Patna, Nov. 21: Gaya resident Laxmi Priya stood out in the crowd of complainants at the chief minister’s janata darbar today despite her short frame.

Laxmi, a Class IV student of a government school in Gaya district, has seen a lot in her 12 years. Her brother killed their parents last year and is lodged in jail, she said, leaving her to fend for herself.

Two weeks ago, Laxmi had seen Nitish on a news channel, listening to complainants at his janata darbar at 1 Aney Marg. Today, the 12-year-old came to the darbar, accompanied by a relative, with a request: grant her late father’s pension so that she has the financial means to run her house and continue her education.

She went up to Nitish’s table, her stature not too high than the chief minister’s desk, and narrated her woes. Laxmi told Nitish that her late father was a clerk in the state rural works department.

“Sir, my father was a clerk in the rural works department. Last year, my brother killed him and our mother. Though he is behind bars now, I don’t have any financial support. I want to continue my studies. I request you to kindly transfer the benefits my father was receiving at his job,” Laxmi told Nitish.

She added: “Two weeks ago, I saw you on a news channel solving everyone’s problems. I heard that you are the only person who can help me in this matter. I have also heard that nobody can dare surpass your order, so kindly look into my matter.”

Surprised at what he was hearing from such a young resident of the state, the chief minister asked: “Are you alone or has somebody accompanied you here?”

The girl said one of her relatives had come with her and was waiting outside the darbar. Nitish soon directed her to the table of the rural works department where secretary B. Rajender occupied the seat.

Laxmi went up to Rajender to explain her problem.

After giving Laxmi’s problem a patient hearing, he said: “I understand your problem. Do not worry about your studies being affected as the government will give you all kind of support.” On her financial problem, Rajendra added: “As far as transferring the benefits of your father’s job is concerned, the department will get back to you in 10 days. However, I ensure you would get all possible support from the government.”

Happy with a solution to her problem, Laxmi, who wants to grow up to be an engineer, later told The Telegraph: “This was a dream come true for me. First, my financial problem was solved and second, my dream to see Nitish Sir from up close came true. I am lucky I got the opportunity to meet him personally today. He is really a good man. Even the officials at the darbar spoke so nicely to me.”