News Analysis India

Tag: Nitish Kumar

  • Covid-19 lockdown extended in Bihar by 10 days till May 25 after ‘positive outcome’

    By PTI
    PATNA: Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Thursday announced the extension of the lockdown in the state till May 25.

    Kumar made the announcement after chairing a high-level meeting, convened to take a decision on the lockdown, which was in place from May 5 to 15.

    “Reviewed the lockdown in Bihar with colleagues in the council of ministers and officials. The positive outcome of the lockdown is evident. Hence, a decision has been taken to extend the lockdown by another 10 days, from May 16 to 25,” the chief minister tweeted in Hindi.

    The state has been rattled by explosive growth in its COVID-19 incidence since the beginning of April.

    Lockdown extended from May 16 to 25 in Bihar in view of the positive results received in containing pandemic spread in the first round of lockdown, CM Nitish Kumar confirmed it through twitter.@NewIndianXpress @TheMornStandard @gsvasu_TNIE @khogensingh1
    — Rajesh K Thakur (@hajipurrajesh) May 13, 2021

    During the period, its total caseload has risen by nearly three times and exceeded six lakh.

    The death toll, which on Wednesday crossed 3,500, has also seen a more than three-fold jump during the period.

    Those succumbing to COVID-19 include many sitting and former legislators, top bureaucrats and doctors.

    Nonetheless, the situation has looked up in the past few days, causing the recovery rate — which had dipped to as low as 77 per cent at the beginning of this month — to reach 83.43 per cent on Wednesday.

    On Wednesday, the state registered 9,863 fresh cases, after having witnessed daily jumps in its tally by a five- digit figure for more than a fortnight.

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  • Day after Pappu Yadav’s arrest, wife and Congress leader Ranjeet Ranjan lashes out at Nitish

    Express News Service
    PATNA:  Angry over the arrest of her husband Pappu Yadav, senior Congress leader and former MP from Bihar’s Supual, Ranjeet Ranjan, took to Twitter to warn Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar of repercussions if her husband contracted Covid-19 in prison. 

    Rajesh Ranjan alias Pappu Yadav, former Madhepura MP and chief of Jan Adhikar Party (JAP), was arrested on Tuesday in connection with a 32-year-old case of kidnapping lodged in Madhepura. 

    Taking to twitter, Pappu Yadav’s wife, Ranjeet Ranjan, who is also the AICC secretary and national spokesperson of Congress Party warned: “@Nitish Ji, Pappu ji is corona negative, if he turns positive, if I did not bring you and four other people and an ambulance thieve, involved in this conspiracy, out of the CM residence and stand at a crossroads, then my name is not Ranjeet Ranjan”. 

    She also said that Pappu Yadav had undergone a serious surgery a few days ago and he was advised by doctor to rest for three months.

    “But putting his life at risk and despite doctors’ advise, he continued serving the people of Bihar amid the Corona crisis,” she told the media.

    Accusing the Bihar government of plotting against Pappu Yadav, she said were he to contract the infection, she would bring the conspirators to book.

    Pappu’s arrest had triggered a public outrage, with even NDA allies slamming the move.

  • Pappu Yadav’s arrest reveals NDA faultlines as allies slam Nitish

    Express News Service
    PATNA:  The arrest of Jan Adhikar Party chief and Madhepura ex-MP Rajesh Ranjan alias Pappu Yadav in Patna on Tuesday laid bare the fault lines in the NDA, with two important allies the Hindustan Awami Morcha (HAM) and the Vikashsheel Inssan Party (VIP) launching a scathing attack on incumbent Nitish Kumar.

    Pappu Yadav was arrested by the Patna police for violating lockdown guidelines by visiting the Patna Medical College Hospital without obtaining e-pass.

    He was later handed over to the Madhepura police. Yadav has been actively helping the Covid across the state and visiting hospitals to assess the infrastructure.  

    A couple of days ago, he had a spat with BJP Chapra MP Rajiv Pratap Rudy over dozens of ambulances lying idle at Saran.

    The Amnour police had lodged an FIR against him for allegedly damaging some ambulances at Vishwa Prabha Community Centre.

    Expressing his displeasure, ex-CM and HAM chief Jitan Ram Manjhi said: “If a public representative is arrested for serving public then it sets a dangerous precedent for humanity.”

