Patna: Representatives of the Chaurasia community met JD(U) national president and former Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Thursday and submitted a memorandum seeking the formation of a Pan Development Commission in Bihar, similar to the one in Madhya Pradesh.
The delegation, led by Subhash Chandra Prasad and Naveen Kumar alias Nageena Chaurasia, said betel leaf is an important crop with cultural and medicinal significance in Bihar but faces challenges due to inadequate support and promotion.
Demand for Pan Development Commission
The representatives told Nitish Kumar that betel leaf has been an integral part of Bihar’s culture and has multiple uses. They said the crop requires greater institutional support to address problems faced by both producers and consumers.
The community has been demanding a dedicated commission for a long time. According to the delegation, such a body could help support betel-leaf cultivation, address issues affecting growers and promote the sector in a more organised manner.
Nitish Kumar listened to the delegation and said he would inform the government about their demands and make efforts for appropriate action on the matter.
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Ward Secretaries Seek Reinstatement
Separately, a delegation of the Ward Secretary Association also met Nitish Kumar in Patna and submitted a memorandum seeking the reinstatement of 1,14,691 former ward secretaries.
The representatives highlighted difficulties arising from the termination of their services and sought consideration of their demands, including permanent service and a respectable salary structure.
The delegation also urged the government to consider the future of the affected employees and their families and take appropriate steps in their interest.
The two representations highlight separate demands for government intervention—one focused on supporting the betel-leaf sector and the other on the employment concerns of former ward secretaries.
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