Bihar govt seeks Centre's help for river linking project

New Delhi, July 3 (UNI) Bihar government has sought the Centre's assistance for its river linking project, which is expected to play a crucial role in power generation, flood control and irrigation providing.

Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has written to the Centre, especially Ministry for Water Resources, seeking its assistance to link Kosi, Kamla and Bagmati rivers of north Bihar through link canals, Bihar Information Minister Arjun Rai said here today.

He said that once the multi-purpose river project was cleared by the Centre, the state government would make a detailed project report and start work. It would help Bihar in preventing annual floods and also generate hydro power along with improving irrigation facilities and agriculture production.

Highlighting the achievements of the Nitish Kumar Government, Mr Rai said that it has reserved 50 per cent seats in Panchayats for women. This step would go a long way in improving the condition of women and their empowerment, he said.

He said the state government has launched a 'Shiksha Mitra' programme to improve the education standards in the state. The Chief Minister has directed Bihar University to hold annual examination on time the salaries of teachers raised from Rs 1500 to Rs 4000 per month and a ban on appointments has been lifted.

Moreover, the state government has taken a number of steps to improve law and order situation in the state. Crime rate has decreased and kidnapping incidents reduced, he said and added that all these have inspired investments in the state. Many industrialists are exploring the possibility of setting up sugar mills in the state, he said.

Asserting that the situation in Bihar has improved during the tenure of the JD(U)-BJP government, Mr Rai said the state government has produced and released a film 'Ham Honge Kamyab' highlighting its achievements and future plans. Two more films titled 'Bihar Itihas Ke Panno Main' and 'Patliputra se Patna' are in the making, he said.

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