Lok Samiti Convention at Patna

On 17 November, Bihar state Lok Samiti has called a convention for volunteers & office bearers at Patna. Mr. Girija Satish (President, National Lok Samiti) was the chief guest of this programme who advocated for development policy to focus upon individual with substantial support and to make one responsible at the same time for outcome. He questioned upon government schemes like mid day meal at schools, nutritious food supplements at aanganwadi centres and subsidized food grains to BPL families while suggested for cash transfer to beneficiaries. Mr. Girija Satish was in favour of empowered gram panchayats/urban local bodies with judicial and financial powers to realize their ideas for development. He has charged present election system for high level corruption in India and warned against heavy capitalization of a democratic process. Expressing his concern over drug and liquor addiction among youths, he called for stern measures to be taken by government including policy shift for revenue. He stressed over practical technical education after 10th class for youths and a nation wide campaign for “Learn and Earn”. Mr. Girija Satish has identified the need of an inclusive and mandatory Insurance coverage for all citizens to meet up their health and emergency needs. The convention was chaired by Mr. Vijay Kumar (President, BSLS) who appealed for hand holding initiative among youths became victims of alcoholism and drug addiction. Mr. KG Azad (Convener, LS) has argued to oppose social evils, religious fanaticism, centralized development policies and briefed upon organizational expansion in Uttar Pradesh. Mr. Shivji Singh (General Secretary, BSLS) has outlined the resolutions related to strong PRIs & local bodies, addiction free Bihar, judicial reform, profitable agriculture, home to landless and communal harmony later passed by the convention. Mr. Binod Sharma (Treasurer, BSLS), Mr. Vidyabhushan Singh (Ex-MLA), Mrs. Manti Verma, Mrs. Radha Arya, Md. Nizamuddin, Mr. Jagannath Singh, Mr. Ramsharan , Mr. KD Singh, Prof. Somnath Tripathi and others have addressed the convention attended by around 400 people from different parts of Bihar.