Patna: Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary on Thursday affirmed that maintaining law and order and the rule of law remains the top priority of the state government. He directed district magistrates (DMs) and superintendents of police (SPs) to take timely and stringent action against anti-social elements to reinforce public confidence.
Speaking at a workshop of DMs, SPs, and divisional officials at Adhiveshan Bhavan, Choudhary said the government is in no mood to compromise on the three Cs — crime, corruption, and communalism. He emphasized that any visitor to Bihar should carry the right perception about the state.
Law and Order Key to Investment
“The law and order and rule of law are on the priority list of the government, and should continue to be the ruling norm. The twin issues help in attracting investors, which is the basis of industrialisation, development and progress to which the government is committed,” Choudhary said.
He added that if a person is murdered, the police should ensure arrest of the accused within 48 hours after the case is registered. All blocks, circle offices, and police stations will be monitored daily from the chief minister’s office (CMO).
Chief secretary Pratyaya Amrit, director general of police Vinay Kumar, and DG (operations) Kundan Krishnan presented updates on development, crime control, and law and order during the workshop.
Stringent Action Against Illicit Activities
Without mincing words, Choudhary stressed immediate action to improve law and order and curb illegal activities such as smuggling and sale of illicit liquor, manufacture of spurious liquor, and the supply and sale of narcotics.
“Take action against those who sell smuggled liquor. Identify even the police personnel who give protection to such activities and also take stringent action against them,” he said, adding that units manufacturing spurious liquor should be “demolished”.
He underlined the responsibility of DMs and SPs in implementing government policies with “will power”, ensuring their functioning remains service-oriented to achieve good governance and transparency, and maintaining accessibility to the public in their offices every day from 10 am to 1 pm.
Ex Gratia for Slain Officer
Referring to the recent murder of an executive officer in Bhagalpur district, Choudhary said the government appreciated his “will to struggle with the assailant” and provided Rs 25 lakh as ex gratia to his family, besides giving state honours during cremation.
Investment and Women Safety
The CM said the government is committed to providing all facilities and support to investors and asked district civil and police officials to “guarantee protection and required facilities” so they are encouraged to set up and expand industrial units in the state. “The government is expecting investment to the tune of Rs 5 lakh crore by November,” he said.
He added that safety of women and girl children remains high on the agenda and directed implementation of the ‘Police Didi’ concept.
New Initiatives
Among new initiatives, Choudhary said panchayat-level “cooperation camps” will be held twice every month on the first and third Tuesday, with complaints to be resolved within 30 days by the concerned officials.
He also said all district hospitals will be upgraded to specialty hospitals by July 1 and sub-divisional hospitals by August 15. “The government doctors should give proper treatment to the patients and shed the habit of referring them to higher hospitals. Only in critical cases they should be referred to higher hospitals,” he said.
The CM further directed officials to identify 50 destinations in each district and develop them to boost tourism. “All government officers and employees would be given two-day leave to go on Bihar Darshan for scenic and spiritual pleasure at tourist spots,” he said.
