Supaul, Dec 26 (UNI) Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar today announced that the state govenment would launch ration coupon scheme for the people living below poverty line on January 26.

After laying foundation of various schemes of Rs 675 crore here, Mr Kumar said the state government had initiated several steps for strengthening the Panchayati Raj system, adding mukhiyas would be vested with more power for implementation of welfare schemes at grassroot levels.

''The panchayat election was a great challenge for the state government but we successfully conducted it without any assistance from para-military forces,'' he claimed.

Referring to the law and order situation, Mr Kumar said the state government had succeeded in checking crimes to a great extent and people were now feeling safe.

''The entrepreneurs and businessmen, who had migrated to other parts of the country due to poor law and order situation earlier, are now returning to their home state,'' he stated.

Mr Kumar said the state government was committed to providing clean administration and the Vigilance Bureau had been directed to keep a vigil on public servants at all levels.

''The perennial problem of flood could be solved only through interlinking of rivers,'' he emphasised.

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