Manjhi terms no entry remark on central ministers 'sweet joke'

He, however, accused Narendra Modi's government of ignoring the state.

"It was 'meetha majak' (sweet joke)... I never meant it (central ministers will not be allowed entry into the state)," Manjhi said in his speech after presenting the ninth annual report of JD(U) government.

BJP had taken exception to Manjhi's remarks against seven union ministers who he had sarcastically described as 'sat bhaiya' (seven brothers). Prime Minister Narendra Modi had also mentioned it during his election rally in Jharkhand last week.

JD(U) central leadership including President Sharad Yadav had reprimanded Manjhi for the comment.

Manjhi, however, made a scathing attack on the BJP government at the Centre for allegedly ignoring the interests of Bihar.

Modi, he said, had failed to provide special category status which he had promised during the Lok Sabha poll campaign.

He also criticised the lowering of developmental funds under Indira Awas Yojna and MGNREGA and said the state had not been reimbursed Rs 1000 crore it had spent in the past on repair of national highways running through it.

Manjhi, who was flanked by his ministerial colleagues, appealed to the Prime Minister to accord due assistance to Bihar.

"Let bygones be bygones ... give Bihar its due by granting it special category status and other assistance," he added.

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Manjhi submits 9th annual report of JD(U) government

Manjhi was speaking after releasing the 124-page annual report card of JD(U) government on its completion of ninth year and made nine announcements to match it.

The announcements included Rs 300 per quintal bonus to farmers and free education to SC/ST boys and girls in higher education up to university level. Free education facility would also be provided to girls of other social classes.

Manjhi, who took over the reins of the state from Nitish Kumar in May this year after the former resigned in the wake of severe drubbing in general election, highlighted the state's progress in all sectors including power and agriculture.

Kumar, he said, had made a promise to the people that if his government failed to improve the power situation he would not come to them for vote in 2015.

"With power scenario showing constant progress I can say we have fulfilled the promise," he said.

Power availability, which was a mere 500-600 MW daily in 2005 when Kumar took rein, has risen to 2800 MW-2900 MW.

"By the end of this year its expected to go up to 4000 MW and by next year we are targeting to enhance it to 5000 MW daily," Manjhi, who was flanked by all his ministerial colleagues, said.

The Bihar chief minister said due to sustained efforts the state has been able to increase its forest cover from 7 per cent after bifurcation of Jharkhand from it to 12 per cent now. "We plant to increase it to 20 per cent by 2020."

The state government instead of promoting multinationals is encouraging cottage, small and medium industries to cut down carbon dioxide emission level and provide employment opportunity to people of the state.

Food Minister Shyam Rajak said Rs 900 crore has been earmarked for the bonus payment from state own resources.

The CM also announced the launch of 'Lok Samvedna Abhiyan" (public response campaign) under which officials would be trained to behave with sensitivity and in a dignified manner with people and public representatives.

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