In his first public announcement since the imposition of President's rule in Bihar, Governor Buta Singh on Wednesday said he would soon effect a major reshuffle to tone up the police and civil administration in the state.

• President's rule in Bihar

Law and order and development, besides measures to check terrorism on the Bihar-Nepal border, would be accorded top priority.
Health, education and protection of human rights and programmes to empower women would be the other thrust areas, he told journalists after a high-level meeting in Patna.

Chief Secretary K A H Subramanian, Home Commissioner Grisih Shankar and Director General of Police Narayan Mishra attended the meeting at the main secretariat.

Singh said sustained efforts would be made to ensure security. The activities of anti-social elements would be firmly checked. Effective steps would be taken to ensure the all-round development of the state, he said.

Singh's statement on special measures to check terrorism along the Bihar-Nepal border followed reports that Maoist rebels from Nepal had sneaked into Bihar.

Singh said he had made frantic efforts to install a popular government in the state, 'but in vain'.

• Bihar records rise in women MLAs

"I had invited the leaders of various political parties, groups, organisations and independents to ascertain whether they enjoyed a simple majority in the 243-member assembly."

He said he was left with no option other than recommend President's rule, as none of them was able to convince him that they had a simple majority.

On the appointment of advisors for him, the governor said, "I will let you know as soon as their appointments are made."