Nitish unveils Rs 2.70 lakh cr growth plan for Bihar

Patna, August 28 

To counter the Prime Minister's Rs 1.25 lakh crore special package for Bihar, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar today 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 much hyped 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." "Its my 'dil ki baat' (talks from heart) and not 'maan ki baat' (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 "its 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 development has special focus on youths, women, unemployed, young enterpreuners and infrastructure needs. 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. — PTI