Nitish counters PM’s spl package with Rs 2.7-lakh crore vision

To counter the Prime Minister’s Rs 1.25 lakh crore special package for Bihar, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Friday  unveiled a Rs 2.70 lakh crore development plan in the next five years that would include free electricity and drinking water connection in every household.

Taking a jibe at the PM’s special package, Kumar told a press conference here, “Unlike the <g data-gr-id="16">much hyped</g> package which is nothing but repackaging of old schemes, my (Rs 2.70 lakh crore) vision comprises programmes which are doable and I have worked out mobilisation of resources for it.” 

“<g data-gr-id="18">Its</g> my ‘dil ki <g data-gr-id="24">baat</g>’ (talks from <g data-gr-id="17">heart</g>) and not ‘maan ki <g data-gr-id="26">baat</g>’ (talks of mind),” Kumar said.

The 7-point development plan was in addition to the ongoing schemes in different sectors, Kumar said here as he was flanked by state Finance Minister Bijendra Yadav and senior minister Vijay Chaudhary. Faced with a flurry of questions if it was the manifesto of JD(U) or secular alliance comprising JD(U), RJD and Congress, Kumar answered in negative and said “<g data-gr-id="20">its</g> my commitment towards the people and I know they have faith in me that I do what I say.” 

When further grilled if RJD and Congress share his vision, he said, “I am the leader of the secular alliance in the coming Bihar election.”  Kumar’s 7-point <g data-gr-id="36">development,</g> has <g data-gr-id="35">special</g> focus on youths, women, unemployed, young <g data-gr-id="30">enterpreuners</g> and on infrastructure needs like drinking water, electricity and toilet. 

Elaborating on the 7 points in his development plan, Kumar highlighted five new programmes for youths, who constitute the bulk of the state’s population. The CM said youths in the age group of 20-25 would get Rs 1,000 monthly allowance twice for a period of nine months each to meet expenses during <g data-gr-id="33">search</g> for jobs. Every youth who has passed class XII would get a student credit card with the help of which a loan of Rs 4 lakh from any bank could be availed.