Nitish calls for end to child marriage, dowry
BETTIAH: Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar on Tuesday said the process of social change that began in the state with the liquor ban would be carried forward by the abolition of child marriage and dowry.
“Bringing social change is our government’s resolve. We want overall development — both physical and social — and society needs to be alert towards the evils of liquor, dowry, and child marriage,” Kumar said, embarking on his ‘Vikas ki Samiksha Yatra’ from Patilar panchayat, close to the Nepal border, in West Champaran district.
Kumar will review the implementation of development schemes during his phase-wise yatra, his 11th such tour of the state since coming to power in 2005.
In January 2009, Kumar had also started his Vikas Yatra from Patilar, once known for dacoit gangs operating from riverine areas of Burhi Gandak.
Kumar said that a human chain would be formed in support of his campaign to end child marriage and dowry.
“We had implemented prohibition in the state last year and launched a massive campaign in its support by forming a human chain on January 21. I appeal to all of you to join another human chain on January 21, 2018, in support of the drive to end the evils of child marriage and dowry,” he said.
Kumar reiterated his resolve towards development and said he would visit all the 19 villages where he had stayed during his previous yatras and take stock of the implementation of promises made by him.
He also launched different development projects worth ~122 crore for the district.