Patna: Stung by the criticism for alleged security lapses resulting in the recent killing of an engineer of the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), Bihar Government has decided to provide security to the engineers, staff and contractors associated with Centrally sponsored projects in the state.

State's Chief Secretary K A H Subramanian said in Patna today (Dec 12, 2003) that round-the-clock patrolling would be introduced in the areas where Centre-funded projects were being executed.

The security cover would be on the pattern of one given to the Prime Minister's dream Golden Quadrilateral Project, he said, adding 15 companies of Central Para-Military Forces (CPMF) would be deployed for Golden Quadrilateral Project spread over four districts -- Rohtas, Kaimur, Aurangabad and Gaya --covering a stretch of 202 kms.

Concerned Superintendents of Police have been asked to send their requisition for deployment of CPMFs and if required, the state government would also demand additional forces from the Centre, he said.

Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) Chief Laloo Prasad Yadav had charged the Centre with trying to shift the blame on Bihar Government and cover up its own lapses in the killing.

PTI