Govt's nod for new battalion in Bihar

Patna, Nov 30 (UNI) Bihar cabinet coordination secretary Girish Shankar today said the government has decided to raise a separate o battalion to bring down dependence on the central forces.

The separate battalion would be in the pattern of state's Indian Reserve battalion, he said.

A decision to this effect was taken by state cabinet last night, Mr Shankar said.

'' The new battalion to be known as Bihar Military Police-15 and would have its headquarters at Bettiah, which would help in strengthening the state police,'' he added.

About Rs 29.5 crores had also been earmarked for the purpose, he informed.

In yet another important decision, state government had accorded the status of agriculture to poultry farming which would enable those associated with this sector to get insurance facilities, besides, availing the subsidised power, Mr Shankar said.

''People engaged in poultry farming could get Kisan loan at an interest of 7.5 per cent per annum,'' he added.

He said the government had also released Rs 40 crores as state plan fund for repairing of 15 stretches of National Highways here.

UNI XC-RS PP KLC1355