Nitish demands extra 4k crore from center

Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar today said he would demand additional grant of Rs 4,000 crore every annum in the 12th plan during the consultation meeting of Planning Commission with chief ministers of five eastern states to be held here this month end.

Kumar said he would also raise the issue of according special status to Bihar at the meeting to be held between Planning Commission and chief ministers of Jharkhand, West Bengal, Orissa, Chhatisgarh and Bihar, who would host it.

The chief minister told reporters that he would demand that the Planning Commission use funds for more and more schemes in the priority sectors like road, irrigation, flood control and energy.

Bihar would also present its views on the expectations during the 12th plan period. “If we have to ensure inclusive growth, we have to increase per capita investment and also increase the plan expenses in Bihar,” Kumar said.

The Centre should fix the 12th plan size in consultation with the state and should continue the assistance of Rs 1000 crore being received by Bihar since bifurcation of the state in 2000, he added.