Poll-bound Bihar Ranks Last in Most Social and Economic Indicators

As Bihar prepares for crucial assembly elections, the latest government data paints a bleak picture—the state ranks at the bottom of India’s development ladder. Despite decades of political promises, Bihar struggles with poor education, healthcare, income levels, and infrastructure, raising serious governance concerns.

Bihar’s Alarming Rankings in Key Indicators

According to NITI Aayog’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Index, Bihar scores the lowest among all Indian states. Key findings:

✔ Per Capita Income: ₹54,000 (less than half the national average)
✔ Poverty Rate: 33% (among India’s highest)
✔ Literacy Rate: 61.8% (second-lowest in India)
✔ Infant Mortality Rate (IMR): 32 deaths per 1,000 births (highest in India)
✔ Malnutrition: 48% of children under five are stunted (NFHS-5)

Education Crisis in Bihar

• Only 47% of Class 5 students can read a Class 2-level text (ASER Report).
• High dropout rates, especially among girls, due to poor school infrastructure.
• Severe teacher shortages and outdated curriculum.

Healthcare Failures

• 1 doctor per 28,000 people (WHO recommends 1:1,000).
• Weak primary healthcare services, leading to high maternal and infant deaths.
• Malnutrition remains unchecked, affecting child development.

Infrastructure & Employment Challenges

• Only 4% of roads are national highways; rural areas lack connectivity.
• Frequent power cuts, with villages getting <12 hours of electricity daily.
• 77% workforce in agriculture, yet low productivity and land fragmentation.
• High youth unemployment, forcing mass migration for menial jobs.

Political Promises vs. Reality

Despite Nitish Kumar’s governance claims, systemic issues persist:
– Corruption and bureaucratic inefficiency stall progress.
– Caste-based politics overshadows development agendas.

With elections approaching, parties are making fresh pledges:
– BJP’s “double-engine growth” promise
– Opposition’s accusations of mismanagement

Yet, voters remain skeptical. “Leaders make big promises before elections, but nothing changes,” says Ramesh Kumar, a farmer from Gaya.

Can Bihar Turn Around?

Experts suggest a 4-step revival plan:
1. Education Overhaul – More schools, digital learning, teacher training.
2. Healthcare Expansion – Better rural clinics, nutrition programs.
3. Industrial Growth – Incentives for manufacturing & startups.
4. Infrastructure Push – Reliable roads, power, and urban development.

Bihar’s youth potential remains untapped—proper policies could transform its future.

Conclusion

Bihar’s bottom rankings highlight years of neglect. As election campaigns intensify, voters will scrutinize whether leaders offer real solutions or just empty slogans.

Stay tuned for more election analysis and updates.