    Had his arrest followed a judicial enquiry fixing responsibility, it would have been alright. However, such highhandedness may rightly spark public outrage.

    Soon after Manjhi’s reaction, minister of fisheries and animal husbandry and VIP chief Mukesh Sahni, too, voiced his concern.

    “Instead of motivating people to offer selfless service, arresting selfless workers like Pappu Yadav comes across as insensitive,” he said.

    Yadav’s arrest had elicited sharp response from the Opposition camp as well.

    Soon after Yadav’s arrest, his supporters created a ruckus outside the Gandhimaindan police station in Patna.

    They cried foul over his handing over to the Madhepura police. 

  • Lockdown to be imposed in Bihar till May 15, tweets CM Nitish Kumar

    Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Tuesday announced lockdown in the state till May 15.

    “After discussion with the associate ministers and officials yesterday, it was decided to implement the lockdown in Bihar by May 15, 2021. In relation to its detailed guidelines and other activities, today the Crisis management group has been instructed to take action,” tweeted Bihar CM.

    The decision of the Chief Minister came after Patna High Court on Monday asked the state government to control the COVID-19 situation and declare a lockdown or it will have to pass an appropriate order.

    Earlier, the Bihar government has imposed a night curfew in the state till March 15.

    Bihar Chief Minister has also announced free COVID-19 vaccine to all above 18 years of age.

    Meanwhile, the state registered 11,407 more COVID-19 cases on Monday, taking the total count of active cases in Bihar to 1,07,667.

  • Free vaccination to all aged above 18: Bihar government extends poll promises to vast population

    By PTI
    PATNA: The Bihar government on Wednesday announced that it will provide free COVID vaccination to all aged above 18, extending the facility provided to citizens of the state of other categories so far. Chief Minister Nitish Kumar informed this through a tweet message.

    Kumar said that the state government will bear the cost of administering jabs to all citizens of the state above 18 years of age starting from May 1.

    From the beginning the state government has been providing vaccine to its natives of all the listed categories above 45 years of age without any payment, in the government as well as in the designated private hospitals across the state.

    Free vaccination was announced by the NDA in the Bihar assembly elections in November-December last year and it is being fulfiled by the Nitish Kumar ministry. Free vaccination announcement even for population above 18 years of age drew praise even from the main opposition RJD.

    Leader of the opposition Tejashwi Yadav, however, tried to score political point over the issue, claiming the decision was due to the opposition demand. “Would like to know the plan how around 10 crore population of Bihar will be inoculated? hope this doesn’t turn out an empty announcement like the one made to provide jobs to 19 lakh people,” Tejashwi said in a statement attaching Kumar’s tweet message.

    अब जबकि केन्द्र सरकार ने राज्यों को खुद वैक्सीन खरीदने को कहा है तो आपने वैक्सीन Procurement का क्या प्लान बनाया है?अबतक राज्य में 4 महीनों में मात्र 4% लोगों को टीका दिया गया है।इस गति से अगर टीकाकरण अभियान चलता रहा तो सम्पूर्ण टीकाकरण करने में 8-9 साल लग जाएँगे।है कि नहीं?
    — Tejashwi Yadav (@yadavtejashwi) April 21, 2021

    The big announcement by the chief minister came at a time when Bihar is witnessing second surge of coronavirus like rest of the country. As per the health bulletin issued Wednesday, a total of 12,222 more citizens tested positive, while 56 lost their lives due to the deadly disease.

    The state has total 3,54,281 COVID cases while the tally of fatalities is 1897 since the outbreak of the virus last year. Bihar has 63,745 active cases of coronavirus at present. On the vaccination front, Bihar administered jabs to 75,671 citizens Wednesday, while 62,67,491 beneficiaries of the ongoing categories have been inoculated so far.

  • COVID-19: Bihar imposes night curfew; malls and gyms to remain shut till May 15

    By ANI
    PATNA: In the light of the surge in the COVID-19 cases in the state, the Bihar government on Sunday impose night curfew in the state.

    Bihar CM Nitish Kumar said, “Night curfew will remain in place across Bihar from 9 pm to 5 am. All shops selling vegetables, fruits, eggs and meat will be closed by 6 pm. Restaurants and dhabas to be operational for home delivery and take away services till 9 pm.”

