‘The Economic Times’ has identified the 10 captains for 2020 and they called them the ‘Growth warriors’. The good thing is that, these captains does not belongs only to corporate world but there are few political faces too, whom we can say the “Growth machines”. (I have mentioned the term ‘Growth machine’ not because there is lack of human sentiments but they are fast, accurate and consistent).The Bihar chief minister Nitish kumar, the winner of business reformer award is one among them.
It’s been over four years since Mr. Kumar took charge, and the winds of change have started blowing across the state. People’s faith in governance and the rule of law have largely been restored. The sense of despondency and gloom has been replaced by an air of optimism. “Bihari pride”, which had become a pejorative phrase in the past couple of decades, is being invoked once again.
The latest Central Statistical Organization (CSO) data reflects that Bihar’s GDP grew by 11 per cent in last five years, much more than the national average of 8.49 percent. These figures make it the second fastest-growing state in the country. It, of course, has benefited from a low base effect since the state has long been a growth laggard.
The move to empower women with 50 percent reservation in panchayats and the urban local bodies’ shows Mr. Kumar’s commitment towards making the state more balanced and more civilized (Though my personal belief is that, positive discrimination in democratic process and democratic institutions are not good for the society and the nation as a whole. There is much better way to empower women w/o damaging your democratic belief). Mr. Kumar’s concrete effort to improve the education, health and infrastructure are remarkable. The web pages are flooded with so many data in this regard. We must thank and support (the extent we can do) to this great leader in his effort to bring the change in the state.
Mr. Kumar mentioned:
The state economy heavily dependent on agriculture. We want the next round of green revolution to take place in Bihar, “It’s our biggest strength. We want to build on this.”
It brings in the confidence when you know your strength and Mr. Kumar’s aforementioned statement brings the similar kind of confidence. Definitely we need to focus on agricultural sector but mean time we also need to look at our industrial outputs. We need to have a balance in our GDP from agricultural, industrial and service sector for sustainable growth. I think it is important to mention here that the agriculture based economy has to move to industry based economy before it enters into service based economy. The developed states followed the same trend and we need to learn it from them.
I read this article. I know Bihar is improving but i Still have doubt that…Kya ye root level per pragati kar raha hai?
At Turning the wheel
Your doubt is very genuine and Bihar has to go a long way to see the growth at every stage. Here I just want to emphasize on two points:
1) People’s perception about Bihar
There was a time when the state had become synonymous with kidnappings and abductions. Businessmen and students had started quitting the state in large numbers. There was a growing perception that Bihar was doomed, a mini-Somalia in the heart of India. In last four years lot of things has changed and there is a positive sentiment towards growth and development. The people’s perception about Bihar across the country is changing and has to change, because now we are running on the right track. There is an upward trend and this post is all about that.
2) Growth at the root level
I agree that there is not much visible change at root level. But it takes time to reach at certain stage from where we can see the changes with our naked eye. The tree has to grow before it is started yielding fruits.
No doubt there is positive effort and willingness of government to bring the changes at every stage and that’s more important.
The government is focusing on Education, Health facility, Infrastructure and women empowerment, the four necessary areas for inclusive and sustainable growth. We will see the results very soon if we successfully implement these schemes.
Regarding grinding poverty and acute purchasing power government has to focus on agriculture as well as industries. Mr. Kumar has mentioned that he want the next round of green revolution to take place in Bihar. But how is it possible without technology, without machineries, without electricity and without knowledge. Means, we need to bring the technologies, we need to produce the machineries, we need to produce the electricity and we need to produce the fertilizers means we need the industries that will bring the employment opportunity and provide the conducive environment for the revolution what Mr. Kumar is dreamed for. After having all these, the most important thing that we need to have is enthusiastic farmers with full of energy. We cannot have revolution without revolutionaries.
There is a long way to go. The roads are bumpy and full of pot holes, but does not matter how tough the path is, we have to walk because we believe, this is the right path. I am seeing a smooth highway after some distance.