Socio-Economic Challenges & Opportunities for Bihar Post Lockdown
Caste census in Bihar: will it aid developmental work or fuel social divide?
Caste is a deeply rooted factor in Bihar politics. The survey for the much-talked-about caste census began in the state on January 7 and it is likely to be completed by May 31, 2023. How will it affect the state? Will it aid in developmental work as claimed by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, or fuel further social divide in the state?
‘Kala Azar’ now confined in only 4 districts of Bihar and Jharkhand; people’s awareness key to eliminate it: Modi
Till recently, the scourge of ‘Kala Azar’ was spread in more than 50 districts across 4 states. But now this disease is confined to only 4 districts of Bihar and Jharkhand. Awareness of the people of Bihar-Jharkhand will help the government’s efforts to eliminate ‘Kala Azar’ from these four districts as well, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said.
When will India become a developed nation? It will take at least 20 years, says Ex-RBI Governor
There have been several targets and projections for India to become a developed nation. But, when exactly, can India become a developed nation? According to the former Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Governor C Rangarajan, it will take at least two decades of sustained 8 to 9 per cent of annual GDP growth to take India into a developed nation league.
Mudra Yojana: Rs 20.43 lakh crore loan disbursed since inception in 2015
More than 37.76 crore collateral-free loans amounting to over Rs 20.43 lakh crore have been disbursed to small businesses and entrepreneurs across the country under the Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana (PMMY) scheme since its inception in April 2015, the government data shows.
Giriraj Singh calls for need-based skill mapping for employment and training in rural India
Union Minister of Rural Development and Panchayati Raj Giriraj Singh has called for need-based skill mapping for employment and training to India’s youth, mainly in the rural areas. The Minister urged to explore means to see how best the traditional trades can be integrated with electronic, education and training, IT & BPO and tourism and hospitality sectors to create more employment opportunities for the youth in the country.
Economic growth of Bihar has been consistently higher than the national average in the recent years. Bihar posted double-digit growth in 2017-18 and 2018-19. GSDP growth of Bihar stood at 11.3 per cent in 2017-18, the fastest among all Indian states. India’s GDP growth during the year was 7.2 per cent. Bihar’s economic growth declined marginally but remained in double-digit at 10.53 per cent during 2018-19 against the national growth of 6.8 per cent. But the things have changed dramatically in the last couple of months due to Coronavirus pandemic.
The entire country is under lockdown. This is a crisis like no other. It has resulted in multiple crises. On the economic front there is disruptions in demands, supplies as well as the financial markets. There is health crisis. Health infrastructure of Bihar was in a very bad shape even before the Covid-19 outbreak. This has put further pressure and made the system more vulnerable. Almost all sector of the economy have suffered due to this crisis. Each individual be it rich or poor; powerful or vulnerable has been impacted. Poor labourers from Bihar, who used to work in different parts of the country or even overseas, are among the worst hit. Majority of them have lost their jobs. They have either already returned home or will come back once the transport restrictions are eased.
Reverse migration of labourers would have huge socio-economic impact. How deep will be the impact of this crisis on different socio-economic segments of Bihar? Bihar has been leading the economic growth chart for India for the past several years. Can the state continue to lead the growth chart? What are the opportunities this crisis offers for Bihar? How should the state prepare itself to reap benefits from the possible opportunities? Broad issues of discussion:
- How can Bihar maintain its position as a fastest growing states in the country?
- What are the policy action needed to revive the growth of secondary and tertiary sectors, which are the worst hit from this crisis?
- What should be the focus of relief package?
- What are the possible opportunities for Bihar from this crisis?
- Managing the reverse migration and job loss
