Patna, Mar 6 : Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Sunday announced his government would give grants from the CM relief fund to those engaged in Neera product business if it turned out to be successful. Kumar told mediapersons that his government wanted to encourage the Neera (sweet sap extracted from inflorescence of toddy tree) product business and those engaged in these activities for earning their livelihood were being given all sorts of assistance. If the Neera product business turned out to be successful across the state, his government might even consider giving grants from CM relief fund to those engaged in it, he added. The Chief Minister said toddy, when extracted before sunrise, was called Neera and it had no psychotropic effects when consumed. Neera products including Peda and Sweets were beneficial to health and those earlier engaged in toddy business should switch over to Neera business as liquor ban was enforced in Bihar in 2016, he added. Kumar said that a particular caste had been engaged in toddy business since long. Due to its psychotropic effects, toddy had been banned after complete prohibition was enforced in Bihar while those earlier engaged in toddy business, were being encouraged to adopt Neera business, he added. The Chief Minister said that the government had sincerely launched a drive to create awareness among the people for consuming Neera instead of toddy. Due to Corona pandemic, this drive was discontinued and it would be revived again with full vigour, he added. Kumar while referring to his social reforms drive, said that it was planned in 12 places across the state to organise meetings for creating awareness among the people seeking their support in eradication of social evils like prevalent practice of child marriage and dowry. Last such meeting was held in Madhepura on Sunday but drive for social reforms would continue in days ahead, he added. KKS