Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar is banking on non-resident Indians (NRIs) and non-resident Biharis to bring a turnaround in the state's fortune. |
After inviting NRIs to invest in Bihar in Hyderabad during the Pravasi Bhartiya Diwas last month, the chief minister has asked the central government to facilitate the return of some Bihari IAS and IPS officers posted outside the state to their home state on deputation. |
Kumar is said to have submitted a list of about a dozen IPS officers and some IAS officers, who are "willing" to return to Bihar and make a contribution in changing the image of the state. |
The move is attributed to the perception that the bureaucracy in Bihar is as much responsible for the state of affairs there as the political class. Also law and order and development are intrinsically linked as even contractors or officials involved in laying railway tracks or roads are being harassed for extortion. |
The new regime, therefore, wants some IPS officers with outstanding track record to come to Bihar and clear the rut. They will also help change the image about law and order machinery. |
"If some 10-15 committed IPS officers go to Bihar, it will not be difficult to control crime," senior Janata Dal (United) leader Prabhunath Singh told Business Standard. |
Singh claimed that winds of change were blowing in the state and around half-a-dozen wanted and notorious criminals were being liquidated every day. |
"Go to Siwan today. Nobody is afraid of Shahabuddin any more. You will see girls walking in the streets at midnight. Yesterday's negative ambience has changed. People are coming in droves to invest in Bihar," he said. |
Making a fervent plea to the NRIs in Hyderabad to invest in the state, the chief minister had reportedly said, "Bihar is waiting for you. Bihar will progress. If India has to exceed China's growth rate of 10 per cent, then Bihar has to be taken along. Give us a chance." |
Kumar met Prime Minister Manmohan Singh today and sought special financial aid for the state as also compensation for the Bhagalpur riot victims on the lines of that for the 1984 anti-Sikh riots' victims. |