About Bihar

Bihar is a state located in the eastern part of India. It is landlocked and shares its borders with Nepal
to the north, West Bengal to the east, Uttar Pradesh to the west, and Jharkhand to the south.

In November 2000 the new state of Jharkhand was created from Bihar’s southern provinces and now
forms the state’s southern and southeastern borders.

Bihar had a significant role in early Indian history. It served as the primary imperial capital and the
centre of Indian culture and civilization for centuries. The term Bihar is derived from the Sanskrit
vihara (Buddhist monastery), which highlights the importance of such communities in the area in
antiquity.
The Bihar plain is split by the river Ganges, which flows from west to east.

It is known to manufacture pulses, shoes, scooters, masur, chasra, electrical goods and cotton
yarn.

It covers an area of approximately 99,200 square kilometers (38,301square miles) and is the 12th
largest state in India by area.

Capital:

 The capital city of Bihar is Patna, which is also the largest city in the state.
 Patna is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world and has a rich historical
and cultural heritage.

History :

 During ancient times, Bihar was part of several major empires, including the Maurya Empire,
which was established around the 4th century BCE. Pataliputra, located in modern-day
Bihar, was the capital of the Mauryan Empire.
 Bihar continued to be a significant region throughout the medieval period, ruled by various
dynasties, such as the Palas and the Guptas.
 Ashoka the Great, one of the most famous Mauryan emperors, ruled from Pataliputra and is
renowned for his conversion to Buddhism and his efforts to spread the teachings of Buddha
across Asia.
 Nalanda, a prominent center of learning and Buddhism, attracted scholars and students
from across the world during the Mauryan period.
 The state's boundaries and administrative divisions have evolved over time due to changes
in rulers and empires. It was under Mughal rule during the medieval period and later came
under British colonial control.
 After India gained independence from British rule in 1947, Bihar became one of the states in
the newly formed Indian Union.
 Bihar's present-day boundaries and administrative structure were further defined when the
state of Jharkhand was carved out of Bihar on November 15, 2000.
 Bihar was renowned for having a robust textile and agricultural industries. Following
independence, Bihar's economy had a number of difficulties, including lack of resources,
 illiteracy, and insufficient infrastructure. However, the state has come a long way since the
1990s economic reforms that resulted in the liberalisation of the economy.

Administrative divisions:

 The state is divided into 9 divisions, 38 districts, 101 subdivisions and 534 circles. 12
municipal corporations, 49 Nagar Parishads and 80 Nagar Panchayats for administrative
purposes.
 The state has a total of 9 divisions, including Patna, Tirhut, Darbhanga, Kosi, Purnia,
Bhagalpur, Munger, Magadh, and Saran.

Chief Minister of Bihar- Shri Nitish Kumar

Cultural Heritage:

 Bihar's culture is a blend of Hindu, Buddhist, and Islamic traditions.

 Bhojpuri and Maithili are prominent languages spoken in Bihar.
 The state is known for its folk music, dance.
 Traditional crafts such as Madhubani painting and silk weaving are also important aspects of
the state's culture.
 Bodh Gaya, Nalanda, and other historical and religious sites in Bihar hold immense cultural
and religious importance.

Tourism:

 Bihar is a popular tourist destination with a wide range of historical and religious sites.
 Bodh Gaya is one of the most important pilgrimage sites for Buddhists, attracting visitors
from around the world.
 Nalanda's archaeological site, the Mahabodhi Temple, and other historic places like Rajgir
and Vaishali draw tourists interested in India's ancient history.

Politics:

 Bihar has a dynamic political landscape with a multi-party system.

 Several political parties, including the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), Janata Dal (United), and
Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), have a significant presence in the state's politics.
Population:

 India's most densely populated state is Bihar

 As per Bihar Caste Census Report 2023 ,the total population . The records presented are
saying that the total population of Bihar is more than 13 Cr.It was released on 2nd October
2023.

