High fiscal deficit foreseen
Economic Survey for hard decisions
NEW DELHI, Feb 28 — The Economic Survey for 1999-2000 today presented a rosy picture of the economy with the growth expected at 5.9 per cent, but cautioned that the gains could be frittered away if the government fails to take “hard decisions” to contain the increasing fiscal deficit.

SGPC President Bibi Jagir Kaur is presented with flowers by Giani Bhagwan Singh, Head Granthi, Akal Takht, after ‘ardas’ to mark the end of her 23-day-old ‘ekantvas’ at Amritsar on Monday.
— Tribune photo by Pankaj Sharma

BJP not to join INLD Govt
ROHTAK, Feb 28 — The state BJP has resolved to extend outside support to the Chautala government and decided against joining the ministry. The party has not yet elected leader of its legislature group.

Governor tells parties to wait
PATNA, Feb 28 — Clouds of political uncertainty hovered over Bihar today as state Governor Vinod Chandra Pande informed the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) that any decision on the formation of the next government would be taken only after listing of the newly elected legislators and asked NDA leader Nitish Kumar and RJD leader Rabri Devi not to stake claims until then.

Nitish to meet Governor
PATNA, Feb 28 — Union Agriculture Minister Nitish Kumar was today elected leader of the newly-elected legislators of the National Democratic Alliance in Bihar. Bharatiya Janata Party leader Sushil Kumar Modi proposed his name, which was seconded by several legislators at a meeting of the newly-elected MLAs of the NDA.

RSS issue rocks Parliament
NEW DELHI, Feb 28 — The RSS-government staff controversy rocked Parliament for the third day in succession today resulting in a deadlock on the Opposition demand for a discussion under a Rule that would amount to censure of the Centre in the Lok Sabha.