Bihar – The ruling National Democratic Alliance has unveiled its ‘Sankalp Patra’ for the Bihar assembly elections, presenting a comprehensive vision for the state’s transformation. The Bihar election manifesto was released on Friday by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, Union Minister and BJP chief JP Nadda, and other alliance party leaders, focusing on job creation, education, healthcare, infrastructure development, and women empowerment.
Employment Generation at Core
The centerpiece of the Bihar election manifesto is the ambitious promise to create 10 million jobs across the state. This massive employment generation plan aims to address Bihar’s chronic unemployment challenges and stem the migration of youth to other states for work. The manifesto proposes developing manufacturing units in every district to boost local employment opportunities and check migration patterns that have historically depleted the state of its workforce.
To support this employment vision, the Bihar election manifesto outlines plans to develop Bihar as a tech hub of eastern India. This includes establishing a defence corridor, semiconductor manufacturing park, global capability centres, a mega tech city, and a fintech city. Additionally, the manifesto promises development of a network of 100 micro, small, and medium industries parks alongside 50,000 cottage industries.
Empowering Extremely Backward Classes
A significant component of the Bihar election manifesto addresses the needs of Extremely Backward Classes, who constitute 36% of the state’s population. The manifesto pledges ₹10 lakh financial assistance to EBC members for business and entrepreneurship ventures, providing them with capital to launch or expand economic activities.
Beyond immediate financial support, the Bihar election manifesto commits to constituting a high-power commission dedicated to studying the socio-economic conditions of EBCs. This commission will focus on their comprehensive empowerment, ensuring that policy interventions are based on thorough research and understanding of community-specific challenges.
Educational Support and Scholarships
The Bihar election manifesto includes targeted educational support, promising ₹2,000 monthly to Scheduled Caste students enrolled in higher education. This financial assistance aims to reduce dropout rates and ensure that students from marginalized communities can complete their education without financial burden. Additionally, the manifesto promises a venture fund specifically for entrepreneurship among these communities.
Support for Gig Economy Workers
Recognizing the growing gig economy, the Bihar election manifesto pledges ₹4 lakh insurance cover for gig workers, auto-rickshaw, and e-rickshaw drivers. These workers will also receive collateral-free vehicle loans at minimum interest rates, reducing their financial burden and providing security. The manifesto also promises collateral-free loans for green homestays, supporting sustainable tourism development.
Agricultural Reforms and Guarantees
The Bihar election manifesto addresses farmer concerns with comprehensive agricultural reforms. It promises MSP guarantee to ensure right prices for every crop at the panchayat level, providing farmers with price certainty. The manifesto commits ₹1 lakh crore investment in agriculture infrastructure and aims to double agricultural exports while achieving self-reliance in pulses production.
The vision includes developing Bihar as a global export centre for makhana, fish, and other local products, capitalizing on the state’s unique agricultural strengths.
Flood Management Revolution
One of the most ambitious promises in the Bihar election manifesto is making Bihar flood-free within five years. This will be achieved through the ‘flood to fortune’ model, involving inter-linking of rivers and establishing a Flood Management Board. This initiative addresses one of Bihar’s most persistent challenges that annually affects millions of residents.
Industrial Development Vision
The Bihar election manifesto proposes developing 10 new industrial parks and five mega food parks across the state. Specific initiatives include the proposed Mithila Mega Textile and Design Park and Anga Mega Silk Park, positioning Bihar as the textile and silk hub in South Asia. The manifesto commits ₹1 lakh crore for the ‘Developed Bihar Industrial Mission.’
Five Guarantees for the Poor
The Bihar election manifesto outlines five key guarantees for economically disadvantaged sections: 125 units of free electricity, free medical treatment up to ₹5 lakh, 50 lakh new houses, social security pension, and continuation of 5 kg free ration. These guarantees aim to provide a comprehensive social safety net.
Infrastructure Transformation
The Bihar election manifesto details extensive infrastructure development plans, including construction of seven expressways, modernisation of 3,600 km of railway tracks, expansion of Amrit Bharat Express trains, and introduction of Namo rapid rail services. These initiatives aim to improve connectivity and facilitate economic growth.
Political Response
BJP chief JP Nadda emphasized that the Bihar election manifesto comprises achievable commitments based on groundwork and the state’s changing needs. He contrasted it with opposition promises, highlighting NDA’s track record. Janata Dal (United) working president Sanjay Kumar Jha described the manifesto as reflecting an aspirational Bihar ready for a major developmental leap.
However, opposition RJD lawmaker Manoj Jha criticized the timing of the manifesto’s release, claiming it came under pressure from the opposition’s earlier manifesto launch.
Comparative Context
The Bihar election manifesto was released days after the Opposition bloc unveiled its 32-page manifesto ‘Bihar ka Tejashwi Pran’ on October 28, which promised government jobs to one household member, ₹2,500 monthly to women, MSP for all crops, old pension scheme restoration, and 200 units of free power. This competitive manifesto release highlights the electoral stakes in Bihar’s upcoming assembly elections.
