Sports bodies be freed from politicians: Nitish

Patna, Apr 4: Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar today said the sports bodies across the country should be kept off from interference and entry of politicians, irrespective of their stature.

"To my mind, the sports bodies, be it committees or associations, should be kept off from interference and entry of politicians, irrespective of one's stature to help further promote sports in the country," Kumar suggested while talking to reporters on sidelines of the "Janata Darbar" programme.

He was, however, quick to add that his comment should not be misconstrued as it was not not directed to anybody.

Kumar was replying to a query as to whether his comment was directed towards Union Agriculture Minister Sharad Pawar or RJD supremo Lalu Prasad.

"The politicians should refrain from bringing politics in games," he said.

Kumar stressed that the cricket players from the state should unite first for setting up a Cricket Academy in Bihar to pave the way for the state government taking up their cause with the BCCI for recognition.

To another question, he said the new Industrial Promotion Policy of the state would be formulated by May 2011 and the draft policy for according the Information Technology sector the status of industry was ready.

The Industrial Promotion Policy was launched in 2006 and it is still in operation.

Referring to the CAG highlighting pendency of Detailed Contingent bills for over Rs 11000 crore against the drawal of Abstract Contingent bills, Chief Minister said it was "a routine matter."

"It is the constitutional obligation of the CAG to carry on audit and account," he said, adding the Finance and other concerned departments had already been asked to submit the DC bills.

"I have taken a note of the matter during my meeting with Chief Secretary and necessary steps are being taken for expediting the submission of DC bills," Kumar said, adding whatever recommendations were being made by the CAG the state government would strictly adhere to it.

On present power crisis gripping Bihar, the Chief Minister said the state had to depend on the supply from the central pool for another four years. "We will be able to set up power plants in Bihar in next four years to cater to the state''s requirements," he said.

PTI