Patna: CM Samrat Choudhary on Tuesday said the state govt would continue its zero-tolerance policy against crime and cross-border infiltration, adding that security along the India-Nepal border has been strengthened with 194 border outposts across the 735-km frontier.Addressing a public meeting after attending a ‘Sahyog Shivir’ at Haripur Panchayat Sarkar Bhavan under Forbesganj block in Araria district, Samrat also sought to clear doubts over toll collection on state highways.“There should be no confusion. No toll tax will be imposed on private vehicles on state highways. Tax will be collected only from commercial vehicles,” he said.Samrat said land has been made available for the proposed Forbesganj Airport and efforts would be made to begin construction in the next financial year. He added that land for a medical college in Araria is also ready and its foundation stone would be laid soon.He said work is progressing on several infrastructure projects, including the four-lane road, Siliguri-Gorakhpur Expressway, Kosi-Mechi Link Project, Bairgachhi-Sikti road, Saifganj-Sukela bypass and the Subhash Chowk rail overbridge.The CM said the Union govt has increased Bihar’s development allocation under the 16th Finance Commission from Rs 20,000 crore to Rs 50,000 crore.Highlighting the state’s education drive, Samrat said arrangements for new degree colleges in the remaining 213 blocks would be completed by July 15. Model schools will be set up in all 534 blocks, with coaching facilities in model schools and rural high schools so students do not have to travel to Patna or other cities for studies.Describing the ‘Sahyog Shivir’ as a platform to ensure quick and transparent disposal of public grievances, he said the govt is taking services to villages so people receive timely justice.Samrat said 4,53,062 applications have been received at Sahyog Shivirs across the state, of which 4,25,660 have been disposed of. In Araria, 6,845 of 7,130 applications have been resolved, while 285 remain pending. In Haripur panchayat, 245 of 259 applications have been disposed of and 14 are pending.Meanwhile, the CM said, notices have been issued to officials where delays occurred in disposal of the applications received at ‘Sahyog Shivir’. Of the total applications received in Bihar, the first notice has been sent to 12,869 officers concerned, the second notice to 340, and the third notice to 13 concerned officials. He said that this is proof of the administration’s accountability and fast work style.
