Beginning August 15 this year,it will be mandatory for the 26,000 scheduled caste villages across Bihar to hoist the national flag on Independence Day,Republic Day and Bihar Diwas. A village elder will unfurl the Tricolour on these days. It will cost the state government Rs 1.3 crore per year.
The move by the Nitish Kumar government is aimed at consolidating its hold over the Dalit constituency as well as popularising the new Right to Service Guarantee Act.
General Administration Department GAD Principal Secretary Deepak Kumar said,Our department has issued a circular on May 19 with the sole objective of empowering Dalits and instilling a sense of pride in them about our history and heritage. He added that the Right to Service Guarantee Act,to be notified soon,would be a effective tool in the hands of people. We will simplify the process of getting a BPL card,I-card and driving licence during such functions where government servants will interact with villagers.
The circular,served to all 38 district magistrates,said that the government would designate an official well in advance to prepare for the function and set a budget of Rs 500 for a Dalit village/ tola. Bihar Administrative Reforms Mission Society will send its instructions to district collectors concerned.