Wednesday, March 9 2005 13:54 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Patna: Bihar Governor Buta Singh today (Mar 9, 2005) said that he would soon affect a major reshuffle to tone up the police and civil administration.

Law and order and development, besides measures to check terrorism on Bihar-Nepal international border would be accorded top priority. Health, education and protection of human rights and programmes for women would be the thrust areas, he said after a high-level meeting in Patna.

Today's meeting at the main secretariat in Patna, was participated by chief secretary K A H Subramanian, State home commissioner Grisih Shankar and director general of police Narayan Mishra.

Singh said that sustained efforts would be made for providing security to people. Effective steps would be taken for all-round development of the State and activities of the anti-socials would be firmly checked.

Singh's statement on special measures to check terrorism along the Bihar-Nepal border followed reports that Maoist rebels from Nepal have sneaked into Bihar from across the border to take shelter.

Talking of the circumstances that led to Central rule in Bihar, Singh said that he had made frantic efforts to install a popular Government, "but in vain".

"I had invited the leaders of various political parties, groups, organisations and independents to ascertain whether they enjoyed support of the MLAs required for a simple majority in the 243-member Assembly".

"I was left with no option other than recommending imposition of President's rule in Bihar, as none of them were able to convince me about the support of the MLAs required for a simple majority," he said.

On the appointment of his advisors, the governor said, "I will let you know as soon as their appointments are made".