Nitish to demand special status for Bihar from PM

Patna, July 12 (UNI) Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar today said the state government would strongly place the demand before Prime Minister Manmohan Singh for according special status to Bihar during the latter's proposed visit to the state.

Mr Kumar told newspersons here that he would hand over a memorandum to Mr Singh with a demand for giving special status to Bihar on the pattern of the North Eastern states.

The North Eastern states, under a special category, had been given special relaxations, he said adding once Bihar was accorded the similar status, it would also be exempted from several taxes, particularly in the field of industries.

He said the demands for special state category to Bihar had been made on several occasions and this would be the best opportunity to place the demand as the Prime Minister himself was visiting the state to review the agricultural scenario of the state.

Highlighting immense agricultural potential of the state, Mr Kumar said the Centre should give special attention towards the fact. He said Mr Singh would be apprised of the steps taken for giving a boost to the agriculture sector in the state.

Concerned with the ''apatehtic'' attitude of the banks towards Bihar, he said the government would raise the matter before the Prime Minister, who will be accompanied by Union Finance Minister P Chidambaram, for enhancement in distribution of Kisan credit cards and educational loans through Banks.

Unfolding the agenda of the state government during the visit to the state, Mr Kumar said proposals related to linking of rivers, education scenario, healthcare facilities and provision of three -phase electricity connection instead of single phase under rural electrification would be submitted before Mr Singh.

The three-phase electricity connection would help in promoting cottage industry and also provide better irrigational facilities in the remote areas.

Apart from road construction in the bordering areas along Nepal, the annual problem of flood from the rivers of Nepal would be put up before the Prime Minister for its permanent solution, he added.

UNI