Bihar to become a developed state by 2015 : Nitish

Patna, Jan 4 (UNI) Chief Minister Nitish Kumar today reiterated the commitment of his government to make the state a developed one by 2015 and sought cooperation from all sections to achieve this cherished goal.

Speaking here in a prize distribution ceremony of the state -level literary and cultural programmes of the school students, Mr Kumar reminded that great things had never been achieved without enthusiasm and it was pleasing to note that all students participating in the contest had exhibited this trait profusely.

'' The declining standard of education during the previous regime in the state has adversly affected the academic environment and only the affluents are able to send their wards in quality institutes, '' Mr Kumar noted and assured that his government was striving hard to evolve a system to delineate the line between ''haves'' and ''have nots''.

He also encouraged the students, citing the outstanding results of Civil Services examinations, conducted by UPSC, IIT, CBSE medical and other competitive tests, where students from Bihar were excelling.

'' The students from Bihar are an asset for the country, and therefore Biharis must be a matter of pride for the people and no more topic of buffoonery in the rest of the country, '' Mr Kumar observed.

He had earlier announced the distribution of school uniform and bicycles among the girls of class sixth and ninth onwards respectively for which he said funds had been released.

He also assured better sanitation, mid-day meals and drinking water facilities, proper toilets, buildings and tubewells and other basic amenities for the schools.

The Chief Minister also distributed prizes among winners of quiz, debate, essay writing and fine art competitions and promised grant for the trip of the government school students for their personality development.

UNI RH-KKS SJC SP KP1837