Patna, Feb. 13: Deputy chief minister Tejaswi, also minister in-charge of Patna district, has promised to make Patna the best city in India.

He said this during the first review meeting of a 20-point programme at the collectorate. The programme deals with developmental projects. Tejaswi also used the occasion to attack the Centre for allegedly denying funds to centrally sponsored schemes.

"Our main agenda under chief minister Nitish Kumar's leadership is development," Tejaswi said. "We are not bothered about what our rivals say or do. Being the in-charge of Patna district, I promise to make Patna the best city in India. Though the Centre has drastically cut funds to centrally-sponsored schemes, we will raise it from our own resources." The Centre and state usually share funds for 20-point programmes.

Praising district magistrate (DM) Sanjay Kumar Agarwal in his official chamber, Tejaswi said: "As a Patna DM, he is doing good work monitoring the programme and giving benefits to weaker sections."

The meeting was attended by all MLAs and MLCs under Patna district, including Munger MP Veena Devi, as two Assembly segments of Munger Lok Sabha seat - Barh and Mokama - fall under it.

"Altogether, it was a positive meeting and we are firm on development, as people have given us the mandate to work. Lots of developmental projects are going on in Patna and by the looks of it the projects are being executed at a fast pace. However, let me state there will be no compromise on work quality," Tejaswi said.

He spoke of possible shortcomings in the execution of projects. But officials concerned should ensure projects are not affected for long, he said.

Tejaswi also attended the review meeting of projects under Mukhyamantri Nagar Vikas Yojana and Mukhyamantri Setu Nirman Yojana. Under these schemes, work is allotted on the recommendation of MLAs and MLCs. The fixed amount is distributed to every district under these schemes.

"The meeting was related to socio-economic aspects, divided into several sectors like road, health, education, drinking water, protection and empowerment to weaker sections," said JDU MLC Niraj Kumar. "Status of projects was discussed. Many gave suggestions too."

Even BJP MLAs like Nitin Navin (Bankipore), Arun Sinha (Kumhrar), Gyanendra Singh Gyanu (Barh) and Asha Devi (Danapur) attended the meeting.

Navin expressed disappointment at the slow pace of work, under Mukhyamantri Nagar Vikas Yojana, in his constituency. "A similar meeting was held on May 29 last year, convened by then Patna district ministerial in-charge Vijay Kumar Choudhary," Navin said. "I had then raised the issue regarding installation of hand pumps. At today's meeting, only a show-cause notice was served on the concerned official. The work is incomplete. People are suffering, and yet just a show cause notice was issued. Officials responsible should have been dismissed."