Question is, can Bihar run?

Maize processing units worth Rs 2500 crore have got single window clearance by the State Investment Promotion Board SIPB. Maize is widely cultivated in the Gangetic basin but the potential was never exploited in Bihar.

Anand Mahindra of Mahindra and Mahindra has promised to invest in the state in a big way. 8220;I feel it is my duty to participate in the development of Bihar8230; We will study the feasibility of setting up a tractor assembling unit. Agri business has great potential and we will consider marketing branded litchis and mangoes from Bihar8221;, he said.

Buddhist sites will be exploited to attract investment in the tourism sector, Nitish Kumar has pledged. The idea of reviving the ancient Nalanda University, as proposed by President Kalam, has already drawn keen interest from Japan and Singapore. The university is proposed to be set up over 200 acres of land with an investment of around Rs 500 crore. On a recent India visit, Singapore8217;s foreign minister has shown interest in infrastructure building for Buddhist sites. Land acquisition has begun.

Investment Board Chairman Ratan Tata has lauded the state government8217;s reform measures. 8220;You stand up and I will make you run8221;, he said, while addressing Bihar entrepreneurs recently.

Bihar government is going all out to woo the Tatas to set up their small car factory in Bihar in case of any problems in West Bengal.

50 per cent reservations for women and 20 per cent for the Extremely Backward Classes EBCs in Panchayat bodies have been instituted.

Last, but certainly not least, the process of appointment of 2.36 lakh school teachers is underway. The appointment of 1.5 lakh teachers is on the verge of completion. For the first time after nearly 20 years appointments are taking place on such a large scale.

Compiled by J.P. Yadav