Patna: Bihar has unveiled an ambitious plan to transform itself into eastern India’s next technology hub after the state cabinet approved the Semiconductor Policy 2026 along with two other major economic proposals aimed at attracting investment and strengthening rural livelihoods. Officials say the combined measures could draw investments of up to Rs 25,000 crore and generate more than 200,000 direct and indirect jobs over the coming years.
The semiconductor policy, aligned with the chief minister’s “Saat Nischay–3: Prosperous Industry, Empowered Bihar” vision, seeks to establish semiconductor fabrication units, display fabs and chip design facilities within the state. The government hopes to position Bihar as a competitive destination for electronics manufacturing by offering incentives such as subsidised electricity and water, land support and reimbursement of state GST, a package designed to reduce costs for investors and accelerate industrial growth.
In a parallel move to address rural economic challenges, the cabinet also approved the creation of the Bihar State Marketing Authority (BSMA). The body will oversee the branding, packaging and marketing of goods produced by farmers, artisans and micro and small enterprises. By improving market access for traditional and locally made products, officials aim to help rural producers secure better prices and reach national and international buyers.
The state has further allocated an additional Rs 1,700 crore from the Bihar Contingency Fund to clear pending industrial subsidy claims under the Bihar Industrial Incentive Policy 2016. The funding, which supplements the current financial year’s Rs 750 crore budget, is expected to ensure timely payments to businesses and sustain investor confidence at a time when states are competing aggressively for manufacturing projects.
Together, the measures reflect Bihar’s attempt to combine high-tech industrialisation with inclusive development, using large-scale investment to create jobs while strengthening grassroots enterprises that support the rural economy.
