Patna, Sept. 27: At a time when half the residents of the state are trying to cope with the flood wrath, the Kosi flood inquiry committee, constituted to probe into the cause behind the 2008 calamity, is yet to submit its report.

The inquiry committee today got an extension till March 31, 2012.

The decision to this effect was taken at the cabinet meeting chaired by chief minister Nitish Kumar today. Around 28 issues were discussed at the cabinet meet.

Addressing reporters after the meeting, Ravikant, the principal secretary of the cabinet co-ordination department, said: “A grant of Rs 1 crore to AN Sinha Institute of Social Studies from non-planned funds have been decided in the meeting.”

The cabinet also enhanced the income limit of up to Rs 1 lakh from the existing Rs 50,000 per annum for getting services rendered by Bihar State Legal Service Authority. Under the scheme, the beneficiaries are provided free legal aid to those who cannot afford the expenses of judiciary.

Ravikant said the government also approved the benefits of the Fifth Pay Commission with effect from January 1, 2009, to employees of four command area development agencies at Patna, Muzaffarpur, Saharsa and Bhagalpur, besides releasing fund of Rs 90 crore for implementation of various schemes being carried out at present.