PATNA: Gearing up for the Assembly election in Bihar, a welfare package war has broken out between political adversaries, with incumbent Nitish Kumar on Friday unveiling a Rs 2.7 lakh crore vision plan to counter Prime Minister’s Rs 1.25 lakh crore special package announced earlier. Nitish Kumar’s vision document chalks out an action plan worth Rs 2.70 lakh crore for the next five years, if people elect him again.
The Seven-point development plan unveiled by Kumar was in addition to the ongoing schemes in different sectors. The ambitious programmes included free electricity and drinking water connection in every household and jobs for women.
Hitting out the recently announced special package by Prime Minister, Kumar said, “My vision action plan is double what they have announced. Their’s was a repackaging of old schemes. Further, I have also worked out the resource mobilization for the programmes.”
Asked if it is a manifesto of his party or alliance, Kumar said, “It’s my vision and people of my state trust me.” When media persons further probed whether his allies share his vision, he said, “I am the leader of the alliance in coming election.”
The document was planned in a way to mobilize youth and women in favor of the ruling alliance. These two sections may prove real game changers in the election.
The Chief Minister said, “Youth in the age group of 20-25 would get Rs 1,000 monthly allowance twice for a period of nine months each to meet expenses during search for jobs.” In a move to empower women, Kumar announced 35 per cent reservation for them in all government jobs.