Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar said in Patna on Friday he favoured reservation in promotions for scheduled castes and schedule tribes as these sections continued to lag behind at educational and social levels.

Talking to newsmen before leaving for Kolkata, the chief minister said, "They must be provided quota in promotions as they have not yet reached the desired level of progress, both on the educational and social fronts. There is no reason for withdrawal of any benefit to these categories at this juncture."

Kumar said his government had already introduced reservation in promotions in state services. "The JD (U) favours the proposition. The proposed amendment bill on the matter will lend more clarity to the issue," he said.

When asked about the proposed meeting with his West Bengal counterpart Mamata Bannerjee, later during the day, Kumar said, "Owing to my flight getting delayed on account of inclement weather, the courtesy meeting with Bannerjee may not be possible today."

Kumar, who was scheduled to return back to Patna on Friday itself was, on his way to Kolkata to attend a function organised by the 'Young President Organisation'.