With an eye on polls, Bihar CM presents his report card

With the election in the state scheduled next year, Bihar Chief Minister Jitan Ram Manjhi today announced schemes and sops to attract voters while presenting the 9th report card of the Janata Dal (U) government.

Amid rumours of a discontent with his predecessor, Manjhi also expressed satisfaction that he had 'sincerely' carried forward the development agenda of his predecessor Nitish Kumar.

He also made nine announcements on the occasion of the JD (U) completing 9 years in power. The announcements included Rs 300 per quintal bonus to farmers and free education to SC/ST students in higher education up to university level. Free education facility would be provided to all girls irrespective social classes.

Overall, more than 90,000 ST/SC students and 3 lakh girl students would benefit from state government's announcement of free higher education. The state government has earmarked Rs 900 crore from its own resources for the bonus payment for paddy farmers. The CM had also announced setting up new hostels for SC/ST students.

Manjhi, who took over the reins of the state in May this year, highlighted the state's progress in all sectors including power and agriculture.

Kumar, he said, had made a promise to the people that if his government failed to improve the power situation the JD (U) would not come to them for vote in 2015. "With power scenario showing constant progress I can say we have fulfilled the promise," he said. Power availability, which was a mere 500-600 MW daily in 2005 when Kumar took rein, has gone up to 2,800 MW-2900 MW.

"By the end of this year it is expected to go up to 4,000 MW and by next year we are targeting to enhance it to 5000 MW daily," Manjhi said.

The state government would promote cottage, micro, small and medium industries instead of attracting multinationals to cut down carbon dioxide emission level and provide employment opportunity to people of the state, the CM announced.

Manjhi also announced the launch of 'Lok Samvedna Abhiyan" (public response campaign) under which officials would be trained to behave with sensitivity and in a dignified manner with people and public representatives. The CM has announced one month extra pay for men and women serving in Bihar Police.