CM Nitish promises edu to toddy tappers' kids in state

Samastipur: Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Friday inaugurated a state fair to mark the birth anniversary of Baba Kewal Maharaj, a Nishad warrior who came to be worshipped as a deity by fishermen, at Indrawara village in Morwa block of Samastipur district.

He announced that Baba Kewal's place at Indrawara would be developed as a tourist spot. The CM also promised to establish an industrial training institute (ITI) near the village for the youths of this backward region to benefit from it.

The ITI will be named after Baba Kewal Maharaj.

Addressing a huge gathering of devotees drawn from different parts of the country, Nitish harped on his favourite theme of prohibition and said proper implementation of the laws banning the consumption of alcoholic liquor would be a true tribute to Baba Kewal Maharaj.

In his bid to heal the wounds of Pasi (toddy tappers) community who will be adversely affected if the ban on the sale of toddy is enforced, the CM said children of toddy-tappers would be educated and ways and means found to help the members of Pasi community economically. He reiterated that 'Neera'-related industries would be established across the state to tone up the economic condition of Pasis.

Speaking at the function, Bihar Vidhan Sabha Speaker Vijay Kumar Choudhary gave details regarding the brave act of Baba Kewal Maharaj and his disciple Amar Singh who established his ashram at Shiura village in Patori block. He praised the duo in unequivocal terms.

Choudhary also praised CM Kumar for ensuring the development of Bihar at a rapid pace. He called upon the followers and disciples of Baba Kewal Maharaj to create an atmosphere in favour of total prohibition.

Revenue and land reforms minister Dr Madan Mohan Jha, cooperative minister Alok Kumar Mehta, urban development minister Maheshwar Hazari, MP Nityanand Rai and several others also spoke on the occasion and supported the CM's vow for alcohol-free Bihar. Many women who attended the meet applauded vigorously when the speakers talked of enforcing the laws to check consumption of alcohol.