Nitish pledges to make Bihar a developed state by 2015

Patna, Aug 15: Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on the Independence Day today pledged to develop the state by 2015.

He also announced several agricultural, educational schemes and assured largescale appointments in all ranks.

Celebrating the 60th Independence Day here Mr Kumar hoisted the tricolour and foccused upon the uplift of the farmers, improvement of the educational scenario and other infrastructure essential to place the state among the developed states by the stipulated period.

Emphasising on a corruption free state, Mr Kumar announced to appoint retired CBI officers on a contract basis.

He also stressed upon a strategic move to control corruption and had decided to strengthen the Vigilance Bureau where the officers would be directly appointed through Bihar Public Service Commission.

The corrupt people would be cracked down soon and speedy trials would be organised to ensure justice, the chief minister said.

Stressing the improvement in educational sector Mr Kumar informed that his government had decided to establish district level model residential high schools where admission would be strictly on merit basis. He even assured to provide better health facilities in the state at affordable prices.

For smooth functioning of the government, Mr Kumar said initiatives were being taken to appoint 3579 junior engineers, 1619 assistant engineers, 1993 doctors, 586 deputy collectors, 71 Deputy Police Superintendents, 2151 assistant sub inspectors of police, 10629 cops, 351 child development project officers and 2795 women observors.

Apart from appointment of 2,36,000 teachers in schools, 39,000 teachers would also be appointed in different universities and 1000 agricultural graduates would get job in the state soon, he said adding that one thousand women would also be appointed in shashatra vahini.

He also went on to announce subsidy of Rs ten to the farmers of drought hit areas on purchase of every litre of diesel.

The government has decided to award the farmers in order to inspire agricultural work.

The farmer selected for 'Kisan Shree' award would get Rs one lakh award money while the 'Kisan Bhushan' awardee would get Rs two lakhs and 'Kisan Ratna' awardee would get Rs five lakhs.

The government had been planning to make the state a greener belt and sensitise people on importance of environment, Mr Kumar added.

He also announced to enhance the monthly pension of the freedom fighters up to Rs two thousand.

UNI