"This is a welcome step. Its matter of happiness for everybody," Kumar told reporters at Patna Airport.
Along with the nation, people of Bihar also hail Tendulkar's contribution to the game of cricket. He has inspired younger generation by his unparallelled achievements, he said.
Governor D Y Patil also congratulated Sachin Tendulkar for making a glorious exit from cricket. He described Tendulkar as the world's biggest player and an ideal personality.
Bihar BJP President Mangal Pandey welcomed the announcement of Bharat Ratna for the 'Little master' and said he should have been given the honour earlier.