Will UPA government give special status to Bihar?

April 18, 2013 14:53

With the BJP-JD-U war over Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi intensifying, the ruling Congress government at the Centre is trying hard to woo Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, with the Union Cabinet on Thursday considering his demand for granting special status to his state.

Among other issues, the Cabinet will also examine changes to the Prevention of Corruption (PC) Act that also provide for confiscation of property if a case of graft is established.

Tougher provisions to cover "intermediaries" under the anti-corruption law but a buffer for retired officials who can be prosecuted only after investigating agencies get requisite sanctions will also be considered by the Union Cabinet today.

Doubling special support to Bihar to Rs 12,000 crore under the remaining four years of the 12th Plan, the judicial commission Bill and 8% dearness allowance (DA) for government employees are also on the Cabinet agenda.

The Bihar package under the Backward Region Grant Fund (BRGF) is a substantial mark up from Rs 5,500 crore during the previous Plan period and comes at a time when Congress is eyeing Janata Dal (U) leader Nitish Kumar to shore up support in Parliament.

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