Patna: The Chandragupt Institute of Management Patna (CIMP), in collaboration with the Department of Planning and Development, Government of Bihar, organized a Stakeholders’ Consultation Workshop on the Formation of the Bihar Vision Document on Tuesday, January 21. Held under the State Support Mission (SSM) of NITI Aayog, the event brought together experts and stakeholders to discuss strategies for inclusive and sustainable development in Bihar.
The workshop commenced with a welcome address by CIMP Director Prof. (Dr.) Rana Singh, who thanked participants for their contributions. Prof. Ankit Sharma, Associate Professor at CIMP, outlined the workshop’s objectives, stressing the need for forward-looking, inclusive development strategies. Chief guest Prof. (Dr.) Rekha Kumari, Director of Higher Education, Bihar Government, emphasized integrating skill development, cultural values, and ethics into the vision document for holistic progress.
Key Themes and Discussions
Emerging Technologies and Educational Transformation
The first panel, led by Prof. (Dr.) Suresh Kant Verma, Vice-Chancellor of Bihar Engineering University, highlighted advancements in artificial intelligence, drone technology, and cybersecurity as key to Bihar’s sustainability goals. Prof. (Dr.) Jawar Singh of IIT Patna underscored the importance of investing in infrastructure and proposed establishing a quantum computing institute in the state. Dr. Rakesh Kumar Singh of Aryabhatta School of Nanoscience & Technology showcased local innovations, including the use of rice husk waste for water purification, advocating for skill development and ethical innovation.
Agriculture and Environmental Sustainability
The second panel explored strategies for sustainable agriculture and environmental practices. Former Principal Agricultural Scientist Dr. Janardan Singh called for greater financial investment in agriculture and smart practices. Experts from WRI India, Piyush Tripathi and Roushan Mishra, highlighted the Climate Resilient and Low Carbon Development Pathway for Bihar, which is aimed at pursuing Net Zero carbon dioxide emissions by 2070. Dr. Vidyarthi Vikas of A N Sinha Institute of Social Studies emphasized agriculture’s role in contributing one-fifth of Bihar’s income and advocated for policy diversification to boost growth. Dr. Muneer Magry of Nalanda University stressed agroecology and sustainable practices like the Panchamrit approach.
Healthy Bihar: Empowering Women and Children
The third panel addressed health as a cornerstone of development. Dr. Satyajit Kumar Singh, Managing Director of Ruban Group of Hospitals, emphasized the urgent need for more healthcare professionals to meet rising demands. UNICEF Bihar’s Dr. S. Reddy advocated for strengthening primary healthcare and community engagement to achieve development goals by 2047. IIT Patna’s Dr. Papia Raj highlighted maternal mortality, high fertility rates, and lifestyle diseases, urging targeted interventions to empower women and children.
Infrastructure and Industrial Development
The final panel focused on industrial and infrastructure development. Bihar Industries Association President K.P.S. Keshri called for a “Make in Bihar” initiative to transform the state into a manufacturing hub, emphasizing sustainable energy and water storage practices. Paavni Organic Farms founder Alok Kumar stressed the potential of organic farming to enhance rural livelihoods and industrial sustainability. Dr. Shailendra K. Mandal of NIT Patna emphasized leveraging technology to advance industrial infrastructure and economic progress.
Valedictory Session
The workshop concluded with a valedictory address, highlighting the importance of collaboration in forming the Bihar Vision Document. Certificates of appreciation were distributed to participants, and Prof. (Dr.) Sunil Kumar of CIMP delivered the vote of thanks.
The workshop marked a significant step in shaping Bihar’s developmental roadmap, focusing on inclusive growth, sustainability, and innovation.
