizens, the staging of the 'Mukhyamantri Vriddhjan Pension Yojana' also served as a major center of attraction:
Major Relief for Elderly Citizens Above 60 Years: Artists used dialogues to inform devotees that no elderly citizen in Bihar is helpless anymore. Under this scheme, regular pension amounts are being provided to all eligible elderly individuals aged 60 years or above without any complex income thresholds.
Transparent Payments via DBT: The play also clarified how, leveraging modern technology, this pension amount is being directly disbursed into the Aadhaar-linked bank accounts of beneficiaries through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT), completely eliminating the role of middlemen.
Devotees and Intellectuals Heap Unfettered Praise on the Initiative
This creative initiative by the Information and Public Relations Department is receiving massive acclaim across the fair region:
A Powerful Medium of Awareness: Intellectuals and social activists present at the camps noted that if fairs and cultural festivals are utilized for publicizing public welfare schemes in this manner, the impact is far-reaching. People arriving from remote villages, upon gaining knowledge of these schemes, are inspired to help eligible members of their own families reap the benefits.
Novelty in Administrative Dialogue: Kanwarias also acknowledged that such events bridge the distance between governance and the public, carrying government policies directly to the common man.
These street plays organized by the Information and Public Relations Department on the auspicious occasion of the Shravani Mela exemplify how folk arts can be utilized for societal upliftment and public awareness. When artists presented information on welfare schemes like 'Satat Jivikoparjan' and 'Vriddhjan Pension Yojana' among Shiva devotees, it not only added a social dimension to the religious essence of the fair but also delivered the message that development and faith can march forward hand in hand.
