Republic Day celebrated in Bihar, Governor says 'rule of law' prevailed

PATNA: Governor Ram Nath Kovind today said the "rule of law" and communal harmony has paved way for Bihar to become the fastest growing state in the country, registering a growth rate of 17 per cent.

Kovind addressed a gathering at Gandhi Maidan after taking salute from marching contingents and witnessing tableaux of different departments.

Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, Speaker of State Assembly Vijay Chaudhary, several ministers including Deputy Chief Minister Tejaswi Yadav and Education minister Ashok Choudhary were present on the occasion among others.

In his speech, the Governor said the "rule of law" prevailed in the state and a concrete arrangement is in place to rein in criminal activities without any prejudice.

"A check has been imposed on organised crime and this will continue in the future too. There is an environment of social and communal harmony in Bihar," Kovind said.

He said the state has adopted a policy of zero tolerance on corruption and stringent action is being taken against the corrupt.

Due to sustained efforts, the plan size has increased from Rs 4,000 crore to Rs 57,000 crore in the last 10 years, the Governor said.

Kovind quoted figures of Niti Ayog for 2014-15 which showed that Bihar registered 17.06 per cent growth rate to become the fastest growing state in the country.

The plan size of Bihar in 2015-16 is of Rs 1.20 lakh crore, he said, adding revenue collection has also soared.