PATNA: Chief minister Nitish Kumar's words were music to the ears of university and college teachers as well as doctors of the Bihar Health Services cadre and Ayush doctors when he announced enhancing their superannuation age from 62 to 65 at a function held to mark the completion of six years of his government. The issue was hanging fire for long. 

The retirement age of medical college teachers and doctors of some other medical institutions have already been increased to 65 years. The announcement would now be taken up and approved by the state cabinet. 

 HRD minister P K Shahi said that the increase in superannuation age of university and college teachers would be effective from July 2010. "There will be no extra burden on the state exchequer as most of the teachers who had retired during the past two-and-a-half years are still serving," he said. 

The CM also announced Patrakarita Samman Yojna for the print and electronic media journalists in four categories: urdu, women, socio-economic and developmental reporting, and life-time achievement awards. When the shutterbugs pointed out they do not come under any category, the CM immediately announced another category for the photographers. 

Asked about the Union cabinet's decision allowing 51% FDI in multi-brand retail, Nitish said, "I am strongly opposed to this decision." The decision will only increase unemployment and local retailers would be badly affected. The CM reminded that he had opposed the idea of Special Economic Zone (SEZ) and refused permission to open a single SEZ in Bihar. "Our country cannot prosper by borrowing the model of other countries." 

All ministers and top bureaucrats and police officials were present at Samwad, the CM secretariat, on the occasion where Nitish released the government's report card in English, Hindi and Urdu. The report was also unveiled on the state government's website. 

The CM announced that land survey would be held and completed in three years for which a bill would be introduced in the winter session of the state legislature. This would usher in a new beginning in rural Bihar and reduce social tension, he said.