The direction of the dialogue on development across the country has taken on a tone of magnificence since the turn of this century. Particularly in matters of political discourse, construction of large scale infrastructure projects - roads, ports and airports - have been at the centre of the development debate. While their construction is desirable, even indispensible, for India’s development, tending to the very basic needs of those at the bottom of the social and economic pyramid is equally important and necessary.
In the last six decades, we, as a country have come a long way. However, we are yet to make sustainable development and inclusive growth a part of our mantra. For instance, most houses in the country still do not enjoy uninterrupted power throughout the day and are not directly linked to the closest roads, nor do they have good drainage facilities. Basic facilities such as piped water and taps are yet to be made available. Cleanliness and local infrastructure needs to be taken right down to people’s houses. Debates on empowering the female half of our population need to acknowledge the fact that the number of gainfully employed women, particularly in government jobs, is still low, and that most students still find it hard to pursue a discipline of their interest at an academy of their choice for want of funds and appropriate training facilities. Bihar struggles against similar challenges.
It is true that the state of Bihar has witnessed significant change and development in the last 10 years, especially on the socio-economic front. Schemes such as Mukhya Mantri Balika Cycle Yojna, 50% reservations for women in PRIs (Panchayati Raj Institutions) and various other measures have ushered in women’s empowerment. The agricultural GSDP growth has increased by 5.1 per cent, industrial growth by 13.3 per cent and the service sector by 9.8 per cent, while the per capita income of Bihar has tripled in the last decade. Further, the IMR (Infant Mortality Rate) has declined by 30 per cent against a decline of 28 per cent in the rest of India in the last decade, while the MMR (Maternal Mortality Rate) has declined by 59 per cent against a decline of 55 per cent in the rest of India.
Improvements in electricity and roads have been notable, especially with 36,000 of 40,000 villages been electrified already. However, despite these achievements, there is a further need to inculcate sustainable & inclusive growth in Bihar’s development agenda.
Indeed, as Prof. Amartya Sen puts it, economic growth requires active public policies to ensure that the fruits of development are widely shared, and that it trickles down to the last person providing them with basic needs– that will help fix the nuts and bolts of this democracy.
Nitish Nishchay - The 7 Sutras for Vikasit Bihar has been built with this very aim to improve the quality of life of every individual in Bihar. This seven point agenda rolled out by CM Nitish Kumar is his personal commitment to bring into effect a kind of development model where the impact reaches each and every individual, improving their day-today existences.
A youth oriented policy, where the Government will serve as the guardian, and secure them against future uncertainties by way of unemployment allowance has been promised. The government will act as guarantor for student loans, and will also assist in the repayment of these loans. Additionally, a venture fund for entrepreneurs will be set up and technical training for youth within the state will be provided. Employment exchanges will be set up, and free WiFi will be made available to students so that they may meticulously construct the future they want for themselves. Having provided cycles and scholarships in the past, now, by reserving 35 per cent of all state government jobs for women, the state will take the next step towards women’s empowerment. Nitish Nishchay doesn’t just commit to the electrification of villages and habitations, but more importantly, this policy framework commits 24 hours of electricity to each and every household. Every household in Bihar would get clean, piped drinking water, ensuring that no one lives at the mercy of hand pumps or that of those controlling them. The next commitment is to secure all-weather roads within the villages and an efficient drainage system that reaches every doorstep. A toilet for every household will aim to make Bihar healthy, hygienic and free from open-defecation – it also affords safety for women.
Nitish Nishchay has been crafted after rigorous research and the use of extensive feedback systems. The CM has promised to implement this on mission mode, if elected again to represent the will of the people. In a country where crony capitalism has ensured that ‘the have’s’ set the agenda and narrative of what should be important for the country and what shouldn’t, this policy initiative is a welcome move. If inclusive growth is our aim, then the Govt. should ensure that benefits of the pattern of growth percolate to every member in the society. And to that end, CM Nitish Kumar seems ready for his mission.
Disclaimer: Payal Kamat is a political communications professional and currently part of CM Nitish Kumar's campaign team at IPAC. The article is her personal opinion and does not reflect the views of IBNLive/CNN-IBN
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