The Congress party has intensified its call for Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar to actively pursue the long-standing demand for special category status for the state. This appeal comes in the wake of the latest report from NITI Aayog’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) India Index 2023-24, which, despite some improvements, positioned Bihar unfavourably compared to other states.
The SDG India Index assesses each state and Union Territory’s performance across 16 sustainable development goals (SDGs), generating goal-wise and composite scores to measure progress towards targets. Bihar’s placement at the lower end of the index has reignited discussions on the state’s economic needs and the necessity for enhanced central financial assistance.
Congress’s General Secretary in-charge of communications, Jairam Ramesh, pointedly criticized the Bihar government’s approach, stating, “Instead of mere rhetoric and internal resolutions, what tangible steps has Bihar CM Nitish Kumar taken to address this demand? He has spoken extensively but action is what’s needed now.”
Ramesh underscored the significance of special category status, which would reduce the proportion of central assistance Bihar receives as loans, making a larger portion available as grants. “This adjustment is crucial for Bihar’s economic growth and equitable development,” he emphasized.
The Congress’s stance echoes sentiments expressed by Bihar’s ruling Janata Dal (United) (JD(U)), whose leaders have cited the NITI Aayog report as validation of their longstanding plea for greater financial support. Bihar Water Resources Minister Vijay Kumar Chaudhary highlighted the state’s economic strides despite persistent challenges, advocating for special status or a substantial economic package from the central government.
“The economic trajectory of Bihar demonstrates its potential and necessity for special assistance,” Chaudhary asserted, emphasizing the state’s rapid economic growth compared to other regions. His sentiments were echoed by Bihar Rural Development Minister Shrawan Kumar, who urged swift action from the central government in meeting Bihar’s developmental needs.
The debate over Bihar’s economic status and its developmental aspirations is not new. The state, grappling with infrastructural deficits and economic disparities, has historically sought additional support from the central government to bolster its growth trajectory.
The SDG India Index, an annual benchmarking exercise, underscores Bihar’s challenges in achieving sustainable development targets across various sectors. While improvements have been noted in certain parameters, the overall score reflects the need for targeted interventions and increased resource allocation to bridge developmental gaps.
In the political arena, Kumar’s Janata Dal (United) is a key ally of the ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA) at the national level. The NDA, led by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), secured a mandate in the recent Lok Sabha elections, with JD(U) and other regional parties playing pivotal roles in the coalition.
As discussions on Bihar’s economic status intensify, stakeholders continue to debate the efficacy of special category status as a potential catalyst for accelerated development. The Congress’s call for proactive measures from Chief Minister Nitish Kumar underscores the urgency of addressing Bihar’s developmental imperatives amidst broader national policy frameworks.