Economy:

 Country’s GDP growth - 10.98 per cent

 Economy rank (GDP)- 14th
 The country’s GDP per capita- $916 (nominal, 2023 est.)
 Inflation Rate (CPI)- 7.3%
 One of the fastest growing economy in India. Bihar is ranked third, only marginally
behind Rajasthan and Andhra Pradesh, in terms of growth.
 At current prices, Bihar's GSDP is expected to reach Rs. 8.59 trillion (US$ 104.62 billion)
in 2023–24. From 2015–16 to 2023–24, the state's GSDP increased at a CAGR (in Rs.)
of 11.03%.
 Merchandise exports- US$1,258.97 in 2022-23 (till August 2022).
 According to the Department for the Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT),
Bihar received a total of US$ 214.46 million in FDI from October 2019 to March 2023.
 Net state domestic product per person (NSDP)- 614431 crore (current prices)
 NSDP at Constant prices-Rs. 382274 crore
 Between the financial years 2015-16 and 2023-24, Bihar's GSDP experienced significant
growth, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 11.03% (in Rs.).
 The fiscal year 2023-24, Bihar's Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP) should hit an
estimated Rs. 8.59 trillion, equivalent to US$ 104.62 billion.
 With 80% of its people engaged in farming, much more than the national average, Bihar
is known as a sizable agrarian state within India.
 Bihar's economy, which ranks fourth for vegetable production in India and eighth for fruit
production, has established a solid agricultural reputation.
 Bihar's few rapidly developing industries include - food processing, dairy, sugar
production, manufacturing, and healthcare sectors.
 The state has developed strategic plan to support industries like tourism and education
while also providing incentives to support initiatives in renewable energy and information
technology.
 GDP Contribution sector wise- Agriculture -20%,Industry -20%,Services sector -60%
(2021-2022)
 Bihar had a total road density of 3166.9 km per 1,000 sq. km of geographical area and
ranked third after Kerala and West Bengal in the country(2022-2023).
 The primary deficit of the state government-11,729 cr (2021-22)(Declined)
 fiscal deficit declined- ₹25,551 crore in 2021-22 despite the challenges of pandemic
 73% of the Land is floor prone
 The peak anticipated electricity demand for 2022 was 6475 MW.
 Share of primary ,secondary and tertiary sector in GSDP-21.2%,18.1%,60.7%
 Most Prosperous Districts-Patna,Begusarai,Munger
 Least Developed Districts-Sheohar,Araria,Sitamarhi
 Over the past five years, from 2016–17 to 2020–21, growth in the state's agriculture and
related sectors has been 2.1%.
  As per bihar economy survey 2021-2022,urbanisation in bihar grew from 11.3 percent to
15.3 percent as per the 2011 census .
 As per survey Banks are still collecting state deposits, but they are hesitant to give out
loans. In comparison to the national average CD ratio of 71.2%, the SBI has one of the
worst CD ratios among banks at 36.1%.
 111 new Nagar Panchayats have been set up, along with 9 new Nagar Parishads.This
will lead to raise in Urbanisation

Budget (2022-2023) :

 Total Expenditure - Rs 2,37,691,19 crore

(Revenue Expenditure - Rs 1,91,9566.7 crore,Capital Expenditure - Rs 45,734.52 crore)
 Total receipts - Rs 2,37,891.94 crore
 Fiscal Deficit – Rs 25,885.10 crore (3.47 per cent of GSDP)
 The six pillars of the Bihar Budget 2022–23 are: infrastructure (rural and urban), health,
education, investments in industry, agriculture, and related sectors, and welfare of all
groups.
 The Saat Nischay Part-2 plan of Atmanirbhar Bihar has been allocated Rs 500 crore in
the budget for the fiscal year 2022–2023 as part of good governance.
Nischay 1. Yuva Shakti - Progress of Bihar
Nischay 2. Strong woman, capable woman
Nischay 3. Irrigation water to every field
Nischay 4. Clean Village - Prosperous Village
Nischay 5. Clean City - Developed City
Nischay 6. Easy Connectivity
Nischay 7. Additional health facilities for all
 Rs. 8,365 crore (US$ 1.09 billion) was allocated towards roads and bridges.
 Rs. 11,376 crore (US$ 1.48 billion) was allocated for the energy department.
 Rs. 7,133 crore (US$ 932 million) has been allocated for urban development.
 Rs. 40,828 crore (US$ 5.33 billion) allocated towards the education, sports, art and
culture sectors.
 Rs. 15,898 crore (US$ 2.07 billion) allocated towards health and family welfare.
 Rs. 7,712 crore (US$ 1 billion) towards agriculture and allied activities.

