Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has been awarded ''Business Reformer of the Year 2009'' by Union Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee in a function held in Mumbai. According to a Bihar information release issued here today, the Chief Minister accepted the award, instituted by the Economic Times Group, on behalf of people of Bihar saying that it was not only a recognition of the untiring efforts of the government but it also acknowledged the contribution of the people of Bihar. He thanked the jury members and the group for giving him the honour.

Later, Mr Kumar told the audience that the journey from a state where remington typewriter work-culture prevailed to being awarded the best e-governed state has been full of challenges. What he inherited was not a poor governance but total lack of governance, he alleged.

Many more challenges were still to be met. He told the business community that the award is of limited use to the state if there was no investment by the big business houses in the state. He also called upon the business community to invest in Bihar and with no fear in their minds. The Chief Minister also requested Union Finance Minister to help the state in meeting the development deficit. He said he was happy with the state GDP average growth rate of 11 per cent but what was more important was that the growth be all inclusive. He said this award would strengthen his resolve to work harder, particularly for the empowerment of the marginalised sections of the society. ''India will prosper only when Bihar prospers,'' he said. He also urged all to join him in this mission of making strong and empowered Bihar and India. The function, which was held in Mumbai, was attended by Union Minister of Surface Transport Kamala Nath and Union Minister of Commerce and Industries Anand Sharma. It was attended by many business leaders Mukesh Ambani and many others.