New Delhi: State industries minister Jai Kumar Singh inaugurated Bihar Diwas celebrations in New Delhi at INA, Dilli Haat.

The minister lit a ceremonial lamp after which he visited various stalls showcasing handicraft and handloom products produced in Bihar. The inaugural ceremony was followed by a cultural programme in the evening.

On the occasion, S. Siddharth, principal secretary, department of industries, Bihar resident commissioner Vipin Kumar, and other members of the department of industries were present.

The minister said the state government has been organising the event every year in Delhi since 2010. This year the exhibition-cum-sale event is being organised on a larger scale; there are 118 stalls.

Jai Kumar Singh said Bihar moved five places in ease of doing business from 21 in 2016. With this, he said, Bihar is on the road to development of industry and entrepreneurship.

Institutional strengthening has been done to facilitate industrial investment. An online clearance portal has been arranged for all types of clearance, no-objection certificates, he said.

Also, special attention is being given to promote the state's micro and small scale industries. He said many projects have been started for overall development of handloom, silk and khadi village weavers, which has created opportunities for employment generation by promoting production, training and marketing.

Bihar Diwas was also celebrated in Bhojpur district in Bihar at the Veer Kuer Singh Stadium on Thursday with much fanfare. The function was organised by the Bhojpur district administration. Minister, mines and geology Vinod Kumar Singh inaugurated the function by lighting the ceremonial candle.

Additional reporting by Rajiv Nayan Agrawal in Bhojpur