Patna: Every Bihari should work towards advancing the state, Industries and Sports Minister Shreyasi Singh said on Thursday, as Bihar hosted discussions on its roadmap from a “Sustainable Bihar” to a “Developed Bihar”.
Singh was addressing the Bihar SDG Conclave 2026 at Adhiveshan Bhawan in Patna. The two-day event was organised jointly by the Planning and Development Department and UNICEF.
She said India’s development would remain incomplete without Bihar’s progress and called for collective efforts to accelerate the state’s growth.
Conclave Focuses On Bihar’s Development
Singh earlier inaugurated the conclave by lighting the ceremonial lamp. During the event, she released a book on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) published by the Planning and Development Department, launched the Directorate of Economics and Statistics website and inaugurated a Data Lab.
The minister said the state government was working to strengthen women’s participation across sectors. She also said several major industries were expected to be established in Bihar as part of ongoing efforts to expand the state’s industrial base.
Rural Roads And Infrastructure Highlighted
Development Commissioner Mihir Kumar Singh said Bihar had undergone significant transformation over the past two decades.
He said the state’s rural roads had improved substantially and enabled agricultural and other village produce to reach urban markets more quickly. He also highlighted the expansion of expressways and ongoing work on road and rail networks.
The Development Commissioner said Bihar was progressing as part of India’s wider economic growth and that infrastructure development had contributed to the state’s transformation.
‘Developed India’ Linked To Bihar’s Progress
Prof Shamika Ravi, a member of the Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister, said the goal of a “Viksit Bharat” could not be achieved without a “Viksit Bihar”.
She highlighted Bihar’s contribution to India’s economic growth and said consumption levels had increased in both urban and rural areas of the state.
United Nations Resident Coordinator Shombi Sharp also addressed the gathering and spoke about Bihar’s development.
Districts Key To SDG Targets
Additional Chief Secretary of the Planning and Development Department N Vijayalakshmi said District Magistrates and Deputy Development Commissioners had a crucial role in translating development priorities into outcomes at the district level.
She said districts were central to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals and pointed to the visible transformation between Bihar of the past and the state today.
Vijayalakshmi said the state would need to achieve the milestone of “Viksit Bihar 2037” to contribute effectively to the Centre’s target of “Viksit Bharat 2047”.
Bihar’s SDG Score Improves
According to the Planning and Development Department, Bihar’s composite SDG score increased from 48 in 2018-19 to 57.
The state has recorded improvement across 11 SDGs and is currently classified as a “Front-Runner” in six areas: SDG 3 on good health and well-being, SDG 6 on clean water and sanitation, SDG 7 on affordable and clean energy, SDG 12 on responsible consumption and production, SDG 15 on life on land, and SDG 16 on peace, justice and strong institutions.
Bihar recorded a score of 98 under SDG 6, covering clean water and sanitation.
Dr Monica Nielsen of UNICEF delivered the vote of thanks at the conclave.
