NREGA launched in hurry and without preparation: Nitish

New Delhi, Jan 9 (UNI) Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar today criticised his predecessor and RJD Supremo Lalu Prasad for not ensuring justice to Bhagalpur riot victims and urged the Centre to provide more funds for the uplift of various sections like minorities, Dalits and women.

Charging the Central Government of launching the National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (NRGEA) scheme in a ''hurry and without much preparation,'' he said scheme has many loopholes which may lead to large-scale corruption. He demanded the centre to hold a meeting of state government to rectify them and if necessary change the NREGA.

Mr Kumar said the Bihar government has implemented the scheme in all the districts of the state and was planning to use biometric system to reduce corruption through fake muster rolls in the scheme.

The Chief Minister said during the past two years the NDA government in Bihar has reopened 29 cases in the Bhagalpur riot victims and chargesheets have been filed. Wondering why the previous RJD Government failed to take action against the culprits despite having proof against them, he said those who give lecture should focus on this.

About his reaction to the UPA government's move to give 15 per cent allocation for minority development, the Chief Minister said that his government would welcome this. Enumerating the steps that have been taken for uplift of minorities, women and dalits by the state government, he said if the centre gives more resources for the welfare of these weaker target groups, he would be happy to spend it.

Highlighting the contribution made by his government for 'Growth with justice' during the past two years, he said a lot of improvement has been made in the law and order situation in the state and education and health care.

He claimed that kidnapping for ransom and illegal arms possession have declined tremendously during his government's concerted efforts to apprehend and punish the guilty.

Regarding the migration of people from Bihar, the Chief Minister said the state government was making efforts that no one has to leave their homes for two square meals. However, for growth they were free to go anywhere in the country.

Criticising the recent proposal of Delhi Lt Governor Tajinder Khanna to introduce ID card, Mr Kumar said he had written to the Prime Minister against the discriminatory and anti-constitutional move. He said earlier in Ludhiana there was a proposal to introduce work permit, which he got it stopped after talking to the Home Minister and the Haryana Chief Minister.

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