Female education, storm drains: Nitish Kumar unveils 7-point election plan
What's the story
With the Bihar elections about a month away, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has unveiled his seven-point plan in his hopes to return to power. Addressing the media, Kumar unveiled the 'Saath Nischay Part 2' (Seven Resolves Part 2) as a sequel to the seven-point agenda that won him the 2015 elections. The plan focuses on female education, wider access to irrigation, skill-development centers, etc.
Plan
Girls to receive Rs. 25,000 upon clearing higher secondary exams
Kumar said, according to the plan, all girls clearing higher secondary exams will receive a sum of Rs. 25,000. Upon completing graduation, they will receive Rs. 50,000. Every district will have mega skill centers, Kumar said, admitting that it is not possible to provide government jobs to everyone. A new department will also be formed to manage the centers, he said.
Plan
Irrigation for all agricultural land; solar street lights for villages
All agricultural land in the state will have access to irrigation. All villages will have solar street lights, Kumar said, also promising proper waste management in rural areas and a stormwater drainage system in all cities and towns. There will be more flyovers and bypass roads, he said. This move is aimed at decongesting city traffic.
Information
More crematoriums, healthcare facilities
Further, Kumar promised to build more crematoriums and healthcare facilities across the state, especially in the rural areas. He has also promised more shelter homes for the old and housing for the urban poor with multi-story buildings.
Quote
Delivered on seven resolves made in 2015: Kumar
Kumar said he has delivered on all the seven resolves made in 2015. "All sectors in the state witnessed all-round growth," Hindustan Times quoted him as saying. "We would like to carry forward our seven resolves-part 2," he said, "The new resolution will be achieved in the next five years." "A promise is a promise. I will never waiver on delivery," he added.
Elections
Elections to be held in phases; result on November 10
The Bihar elections will be held in three phases. The first phase will be held on October 28 across 71 constituencies. The second phase for 94 constituencies will be held on November 3, followed by the third phase for 78 constituencies on November 7. The poll results will be declared on November 10. Bihar has 72 million registered voters, according to the Election Commission.