Few Recent Development in Major Sector:

 The budget for Bihar for 2023 allocates a total of US$ 31.78 billion (Rs 2.61 lakh crore) to
key areas including education and rural sectors.
 A new state law that will go into effect in September 2022 will require daily games
lessons and a "no-bag day" to lessen the stress of school on kids.
 Bihar's Cabinet approved a strategic plan to enhance the state's medical framework by
instituting around 8,000 positions in government-run medical colleges and hospitals,
dating back to September 2022.
 In Bihar, as of April 2022, over 100,000 farmers have been educated with climate-
resilient agricultural methods since a pilot project was launched for this purpose in 2019
across 40 villages in eight districts.
 In February 2022:
 1.Minister of Port, Shipping and Waterways, Mr. Sarbananda Sonowal, laid the
foundation stone for Bihar’s first intermodal inland waterways cargo terminal at Kalughat
near Sonepur in the Saran district.
2.Chief Minister of Bihar, Mr. Nitish Kumar, and Minister of Road Transport and
Highways, Mr. Nitin Gadkari, jointly inaugurated a 14.5 km approach road to Munger rail-
cum-bridge that cost Rs. 696 crore (US$ 90.94 million).
 Road work worth Rs. 30,000 crore (US$ 4.06 billion) is undergoing. The government has
set aside a total of Rs. 4,600 crore (US$ 621.81 million) as compensation for land
purchases.
 By 2023, there is a likelihood for a 7-km four-lane Koshi bridge construction, estimated to
cost about US$ 199.79 million.
 In 2021, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar laid the foundation for a 2.20-km double-decker
flyover extending from Kargil Chowk to NIT, with an estimated cost of US$ 57.60 million
and a three-year completion timeline.
 As of August 2021, over a quarter of the work for a new domestic terminal building and
other support infrastructures at the Jayaprakash Narayan International Airport in Patna,
funded by US$ 166.09 million from the Central Government, was complete. The total
project is set to finish by the end of December 2023.
 Sugar exports from Bihar in the financial year 2022 were valued at US$ 6.35 million.
 New Scheme-The cities of Rajgir, Nawada, Gaya, and Bodh Gaya will benefit from the
innovative "Bihar Ganga Water Supply Scheme," which was recently introduced.

Export & Import:

In the country, Bihar is placed number 22 overall according to the niti aayog's July 30, 2023
export index. The district of Begusarai produces the majority of the state's exports. Bihar is
making progress in all areas of exports slowly. Bihar's share in the nation's exports now stands at
0.52 percent, but that percentage is expected to rise to 10 percent by 2025. The central scheme,
the government would give the exporter up to Rs 1.25 lakh in financial support so they can
participate the international trade fair. the Export Promotion Council of Handicrafts (EPCH) has
come forward to promote Bihar's handicraft products, the Indian Silk Export Promotion Council
(ISEPC) is ready to help the silk exporter.

1.Exports from Bihar:

 Agricultural Products: Bihar primarily exports agricultural products, given its agrarian
economy. Some of the key agricultural exports include rice, maize, wheat, and fruits like
mangoes.
 Handicrafts: Bihar is known for its traditional handicrafts such as Madhubani paintings,
sikki grass products, and stone and wood carving. These items are often exported to
international markets.
 Leather and Leather Products: The leather industry is growing in Bihar, and leather
and leather products are exported to countries like the United States and European
nations.
 Jute and Jute Products: Bihar is one of the leading producers of jute in India. Jute and
jute-based products are exported, including jute bags and textiles.
 Textiles: While not a major textile hub like some other Indian states, Bihar does export
textiles and garments to various countries.
 Minerals: Bihar has mineral resources like limestone, mica, and bauxite. Some mineral
products are exported, contributing to the state's exports.
 Without GI tag :Bihar exports wheat, rice, maize, babycorn, vegetables, medicines,
leather goods and meat as well as petro products.
2.Imports to Bihar:

 Petroleum and Petroleum Products: Bihar imports a significant amount of petroleum

and petroleum-based products to meet its energy needs.
 Machinery and Equipment: Machinery, industrial equipment, and electrical machinery
are commonly imported for industrial and infrastructure development.
 Chemicals: Chemical products, including fertilizers and industrial chemicals, are
imported for various industries and agriculture.
 Metals: Bihar imports various metals, including iron and steel, for construction and
manufacturing purposes.
 Electronics: Electronic goods and components are imported for the growing technology
and consumer electronics markets.
 Consumer Goods: A variety of consumer goods, including automobiles, electronics, and
household items, are imported to meet the demands of the population.