    The state government has also decided that schools, colleges and other educational institutions in Bihar will remain shut till May 15. During this period, state-run schools and universities will not conduct any exam.

    “Schools, colleges and other educational institutes will remain closed and no examination will be held by state-run schools and universities till May 15. Cinema halls, malls, clubs, gyms, and parks will be closed till May 15. All religious places to remain closed in Bihar till May 15. Not more than 25 people will be allowed at last rites. Only 100 people will be allowed at weddings,” Kumar said

    The Chief Minister informed that 8,690 fresh cases of COVID-19 have been reported in Bihar on Sunday. Moreover, the Bihar government has decided to provide bonus salary of one month to all healthcare workers this year.

    As per an official statement, there are 39,498 active cases of COVID-19 in Bihar, while the death toll due to the infection have mounted to 1,722.

  • Decision on stricter Covid-related curbs to be taken on April 18, says CM Nitish Kumar

    Express News Service
    The Bihar government is set to take a major decision to impose stricter curbs to check the rising infection rate of COVID-19 on April 18 at a meeting of officials after Saturday’s all-party meet.

    Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Friday after chairing a high-level meeting with officials said that the government will inform the representatives of all the parties about the steps being taken to check the pandemic spread at the all-party meeting, taking place on Saturday through virtual modes under the  chairmanship of Governor Phagu Chauhan.

    He told the media that the final decision on strict curbs to be imposed in the state will be taken on April 18. 

    The CM added that Covid positive cases in the state are rising everyday.

    Meanwhile, official sources said that a weekend curfew or a lockdown may be imposed first in districts like Patna as the city reports the highest number of covid-19 cases daily. 

    The availability of Oxygen in hospitals in Bihar will also be discussed at the meeting, Kumar added. 

    Principal Secretary Pratyay Amrit earlier said that efforts are on to ensure proper availability of oxygen in hospitals and that oxygen plants will soon be set up in two government Covid-dedicated hospitals in Patna.

    There are also preparations to start oxygen plants in seven other government hospitals of the state within the next seven to ten days.

  • After surge in COVID cases, Bihar may order weekend lockdown, curfew soon

    Express News Service
    PATNA: An massive surge in COVID-19 cases taking the count to over 2.95 lakh on Thursday has evidently alarmed the state of Bihar.

    Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Thursday said that the Covid positives is also being reported from rural areas apart from urban pockets and the state is badly falling in the second wave in India.

    Speaking to the media after taking the second jab at IGIMS on Thursday, Kumar said that the state government is keeping strict vigil on the emerging trends of the pandemic and would go to any extent to check it after the all party meet on April 17 chaired by the governor.

    “Our officers and the minister also are speaking to everyone within and outside the state and ensuring immediate returning of all those who want to return to Bihar from other states,” he said, replying to a specific query regarding imposition of either curfew or lockdown in the state ahead.

    He stated that the COVID-19 has started spreading in some rural pockets apart from urban, which has made the state government to enforce the safety guidelines across the state.

    “We have now ramped up the testing count to nearly 1 lakh daily and hoping to exceed it soon. We will act strongly if the situation continues persisting worsening,” he hinted about the state’s move to be taken ahead.

    Meanwhile, reliable sources said that the state government may place five to six cities including Patna under curfew or a week long lockdown after April 17.

    The cities apart from Patna ikely to be placed under curfew or lockdown are Muzaffarpur, Gaya, Bhagalpur, West Champaran, Saran, Begusarai and Munger.

    On Thursday, Bihar reported the highest single day spike in positive cases – 6,133 – the highest of second wave.

    In Bihar, everyday 7 to 10 patients die in Patna besides deaths reported from other parts.

    As many as 24 COVID patients died in the last 24 hours in the state till Thursday evening, drastically reducing the recovery rate to 89.79% from over 97%.

    The shortage of oxygen cylinders in the hospitals is also impending to such an extent that the DM Patna had to depute magistrates to monitor the supply.

    The Patna DM ordered the agencies to supply 90 per cent of total production of oxygen cylinders to Patna through the state industry department.

