ET WLF: Bihar eyes 4x growth, 10 mn jobs

Bihar Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary is confident that the state is poised for a significant economic transformation, with aggressive strategies aimed at attracting new investments and creating a substantial number of jobs. Speaking at The Economic Times World Leaders Forum, Choudhary unveiled a vision for Bihar's development, emphasizing a four-year plan to build the state back to its former glory as a hub of trade, education, and governance.

One of the key tenets of this vision is the slogan "Build Bihar, Believe in Bihar," which underscores the state's commitment to industrial transformation. Choudhary highlighted the implementation of essential infrastructure areas, such as roads, electricity, and water, as well as the focus on industry, investment, and employment generation, thanks to new policies designed to provide a conducive environment for both domestic and global investors.

Choudhary also introduced the "Sahyog Grievance Redressal Program," which offers an expedited resolution process for public complaints. Since its inception under his leadership, 96% of the 6.42 lakh applications received have been resolved within the stipulated 30-day deadline, with disciplinary action taken against officials who fail to meet these deadlines.

The state has also made significant strides in industrial policy, offering tailor-made policies for sectors such as Semiconductors and Global Capability Centres (GCC). The government has provided substantial power subsidies and is expanding its power capacity from around 350 MW to over 10,000 MW. Additionally, Bihar boasts four operational airports and ten airport projects in development, with reduced travel time between Patna Airport and Gaya, now down to approximately 1.5 hours.

Water management is crucial to Bihar's growth strategy, with an increase in irrigated area from 2.1 million to 4.4 million hectares. Efforts are underway to manage the Kosi, Gandak, and Ganga rivers sustainably, along with initiatives to ensure year-round access to Ganga water and the development of integrated roads and industrial corridors along major rivers. Urbanization is also a priority, with a policy to build 12 modern townships covering 3,50,000 acres already implemented.

Bihar's aim is to double the number of jobs created, from 5.3 million in previous years to an ambitious target of 10 million jobs over the next four years. The state has also made strides in women empowerment, with over 4.3 million women becoming Lakhpati Didis under central government initiatives. Choudhary noted that women hold 59% of elected leadership positions in local governance under the state's 50% reservation policy for Panchayati Raj and urban local bodies.

In conclusion, Choudhary reiterated Bihar's goal of increasing its economy by four times within the next four years and invited global and domestic industry leaders to participate in this transformative journey.