Sectors :
Bihar's economy is diverse and encompasses several sectors that contribute to its overall
development and growth. Major Sector are Agriculture, Industry and Service Sector.

Here are as follows:

1.Agriculture:

 Agriculture is the primary sector in Bihar, employing a significant portion of the state's
population.
 Key crops include rice, wheat, maize, pulses, oilseeds, sugarcane, and jute.
 Animal husbandry, dairy farming, and fisheries also contribute to the agricultural sector.

2.Industry:

 Bihar has a growing industrial sector, with a focus on manufacturing and processing
industries.
 Industries such as textiles, food processing, leather, and chemical processing are
prominent.
 The state government has promoted industrial growth through various policies and
incentives.

3.Services:

 The services sector in Bihar is expanding, with a focus on areas such as information
technology (IT), education, healthcare, and tourism.
 Patna, the capital city, is emerging as a hub for IT and software services.
 The state government has been working to improve healthcare facilities and promote
tourism to historical and religious sites.

4.Infrastructure and Construction:

 Bihar has been investing in infrastructure development, including roads, bridges, and
railway networks, to improve connectivity within the state and with other regions.
  Construction and infrastructure development contribute significantly to economic
activities.

5..Education and Skill Development:

 Education and skill development are critical sectors for the state's future growth.
 Bihar has a network of educational institutions, including universities and colleges, and
the state government is focused on improving the quality of education and increasing
access to higher education.

6.Healthcare:

 Healthcare is an essential sector for improving the well-being of the population.

 The state government has been working to enhance healthcare infrastructure and
services to provide better access to healthcare for its residents.

7.Tourism:

 Bihar's rich cultural and historical heritage makes tourism a potential growth sector.
 Historical sites like Bodh Gaya, Nalanda, Rajgir, and Vaishali, along with religious places,
attract tourists from within India and abroad.

8.Transport and Logistics:

 Given Bihar's strategic location in eastern India, transport and logistics play a crucial role
in facilitating trade and commerce.
 The state has been working on improving transportation infrastructure, including
roadways and ports.

9.Handicrafts and Artisan Industries:

 Bihar is known for its traditional handicrafts and artisan industries, including Madhubani
painting, sikki grass products, and stone carving.
 These industries provide employment opportunities and contribute to the cultural identity
of the state.

10.Mining and Minerals:

 Bihar has mineral resources like limestone, mica, and bauxite, which support mining and
related industries.

11.Renewable Energy:

 The state is increasingly focusing on renewable energy sources, such as solar power, to
meet its energy needs and promote sustainable development.

12.Brewery sector:

 Bihar has emerged as brewery hub with major domestic and foreign firms setting up
production units in the state.

13.Cements :

 Cement industry in Bihar has also flourished and developed a lot. Patna is home to an
ACC Cements facility. Other cement businesses have also made investments in Bihar.
14 Small-scale industries:

 The growth of Bihar's economy has been facilitated by the small-scale enterprises. SSIs
have invested a total of Rs. 88.75 crore. Small/artisanal enterprises have produced 5.5
lakh mandays so far in the current fiscal year as of December.

These sectors collectively contribute to Bihar's economic growth and development. The state
government, in coordination with central government policies and private sector participation,
plays a pivotal role in promoting and diversifying these sectors for the benefit of its residents.

