After an uprising in the women welfare and education in Bihar, President Pratibha Patil has praised the state government for its unique steps taken towards the development. Inaugurating the state Legislative Council's centenary celebrations in Patna, she said efforts of governments should be to enable even the weaker sections to enjoy the fruits of development. Mrs Patil expressed the hope that that legislators in the state will work along with Panchayati Raj institutions. She said Bihar is one of the first states in the country to have given 50 per cent reservation to women in Panchayati Raj institutions and congratulated the Bihar government for this. The President said during her last visit to the state in 2008, she had said the aim should be to give work opportunities to the women. She said the social structure should be made in such a way that women live with respect and pride. The President also advised the Bihar government to increase agriculture production and to develop the industry in the state. Mrs Patil also honoured the five longest serving former members of the Bihar legislative council. They are PN Sharma, Ram Nandan singh,Indra Kumar, Ramesh Prasad Singh and Sheo Nandan Prasad Singh. President also released a set of seven books on this occasion. These books are related to history and proceeding of the state legislative council. Besides chairman of the upper houses of UP, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and Jammu and Kashmir speakers of legislative assemblies of west Bengal and Orissa have also participated in the celebrations.
