Bihar's success story impressed World Bank chief: Nitish

PATNA: Bihar's success story has impressed World Bank president Robert B Zoellick who was curious to know about its details, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar said today.

"Zoellick has been quite curious to know the state's success story... I explained him point-wise and he is impressed," Kumar said after signing a Rs 1000-crore agreement with the World Bank for rebuilding areas affected by the devastating Kosi floods in 2008.

Zoellick was quite impressed to learn about the bicycle distribution scheme for girls and boys going to schools in Bihar, he said.

"We expect full support and cooperation from the WB for achieving the objective of bringing Bihar to the category of developed states by 2015," Kumar said.

The chief minister also informed Zollieck about the governance, steps taken for women empowerment, interlinking of rivers, Integrated Child Development Scheme, improvement done in health, agriculture and education in the state.

Kumar invited the World Bank chief to plan a trip to Bihar again to visit Bodh Gaya and other tourist landmarks.