Govt slashes competitive exam fees; CM vows to boost policing
Nitish Kumar
on Friday announced a significant relief for job aspirants taking two-tier competitive examinations conducted by state govt agencies, reducing the preliminary test (PT) fee to Rs 100 and waiving all fees for the main examinations.
The announcement came during his address at the main state Independence Day function at Gandhi Maidan, where contingents of the state police, NCC and other groups saluted the CM. Various departments also showcased their tableaux to mark the celebration.
Nitish said the relevant department would issue the notification soon. "Since we came to power in November 2005, the first step we took was controlling crimes and improving law and order, which remains the highest priority of the govt," he told the gathering, adding that a society where the rule of law prevails without fear was essential for progress.
He highlighted the expansion of the police force from 42,000 personnel in 2005 to 1.10 lakh by 2022. A review last year concluded that Bihar required at least 2.22 lakh police personnel. "By now, we have further increased the strength to 1.31 lakh and are taking steps to reach the target of 2.23 lakh," he said, appealing for communal harmony.
The CM described the caste-based headcount and economic survey as a landmark initiative, revealing that 94 lakh families across all caste and social groups had been identified as poor.
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"The govt decided to provide Rs 2 lakh to each of these poor families, and while some steps were taken earlier, it has now been decided to release the funds simultaneously. A high-level committee is working swiftly on this," he added.
Nitish also recalled achievements in education, health, infrastructure, power supply and women's empowerment, especially through the Jeevika Didi programme. He said during his Pragati Yatra earlier this year, 430 schemes were announced, all of which had been approved by the cabinet with an overall investment of Rs 50,000 crore.
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