Bihar model of development

Bihar is one of the most backward states in India. It was one among the BIMARU states that is the 4
most backward states in India. BIMARU stands for Bihar, Madya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh

Historically Bihar has been a backward state. Main reasons were illetracy, high population growth,
lawlessness, corruption etc. During the 1990s, Bihar’s development failed to benefit from the India’s
economic growth, because of decline in already low standards of governance.

In the recent past Bihar has improved a lot and the development model is known as the Bihar model.
Bihar model of development is the model which stresses on social sector spending, focusing on health,
education, Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe. This model is projected as inclusive model of
development.

The London School of Economics (LSE) recognised the efforts taken for development and published a
book on Bihar model of development.

Main features of Bihar model of development are –

1. Direct attack on corruption by punishing some guilty civil servants. Government has enacted a
law under which corrupt bureaucrats will be convicted, and their ill-gotten wealth and property
confiscated. One example is is The govt. confiscating of the house of a motor vehicles inspector,
which will now be converted into a school, has sent the necessary message.
2. Reducing the unnecessary spending of government resources and channeling them towards the
development of social infrastructure like schools, roads, houses, toilets etc.
3. Bihar model focuses on women empowerment. More stress was given to womens education.
More importance was given to self employment by focusing on organising women into self help
groups. They were politically empowered by providing Fifty percent reservation in Panchayati
Raj institutions.
4. One major area for reducing unemployment is the development of industries. The license
permit inspector raj was reduced and the administration was made more industry friendly.
Market-friendly growth increased employment opportunities and also contributed to increased
standard of living. This reduced migration of Biharies to other states too.
5. Education is being improved to create a good labour force. Example: state schemes such as
cycles for girl students
6. Healthy man power contributes to development of the state. SO health care facilities have been
improved. Though Bihar is still among the states with high infant mortality rates and the
meternal mortality rates, but the phenomenal improvements in health indicators and human
development index indicates more inclusive growth. Example: increase in vaccination coverage
and free medicine distribution.
7. Government has worked to improve law and order in the lawless state with fast-track courts,
strict action on criminals, increased and fast prosecution. Bihar is no longer known as the jungle
Raj.
 8. Importance is also given to increased use of Information technology in service delivery to reduce
corruption. One example is the Right to Delivery of Services Act has made Bihar a less corrupt
and more efficient state. Services have to be provided in the defined time or the officials will be
fined.
9. Importance is also given to commercialisation of agriculture due to fertile soil and being drained
by the river Ganga. The main focus is in agriculture and allied activities.

Drawbacks:

Migration is still the problem. Migration to other states due to lack of employment opportunities in
Bihar.

Population is one more problem. Bihar is one of the most populated states in India.

Though population is high the manpower does not possess skills. So industries don’t show much interest
in starting their units in Bihar.

Conclusion:

Bihar model is basically a Government funded development model with less importance to private
sector. More importance is given to improvement of social indicators, so it is considered as the inclusive
development model.