In the political arena, Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, often referred to as the ‘Political Acrobat’ for his frequent twists and turns, is now facing a barrage of criticism. His tenure, stretching back to November 2005 with a brief hiatus in 2014-2015, is now being dissected, revealing a tapestry of economic struggles and societal obstacles.
Economic Conundrum:
1. Bihar’s economic pulse, measured by the Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP), remains the feeblest among its counterparts, showcasing a concerning trend of stagnation.
2. The state’s Per Capita Income (PCI) languishes at the bottom of the national scale, mirroring a lackluster economic growth story.
3. A surprising surge in the agricultural workforce, driven by economic uncertainties in other sectors, has cast shadows on Bihar’s economic diversification efforts.
Investment Blues and Business Quandaries:
1. Bihar finds itself at a lowly 26th position in the Ease of Doing Business rankings, reflecting a less-than-ideal environment for businesses.
2. Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) is but a trickle, accounting for a mere 0.29% of the total FDI into India in 2021.
3. The state’s export portfolio, predominantly reliant on petroleum products, struggles to compete on the global stage.
Social Symphony Out of Tune:
1. Bihar’s melody on the Social Progress Index is dissonant, ranking at an unfortunate 35 out of 36 states and Union Territories.
2. Basic amenities like sanitation and piped water connections remain elusive for a significant portion of the population.
3. The healthcare orchestra faces a talent crunch, with approximately 60,000 vacancies in public healthcare facilities.
Education and Governance in the Limelight:
1. Bihar’s education performance is a sour note, landing at 19 out of 20 major states in the School Education Quality Index 2019.
2. The Good Governance Index, a benchmark for administrative effectiveness, paints a picture where Bihar secures the 15th spot among 18 major states in 2021.
While Kumar once garnered praise for restoring law and order, his political alliances in later years have cast shadows over these achievements. Despite some commendable feats, the prevailing narrative suggests Bihar, under Kumar’s stewardship, grapples with persistent challenges in poverty alleviation, social and human development, and job creation.
As the calls for change grow louder, the ‘sushasan babu’ moniker that once adorned Nitish Kumar now faces increasing skepticism, eclipsed by the state’s ongoing struggles.