Challenges:

Bihar faces several significant challenges that impact its social, economic, and overall
development. Some of the key challenges in Bihar include:

 Poverty: Bihar has a high poverty rate compared to many other states in India.
Efforts are being made to reduce poverty through various government programs, but
it remains a persistent challenge.
 Low Literacy Rates: Bihar has one of the lowest literacy rates in India. Improving
access to quality education and enhancing literacy rates is a critical challenge for the
state.
 Unemployment: High levels of unemployment and underemployment are major
concerns. Creating job opportunities and addressing the issue of underemployment
are significant challenges for Bihar's economy.
 Infrastructure Deficit: While improvements have been made, Bihar still faces
infrastructure gaps in terms of roads, electricity, and other basic amenities. Expanding
and maintaining infrastructure is essential for economic growth.
 Healthcare: Bihar's healthcare system faces challenges related to inadequate
healthcare infrastructure, low doctor-to-patient ratios, and healthcare disparities
between urban and rural areas.
 Agricultural Productivity: Despite being an agrarian state, Bihar's agricultural
productivity faces challenges such as land fragmentation, low mechanization, and
susceptibility to floods and droughts. Modernizing agriculture and improving crop
yields are vital.
 Floods and Natural Disasters: Bihar is prone to annual flooding during the
monsoon season, which leads to loss of life, property, and agricultural crops.
Managing and mitigating the impact of floods remains a recurring challenge.
 Law and Order: Ensuring law and order, particularly in rural areas, is a challenge.
Crime rates, including incidents of violence and organized crime, can impact the
state's development and investor confidence.
 Environmental Degradation: Issues like deforestation, soil erosion, and water
pollution need to be addressed to ensure sustainable development and
environmental conservation.
  Gender Inequality: Bihar faces significant gender disparities in terms of literacy rates,
workforce participation, and access to healthcare and education. Promoting gender
equality and women's empowerment is a priority.
 Migration: Bihar experiences significant internal and external migration, driven by
factors such as unemployment and limited economic opportunities. Addressing
migration challenges and creating livelihood opportunities within the state are
important.
 Political Instability: Bihar's political landscape has witnessed frequent changes in
leadership, which can affect policy continuity and development initiatives.
 Infrastructure Development: While there have been improvements, Bihar continues
to require substantial investments in infrastructure development, particularly in
remote and underserved areas.
 Industrialization: Encouraging industrial growth and attracting investments in
manufacturing and services sectors is essential for economic diversification and job
creation.
 Access to Clean Water and Sanitation: Many areas in Bihar lack access to clean
drinking water and proper sanitation facilities, leading to health issues and
waterborne diseases.

Regulatory bodies and Government agencies :

 Bihar State Pollution Control Board (BSPCB): Responsible for environmental

protection and pollution control in the state.
 Bihar Electricity Regulatory Commission (BERC): Regulates the power sector in
Bihar, including electricity tariffs and regulations.
 Bihar Industrial Area Development Authority (BIADA): Promotes industrialization
and manages industrial areas in Bihar.
 Bihar State Electricity Board (BSEB): Responsible for generation, transmission, and
distribution of electricity in the state.
 Bihar State Housing Board (BSHB): Engaged in the development of housing
projects and infrastructure.
 Bihar Urban Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (BUIDCO): Focuses
on urban infrastructure development and planning.
 Bihar State Road Development Corporation (BSRDC): Works on the development
of roads and highways in Bihar.
 Bihar State Water and Sanitation Mission (BSWSM): Focuses on rural drinking
water supply and sanitation.
 Bihar State Disaster Management Authority (BSDMA): Manages and coordinates
disaster management efforts in the state.
 Bihar State Education Board (BSEB): Responsible for conducting school and
intermediate examinations in Bihar.
  Bihar State Tourism Development Corporation (BSTDC): Promotes tourism and
manages tourist facilities in Bihar.
 Bihar State Aids Control Society (BSACS): Works on HIV/AIDS prevention and
control programs.
 Bihar State Minorities Financial Corporation (BSMFC): Provides financial
assistance to minority communities for economic development.
 Bihar State Scheduled Caste Cooperative Development Corporation (BSCCDC):
Supports economic development and welfare of Scheduled Caste communities.
 Bihar State Women Development Corporation (BSWDC): Aims to empower
women through various development programs.
 Bihar State Handloom and Handicrafts Development Corporation (BSHHDC):
Promotes and supports the handloom and handicraft industry in Bihar.
 Bihar State Food and Civil Supplies Corporation Limited (BSFCSCL): Deals with
the procurement and distribution of essential commodities.
 Bihar State Cooperative Bank (BSCB): Works on cooperative banking and financial
services.
 Bihar State Legal Services Authority (BSLSA): Provides legal aid and services to the
underprivileged.
 Bihar State Sports Authority (BSSA): Promotes sports and sporting activities in the
state.
 Real Estate and Housing: Bihar Real Estate Regulatory Authority (RERA): Regulates
the real estate sector, including builders and developers, to protect the interests of
homebuyers.

