Siraha, February 5

Province 2 Chief Minister Lalbabu Raut has blamed corruption and lack of accountability as the biggest hurdle in the way of developing the country.

“It’s the entrenched culture of corruption and irresponsibility that have delayed development of the country; granting holiday for a day or two in recognition of a cultural and religious festival doesn’t stop the pace of development,” Raut said.

“The government’s act of granting holiday for days to mark festivals of some community while not giving the same treatment to the festivals of other communities is discriminatory. We are against such discrimination,” said Raut.

Further, the CM informed that the recently passed Police Act and Civil Servants Act of the province have the provision for quota for women.

“Gone are the days when women had to be unemployed even after being educated. As we’ve made a provision for 50 per cent quota for women, educated women won’t be jobless now,” he said.

Raut also informed about his government’s plan to ensure free higher education for the children of the Dalit community.

“The children of Dalits will get higher education free of cost with free accommodation facilities once the Dalit Empowerment Bill that is under discussion now is passed by the Province Assembly,” he said.