Promising all-round development of Bihar, Chief Minister Jitan Ram Manjhi on Friday announced a plethora of schemes,including a bank account for every family.
Unfurling the tricolour at a water-logged Gandhi Maidan and delivering his maiden Independence Day speech amidst continuous rains, Manjhi said the state government will conduct camps at every village from the next month for opening a bank account for all the families who do not have one.
"The poor come under the influence of middlemen and do not get the entire cash amount provided to them under various welfare schemes. We want to provide the money directly in their bank accounts to check the middlemen. If the poor continue with the account for savings and withdrawal, they will be given overdraft facilities as well," Manjhi said.
Besides this scheme, Manjhi also announced launching of malnutrition eradication campaign among the children, free medical facilities for retired government officials and electrification of all villages in the state. Pointing out that 40 per cent population of the state is below 14 years, Manjhi said that the campaign for 'child malnutrition free Bihar' is being launched on the pious occasion of Independence Day under the aegis of 'Mission Human Development'. Manjhi added that the malnutrition eradication scheme will pay special attention to kids below the age of three to ensure proper nutrition, hygiene and health for them.
The state government, he said, is dedicated to electrify all villages in the state, and a Rs 4,440 crore electrification scheme will be launched in 26,248 villages spread over 22 districts on the occasion of Mahatma Gandhi's birth anniversary on October 2.
Manjhi also said the Cabinet has approved the scheme to provide free medical facilities at state-run hospitals to retired government officials. The scheme will cover their spouses and family pensioners. He added that the free medical facilities will be available for the retired employees at all CGHS and state-approved private medical centres.
The Independence Day function at Gandhi Maidan witnessed a thin attendance due to very heavy rainfall in Patna for the last three days. The stands made for the public remained virtually empty and the truncated water-proof pandals erected for VIPs and state government officials had several vacant seats.
Expressing happiness over rains across the state, Chief Minister Jitan Ram Manjhi said a drought-like situation was arising but due to heavy rainfall for the last few days a flood-like situation has developed at some places in Bihar.
"We are keeping a watch on the situation. Rs 785 crore is being spent on diesel subsidy and disaster relief. Those affected by drought and flood will be provided all possible help by the government," Manjhi said.
Major part of the 62-acre ground was water-logged and the district administration had to spread a mixture of sand and stone-chips on the route to the dais to pave way for the VIPs and make the function possible. Bihar DGP PK Thakur accompanied the CM throughout the function. Standing in an open-top jeep, Manjhi inspected the police and paramilitary contingents standing in the waterlogged field and later took salute from them as they paraded through the water, led by Patna Rural Superintendent of Police (SP) HK Rai.
Manjhi extended his greetings to the people on the occasion of Independence Day and paid tributes to the martyrs who contributed to the freedom movement. He lauded Bihar's role in it and said "this is an occasion to remember their sacrifice and ideals", and recounted the progress achieved by the state during the JD (U) rule.
The CM also reviewed 10 colourful tableaus put-up by various government departments. They depicted various measures taken by the state for the development and welfare of the people. Each of the tableaus was accompanied by men and women dressed in vibrant colours or their uniform, portraying the theme to the best of their ability.
The tableaus of the Disaster Management Department, Industries Department and Patna Police were selected for the first, second and third prizes, respectively.
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