PATNA, April 3 -- Ahead of Nitish Kumar's resignation from the post of chief minister, the Bihar home department has issued a circular under which he would be entitled to present level of security (Z+) even after relinquishing the post. The home department has instructed the Director General of Police and the Special Branch to ensure uninterrupted Z+ security for Kumar under the provisions of the Bihar Special Security Act, 2000. As a CM, Kumar, who was elected to the Rajya Sabha on March 16, is entitled to Z+ category security, which will continue with him as former CM, in keeping with the provisions. "After reviewing Nitish Kumar's security, it has been decided to provide him Z-plus category security," said the home department order. The Bihar Special Security Group Act, 2000, was passed to provide proximate security to the CM, their immediate family, and former chief ministers for five years. The cover also includes round-the-clock protection, bulletproof vehicles, and coordination with police and paramilitary forces. Passed in 2000 and amended in 2010 and 2017, it established an elite force (Special Security Group) aimed at elite protection, rather than general law and order, and was later amended in 2010 and 2017. A senior police officer said under the SSG Act, there is a provision that any former CM and his family would get SSG security for the next five years. "Lalu Prasad, Rabri Devi and Jitan Ram Manjhi have got it, now Nitish Kumar will also get it if he lives in Bihar," he added. Besides, as ex-CMs Lalu Prasad, Rabri Devi and Jitan Ram Manjhi are also entitled to Z+ category security cover comprising 58 police personnel for shift wise duty. "When out of state it is the responsibility of the concerned government to ensure Z+ security to them. Jitan Ram Manjhi has also got the security of the centre," he added. Bihar government currently provides Z+ to seven persons, Z to 10, Y+ to 12 people and Y to dozens of people. Having taken oath as CM for 10 times, Nitish Kumar is expected to resign from the post soon after oath as the newly elected Rajya Sabha member....