Patna: Bihar will focus on accelerating development while reducing resource wastage, Deputy Chief Minister Bijendra Prasad Yadav said at the concluding session of the Bihar SDG Conclave-2026.
Yadav said better development outcomes would require prudent spending, adoption of new technology and changes in operational methods to match evolving public needs.
He also highlighted Bihar’s weather service centres and said efforts were underway to provide weather forecasts up to the panchayat level.
Modern Townships Planned In 12 Cities
Urban Development and Housing Minister Nitish Mishra said modern townships were being developed in 12 cities across Bihar.
He said about 55% of the world’s population lives in cities and urban areas account for more than 80% of global GDP. The proposed townships will be equipped with basic infrastructure and public amenities.
Residents will have access to electricity, water, healthcare, internet connectivity and quality roads. The townships will also include parks, educational and sports facilities, along with measures aimed at environmental protection.
Bihar Ranks Third In Clean Water And Sanitation
Dr N Vijayalakshmi, Additional Chief Secretary of the Planning and Development Department, said Bihar ranked third nationally in the clean water and sanitation category, with a score of 98 points.
Under the programme, Rs 26,960.3 crore had been spent by September 2025, while tap water connections had been provided to 1.75 crore rural residents, she said.
Vijayalakshmi said the initiatives had improved access to basic amenities in rural areas.
2.25 Crore People Moved Out Of Multidimensional Poverty
According to a NITI Aayog report cited at the conclave, Bihar’s multidimensional poverty rate fell from 51.8% in 2015-16 to 33.7% in 2019-21.
During the period, around 2.25 crore people moved out of multidimensional poverty, according to the report.
Bihar’s economic growth rate was 13.2% in the 2024-25 financial year, compared with the national average of 9.8%. The conclave also discussed strategies to sustain and accelerate the state’s economic growth.
Suggestions To Be Considered By NITI Aayog
NITI Aayog member KV Raju said useful suggestions emerging from the conclave would be considered for incorporation into the Commission’s framework.
He said the Planning Department would need to submit a proposal to NITI Aayog for the process.
Raju also stressed the importance of better data collection and developing indices at the panchayat level to identify people in need. Such data, he said, could help ensure that government schemes reach their intended beneficiaries.
Officials And Experts Attend Conclave
The conclave was attended by former Development Commissioner Dr S Siddharth, Energy Department Secretary Ajay Yadav, Panchayati Raj Department Secretary Manoj Kumar and Jeevika Additional Chief Executive Officer Ananya Singh.
Patna District Magistrate Kundan Kumar, Madhubani District Magistrate Anand Sharma, Finance Department Secretary Rachna Patil and UNICEF representative Christina Popivanova were among other officials, experts and departmental representatives who participated in the discussions.
