For Bihari babus, Jharkhand is right choice

Many of them said their choice was made thinking that the new state will be free the criminal-politician nexus, the bane of Bihar. 8220;Salubrious climate, good educational institutions and hopes for better system of administration have made me opt for Jharkhand,8221; said Phul Singh, South Chotanagpur Div Commissioner.

Others like the Deputy Commissioner who has opted to stay back in Patna allege that 8220;many of those who have opted for Jharkhand cadre are corrupt, they see butter and cream in the mineral wealth of Jharkhand.8221; The IAS officer, incidentally, is perceived to be close to Laloo. He has opted to stay in Patna.

In Bihar, the number of IAS, IPS, and Indian Forest Service officers are 353, 248 and 173. Their estimated requirement in Jharkhand is approximately 145, 90 and 120 respectively. But over 256, 149 and 155 officers respectively are said to have opted for Jharkhand.

Their preference for Jharkhand was recorded by the Bihar government after they submitted applications in response to a state government notification seeking to know their choice of cadre latest by September 19.

Matters concerning the division of cadre are being looked into by a committee headed by the Secretary Development, Bihar. This committee will recommend cadre allotment to the Union Government8217;s committee which is expected to make its recommendations before September 30. Jharkhand will formally come into existence by November 15.