Patna: Chief minister Nitish Kumar has called for a rethink on the "migration as an indicator of backwardness and poverty" debate, saying the concept doesn't show any weakness, but instead reflects hard work and merit.

"We need to have a rethink on the definition of migration. It is not any weakness or shortcoming, but shows hard work and merit instead because everybody has a right on the country and to travel to any part of it, seeking the best possible remuneration for their skills, which is also their constitutional right," Nitish said at a programme organised by a regional news channelHe added that the government was trying to provide better job opportunities within Bihar so they could be in a better position to bargain in the job market (read other states).

and can be found in every developed state (Bihar is on the lowest rung in several economic and financial indicators)It is very necessary to build a strong edifice for the state".A socio-economic expert to whom The Telegraph talked asserted that the society in Bihar is facing heavy stress as "labourers are not available in the state during the agriculture season due to migration."

S on outward migration from Bihar to judge how much the migration has increased or decreased.