Proposal for permits divisive, against constitution: Nitish

Patna: Voicing his opposition to a reported proposal for introducing permit system to stop migration of people from one state to another in the country, Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar today said it was "divisive and against the constitution".

"I don't know which party has the proposal for introducing permit system for stopping migration of people from one state to another in India... but if there is any such bid, it will be harmful for the unity and integrity of India and against its constitution", Kumar told reporters.

He was reacting to reports appearing in a section of the media about the Shiv Sena's proposal for permits to people who desire to move from one state to another in India.

Stating that the country would never allow such a "divisive tactic" to succeed, Kumar said a similar attempt was made in Punjab in 2007-08 which was opposed "tooth and
nail."

"It is the constitutional right of the people to move, work and stay freely in any state of India... I will call the proposal as not only unconstitutional but also against the constitution in letter and spirit", he said.

The chief minister said any such sinister attempt would be fraught with dire consequences and prove detrimental to the country's growth, unity and integrity.

Source: PTI/DNA, 1st October 2009