US under secretary praises Nitish Kumar for 'positive change' in Bihar

Patna, April 3 (IANS) Impressed by the positive change and development in the eastern Indian state of Bihar in the last few years, US Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs Wendy R. Sherman Tuesday praised Chief Minister Nitish Kumar for this, officials said here.

"It is amazing to note that Bihar is developing fast and the state is on the move with good governance, a positive sign," said Sherman, who along with US Embassy Charge d'Affaires A. Peter Burleigh, visited Patna.

Sherman told newspersons here that Bihar has emerged as an inspiring model of positive change and good governance. "Bihari society in general and its youth in particular appear eager to create new opportunities for economic growth and development," she said.

According to officials here, Sherman met Nitish Kumar. Later, she attended a meeting of some of Bihar's leading entrepreneurs, think-tank analysts, community leaders, NGO activists and state government officials to discuss trends in development and governance throughout the state and potential challenges faced by them.

Prior to visiting Patna, Sherman was in New Delhi where she had meetings with political and government leaders. The highlight of the Delhi visit was her announcement of a $10 million bounty

for the capture of LeT founder and 26/11 mastermind Hafiz Saeed.