Patna, March 18: Quality control seems to have become the keyword in the state. Because of it there may not be Bihar geet (song) or prarthana (prayer) this year on Bihar Divas.

Reason: The appli- cations so far have failed to satisfy the officials of the state human resource development (HRD) department, who are responsible for the selection process.

Anjani Kumar Singh, principal secretary, HRD department, said: “The song should have the flavour of Bihar.” The prarthana — a special prayer for morning assembly in government schools — must have positive and inspiring thoughts.

He said the best song and prayer would be selected.

“It will be like the National Anthem. It cannot be changed. So selecting the best song is essential,” he said.

A three-member committee has been selected to judge the winning song and prayer. But names of the committee members, however, have been kept confidential to prevent lobbying.

Singh said even if the song and prayer is not selected this year, the best appli-cations would be published in a book.

Fest gets wings

Bihar Divas will be celebrated not only in the state but also in other states of the country as well as international venues, said Anjani Kumar Singh today.

“The festival will be celebrated in Fiji, Surinam and Mauritius. All villages, blocks and districts will also be directed to light 99 candles to celebrate the occasion,” said Singh.