Ministers in Bihar:

Ministers Portfolios Party

Nitish Kumar Chief Minister General Administration, Cabinet Secretariat, JD (U)
Home, Vigilance Election Dept
Tejashwi Yadav Deputy Chief Minister RJD
Tej Pratap Yadav Environment, Forest and Climate Change RJD
Alok Kumar Mehta Revenue & Land Reforms RJD
Anita Devi Welfare (Backward & Economically Backward Classes) RJD
Surendra Prasad Yadav Co-Operative RJD
Chandra Shekhar Education RJD
Lalit Yadav Public Health & Engineering RJD
Jitendra Kumar Rai Art, Culture & Youth Affairs RJD
Rama Nand Yadav Mines and Geology RJD
Sudhakar Singh Agriculture RJD
Kumar Sarvjeet Tourism RJD
Surendra Ram Labour Resources RJD
Shamim Ahmad Sugarcane RJD
Mohammed Shahnawaz Disaster Management RJD
Alam
Mohammed Israil Information Technology RJD
Mansuri
Kartikeya Singh Law RJD
Samir Kumar Mahaseth Industries RJD
Vijay Kumar Chaudhary Finance Department JD (U)
Bijendra Prasad Yadav Energy, Planning & Development JD (U)
Ashok Chaudhary Building Construction JD (U)
Sheela Mandal Transport JD (U)
Shravan Kumar Rural Development JD (U)
Sanjay Jha Water Resources and Information & Public Relations JD (U)
Leshi Singh Food & Consumer Protection Department JD (U)
Mohd Zama Khan Minority & Welfare JD (U)
Jayant Raj Khushwaha Minor Water Resources JD (U)
Madan Sahni Social Welfare JD (U)
Sunil Kumar Registration and Prohibition JD (U)
Md Afaq Alam Animal Husbandry & Fisheries JD (U)
Murari Prasad Gautam Panchayati Raj JD (U)
Santosh Kumar Manjhi Minor Irrigation and SC/ST Welfare JD (U)
Sumit Singh Science & Technology JD (U)

Note:

31 new cabinet members were appointed, the most of them were from the Rashtriya Janata
Dal. There were 11 members of Nitish Kumar's own Janata Dal (United) party in this
influential group. The Hindustani Awam Morcha, a party largely led by the previous Chief
Minister Jitan Ram Manjhi, had one representative in the legislature as well as two from the
Congress party.

Few Major Companies & Industries:

1.Sugar Industry:

 Mawana Sugars Limited

 Triveni Engineering and Industries Limited
 Textiles and Garments:
 Alok Industries Limited
 Siyaram Silk Mills Limited
 Arvind Mills Limited

2.Food and Beverage:

 Britannia Industries Limited

 ITC Limited (Agri-Business Division)
3.Pharmaceuticals:

 Sanzyme Limited
 Lupin Pharmaceuticals Limited

4.Dairy and Agriculture:

 Sudha Dairy (Sudha Cooperative Milk Producers' Federation)

 Bihar State Milk Cooperative Federation Ltd. (COMFED)

5.Infrastructure and Construction:

 Gammon India Limited

 Dilip Buildcon Limited

6.Power Generation:

 NTPC Limited (Nabinagar Power Plant)

 Barauni Thermal Power Station (Operated by Bihar State Power Holding Company
Limited)

7.Steel and Cement:

 Surya Roshni Limited (Steel and Lighting Division)

 Kalyanpur Cement Limited

8.Automobile Dealerships:

 Tata Motors Dealerships

 Mahindra & Mahindra Dealerships

9.Information Technology:

 Beltron (Bihar State Electronics Development Corporation Limited)

 ERNET India (Regional Center in Patna)