  • Bihar asks shops to shut down at 7 pm in new guidelines to fight Covid surge 

    By Express News Service
    PATNA: With Covid cases rising, the state government has issued fresh guidelines allowing shops to remain open only till 7 pm. The order came into immediate effect from Friday. 

    Bihar CM Nitish Kumar also extended the closure of all educational institutions including schools, colleges and coaching centres till April 18.

    After chairing a high-level meeting with officials on Friday, the Chief Minister said, “We are ready to take whatever steps may be required to check the spike in the positive cases. A massive testing has started at all places for the passengers returning from Maharashtra (in particular).” 

    He added that in the next few days an all-party meeting will be held to decide further steps.

    The CM categorically said that no decision was taken to impose night curfew or lockdown in the state. What was decided was to get people to adhere to safety measures through a mass mobilisation drive. 

    The Chief Minister said 17 passengers who had returned from Mumbai had tested positive in Patna. He added that if the situation deteriorates further in Bihar, more stringent steps will be taken to check the pandemic.

    Principal health secretary Pratyay Amrit, who was also present at the media interaction, said that all religious places will remain closed till April 30 and restrictions have been imposed on gatherings and public events in view of the rising graph of Covid positive cases.

    He also said that a special vaccination drive on mission mode will be carried out from April 11 to 14 to vaccinate at least 4 lakh people each on the four days.

    “For special vaccination drive, additional vaccines have also been requested by the state government,” Amrit said.

    He said that only 35% attendance has been allowed in the government offices. 

    “Only 25% of customers will be allowed in restaurants and 50% in movie halls,” he said.

    “Restaurants and dhabas will be allowed to remain open after 7 pm but with only 25% of their capacity. But a total ban on home delivery or takeaway system in the state will remain effective,” Pratyay Amrit said.

  • Bihar completes five years of total ban on liquor amidst criticism and compliments

    Express News Service
    PATNA: Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar claimed of positive impact due to the total prohibition of liquor as the State completes five years of ban on April 5.

    The five years saw a huge number of arrests involving suppliers,liquor peddlers and seizures of both country-made and India -Made Foreign Liquor(IMFL).

    CM Nitish Kumar had declared the total ban of sale and consumption of liquor with effect from April 5 in 2016. Since then, the state police along with the officials of state excise and prohibition wings continued raiding places to check the supply, sale and smuggling of liquor leading to arrest to record number of people on the charges of being involved in anti-prohibition activities.

    In between all these efforts taken to ensure the total ban on liquor, many suspected deaths due to consumption of spurious liquor continued reported from across the state.

    Till today, the Opposition continues to attack the ruling NDA government, led by Nitish Kumar, for prohibition dubbing it as a ‘damp squib’.

    The recent report of suspected death came from Nawada where 14 persons died by consuming liquor during the Holi.

    But Dr Archana Kumari, an educationist and social researcher, said that the prohibition has saved millions of homes from being ruined by the alcoholism since 2016.

    Buoyed over the success in prohibition for more proper monitoring, the state government created a separate post of IG (Prohibition) now posting an upright IPS officer Amrit Raj. Raj continued wrecking havoc on liquor mafias and arrested a dozen of them from outside the state also on the charges of supplying liquor in Bihar through state-based liquor suppliers.

    “From April 1 in 2016 to 20-3-2021, a total 212015 cases of violation of prohibition were lodged by police and a total 279360 persons including many mafias and liquor suppliers have been arrested in the state,” the ADG ADG (HQ) Jitendra Kumar claimed.

    Quoting figures of seizure till March 20, 2021, the ADG said that more than 1.7 lakh crore litres of liquor were seized.

    Maintaining zero tolerance against the laxity in duty in ensuring it, actions were taken against 644 police officers and personnel so far, in which 135 police personnel and officers have been discharged from their services.

    “We have also debarred 59 police officers from being posted as SHOs for next 10 years on charges of founding them lax in duty on prohibition,” Jitendra Kumar said.

    “Among the arrests, more than 6700 were the stockists of illicit liquor. We have never hesitated in taking actions against cops and 135 of them have been dismissed. This exhibits our commitment towards zero tolerance in this respect,” he added.

    He said that CM Nitish Kumar and DGP SK Singhal continuously monitor the prohibition taking it to extreme level of success.