Experts Call for Inclusive Growth and Sustainability at Bihar Development Conference
Patna: A conference titled “Developmental Imperatives for Bihar: Challenges and Opportunities” was held on January 17, 2025, in Patna. Organized by the Department of Planning and Development, Government of Bihar, in collaboration with the Chandragupt Institute of Management Patna (CIMP) under the State Support Mission (SSM) of NITI Aayog, the event explored strategies to shape Bihar’s vision for Viksit Bharat@2047 and Viksit Bihar@2047.
Keynote and Opening Address
Prof. Rana Singh, Director of CIMP, welcomed participants and emphasized the importance of aligning Bihar’s growth trajectory with India’s broader developmental goals for 2047. Prof. Sunil Kumar of CIMP outlined transformative strategies, focusing on key sectors such as agriculture, healthcare, economic reforms, and environmental sustainability.
Prof. D.M. Diwakar, former director of A.N. Sinha Institute of Social Studies, stressed the role of democracy in achieving inclusive growth, while NABARD CGM Binay Kumar Sinha underlined the significance of agriculture, stating, “Viksit Bharat@2047 cannot be achieved without Viksit Bihar@2047, and Viksit Bihar@2047 cannot be achieved without Viksit agriculture.”
Technical Sessions: Addressing Development Challenges
The first technical session featured presentations by nine distinguished experts covering economic transformation, agriculture, entrepreneurship, and climate resilience.
- Agriculture and Financial Inclusion: Shri Binay Kumar Sinha highlighted the role of financial institutions in fostering credit access for farmers.
- Economic Transformation: Prof. D.M. Diwakar identified opportunities for Bihar to enhance its economic standing nationally.
- Startup Ecosystem: Dr. Md. Safiullah outlined ways to strengthen Bihar’s startup ecosystem and address the brain drain challenge.
- Agricultural Sustainability: Prof. Aviral Pandey emphasized unlocking Bihar’s agricultural potential for long-term development.
Presentations also addressed gender equality, poverty alleviation, and healthcare improvements, with experts like Prof. Aditya Mohanty and Shri Prakash Kumar shedding light on these pressing issues. Environmental sustainability was another focal point, with discussions on renewable energy and disaster risk reduction led by Prof. Atul Aditya Pandey and Shri Sanjay Srivastava.
Panel Discussion: Policy Pathways for Bihar’s Development
A panel discussion explored strategies for achieving Viksit Bihar@2047, focusing on policy interventions across critical sectors. Dr. Chandan Jha of CEEW highlighted the importance of leveraging traditional agricultural practices to adapt to climate change. Shri Prem Prakash from the State Transformation Cell emphasized collaboration between stakeholders to address sectoral challenges.
Actionable Outcomes and Valedictory Session
The conference concluded with a valedictory session and the distribution of certificates. Key recommendations included:
- Promoting agricultural innovation and rural infrastructure.
- Encouraging micro-entrepreneurship and digital literacy.
- Strengthening institutional capacity and convergence in development efforts.
- Enhancing environmental sustainability through renewable energy and disaster resilience.
