Babarchak village in Bihar’s Banka district, once ravaged by communal riots in 1989, is now on its way to becoming the state’s inaugural smart village. After enduring displacement and hardships for years, the village has become a symbol of development, rehabilitation, and optimism.
The village has provided a platform for displaced residents to return to their roots, while also rehabilitating many landless farmers back to their ancestral villages through a special government program. Notably, 164 landless families in Babarchak now have permanent houses, offering them a secure and dignified life.
Under a government scheme, these new houses have significantly improved the lives of families who had been living in temporary shelters and rundown structures for decades. Geeta Devi, a beneficiary, expressed her joy upon receiving the keys to her new home, attributing her happiness to the state government and Prime Minister Modi.
Geeta Devi, who lost her mud house in the 1989 riots, now has a new home under the PM Awas Yojana, supporting her family of six by selling fruits from a cart. The new house not only provides security but also instills confidence in her family’s future, marking a positive change in their lives.
Chief Minister Nitish Kumar inaugurated the Babarchak rehabilitation project during his ‘Pragati Yatra’ in February 2025, laying the foundation for various development schemes in the village. This initiative aims not only to provide housing but also to enhance self-reliance and elevate living standards for the residents.
The rehabilitation model in Babarchak village follows the ‘PURA’ concept of late President APJ Abdul Kalam, focusing on providing urban amenities in rural areas. This approach includes infrastructure development, education, healthcare expansion, and livelihood opportunities, transforming Babarchak into a beacon of hope for families seeking a secure and dignified future.
