PATNA: The Patna high court has directed the central government to reply if NITI Aayog ’s letter issued on March 30 for involving civil society organisations (CSO) and non-government organisation (NGOs) in relief works like food distribution and providing shelter to needy and poor people amid lockdown for Covid-19 is binding or not.In Bihar , district administrations are directly involved in all kind relief works. A PIL was filed by advocate Parul Prasad urging HC to order state government for following National Institute for Transforming India (NITI) Aayog directions and guidelines for allowing CSOs and NGOs to work with the administration in order to aid and supplement efforts for serving needy persons.The matter was heard by the division bench of Chief Justice Sanjay Karol and Justice S Kumar on Thursday. It would come up for hearing again on Monday.Additional solicitor general SD Sanjay, appearing for the centre, had submitted that Aayog’s letter is binding for state government and it must involve and engage civil society in dealing with the present problem.He had also submitted that present situation calls for coordinated relief work by the centre, state and civil society without any advertisement.State government’s additional advocate general PN Shahi had submitted that Aayog’s letter may not be binding to state as it was not issued by the central government.It the same PIL in which Prasad had also sought relief for orphanages, old age homes and centres for disabled persons by HC to ensure supply of food and other essential items after TOI had highlighted hardships faced by them amid lockdown after which order was given for establishing dedicated toll-free helpline number for such institutions.