Bihar Appropriation Bill passed in Assembly

Patna, Dec 13 (UNI) The Bihar Appropriation Bill for 2007-08 relating to second supplementary budget totalling Rs 3005.06 crore was passed in the Assembly today in absence of the entire Opposition, who earlier walked out demanding debate on general administration.

Introducing the Bill, Deputy Chief Minister Sushil Kumar Modi said top industrial houses, including Tatas, Reliance and Hindustan Petroleum, had evinced interests in turning 15 sick sugar mills into viable units.

'' More than 80 industrial houses have filled request papers for eligibility to turn the sick sugar industries into viable units, '' he added.

'' Provision for Rs 115 crore has been made to grant soft loans to the sugar mills and clearance of the dues of sugarcane farmers for the finacial year 2006-07 and 2007-08, if needed, '' he informed.

With a view to checking the activities of criminals operating from jail, Mr Modi said provision of Rs 19 crore had been made for installing the close circuit TV networks and introducing video conferencing facilities inside the jail premises of 25 districts.

Besides, Rs 20 crore for fencing the graveyards across the state and Rs ten crore had also been allotted for fencing the cremation grounds.

He said the state government was committed to improving quality of school education, and Rs 1871 crores had been allotted for upgradation of 63 middle schools to high schools.

For construction of roads under Rashtriya Sam Vikas Yojna, Mr Modi said Rs 294.86 crore had been earmarked, while Rs 120 crore had been allotted for providing better treatment facilities at Primary Health and Additional Primary Health Centres across the state.

UNI