How to develop bihar

[Ashish Kumar]

Friends, Bihar cannot be developed unless we create unique compititve advantage of each district of bihar. So, i invite to share some of your bright ideas as which districs should be focussed so as to create a business compititive advantage of that district. We have to keep in mind that the funds are low for development so the deistrict so chosen must have atleast a minimum infrastrcture for development.

Please contribute your ideas.

[Dr.V.N.Sharma]

Dear Ashish,
This , in my view, will create further imbalance like a developed district will get a chance for further development and unfortunate underdeleveloped will stay put where they are. Therefore, I suggest that initially an overview of each of the districts as a Unit for development must be taken into account and district-wise strength and weakness analysis done. This will provide details of infra-structure and raw materials availability, law and order problem standing etc. Since the present Govt seem to be favourably disposed to development the report can be put to the CM and discussed threadbare. Since it becomes a time taking job entrepreneurs, in the meantime, may make a move forward based on their own perception. If necessary the group members may assist them in getting appropriate info for a particular locality of a dist.
Thanx

Dr.V.N.Sharma

[Ashish Kumar]

Dear Dr. Sharma,

Thanks a lot for sharing your view. You have outlined the analysis part quiet well. But that's the begining stage and presently the government bodies and many other institutions are already involved in it. But what I would like to stress upon is, that if we concentrate on the entire state at once then we may be distributing the entire energy and fundings in putting the things at place, so by the time such the development will begin the government will change and we will be pretty much struck where we started. The problem is multi-dimensional. In my view it would be better to focus on a set of districts which can be developed more rapidly. Then use the growth of these districts to fund the development of other so called 'quasi infrasturcture available' districts. In this way these second set of districts will give rise to complementary economies to the first set of districts and this growth then be further channeled into other less developed or not at all developed districts. This is not something new, this is how India is developing..
By analysing the strength, weekness, oppurtunity and threat of each district we can build a credible outline as how much time it will take to develop each district. Strength and weekness of each district can be easily calculated but the oppurtunity and threat are not so lucid to enunciate. As we do not only have threat from the criminals or naxals but we have economic threat emanating from other states as well. Our products or services should be credible and lucrative, as well as economical, so that the government does not have to bear the cost of subsidy.
Now enough of talking, let me share some of the ideas on Patna. Since I am from Patna, i know it better than other districts

Strength:
a. Capital of Bihar
b. All the Executive, Administrative and Judicairy headoffices are located here. there are many more... now coming to the point...
c. It has mainly service based economy.
d. education sector is the single largest revenue generator.
e. center of trade
f. high number of mobile subscribers
g. fastest growing mobile economy in india.
h. fastest emerging FMCG market
i. on the line of becoming the Metro city.

Weekness:
a. Criminals and Anti social elements, political protests and all the political rubbish
b. Mismanagement of almost all the infrasturctures i.e. urban, social, environmental etc.
c. Quiet dormant status of Bihar chamber of commerce
d. Walled garden approach to the local economy.
e. People are hesistent to try new services
f. Patna has highest per capita district domestic product income but inspite of that the openness of the financial institutions in giving loans for further devlopemnt or starting new lucrative schemes is negligible.

There are many more, but i wont discuss as my goal is not to count the weeknesses but development of bihar

Oppurtunity
a. Can become a hub of educational services in India, the need is for starting various research organisations.
b. The software services can give a much needed boost to the economy the need is for deveopling self employment among the youth and help them in starting software firms in Patna. As the firms from outside the state are reluctant to invest.
c. Mobile economy can put us in sky, the need is to provide subsidy, but there is a technical glitch here i dont know if the state government can provide concessions or subsidy to telcom services? As telecom services are under central government.
d. An exellant place for starting large scale fishing industry.
e. Can become a hub for second hand vehicle markets owing to the fact that the vehicale density of Patna is at par with other developed cities in India.
f. Need to make both land and water tourism popular.
g. Creating efficient value chains for agro economic activity such that almost 10% of the grains are detroyed every year due to inefficient channeling.
h. more shopping malls are needed for better channeling of money.
i. It can be deveoped as solar energy hub
j. efficient manure and waste utilsation can make us further energy independent
k. Bihar chamber of commerce should be given more executive power and should be made a quasi executive body to promote the trade.
l. service providers should be encouraged to open more such centers.
m. efficient rail commerce with better equipments can give a good thrust to the local service economy
n. can be developed as a hub of airline industry due to its strategic location
o. the elcetronics and mehanical industry of patna can be encoraged for mass production of cheap cousumer goods
p. can become the startegic testing and development ground for light weight combat motor boats.

Threats
a. Change of government may mar all the developemnt
b. development of other B level cities like kota may pose significant threat to education economy
c. development of service industry other nearby cities like Varanasi, Ranchi, darjling etc. may snatch the servcie devopment.
e. The presence of chinese goods smuggled through nepal is a serious threat to elcetronics industry of patna.

There are many more of such factors. Please contribute about your district also, so that one day we all can see the developed Bihar.

Regards
Ashish..

Dr.V.N.Sharma said:

Dear Ashish,
This , in my view, will create further imbalance like a developed district will get a chance for further development and unfortunate underdeleveloped will stay put where they are. Therefore, I suggest that initially an overview of each of the districts as a Unit for development must be taken into account and district-wise strength and weakness analysis done. This will provide details of infra-structure and raw materials availability, law and order problem standing etc. Since the present Govt seem to be favourably disposed to development the report can be put to the CM and discussed threadbare. Since it becomes a time taking job entrepreneurs, in the meantime, may make a move forward based on their own perception. If necessary the group members may assist them appropriate info for a particular locality of a dist.
Thanx

Dr.V.N.Sharma

[Priyarag Verma]

Dear Ashish and Dr Sharma,

Developing Bihar can only be achieved though a joint effort on the part of the government, industry, technical institutions and the common Bihari. While the government does seem to be on the right path, it seems it is too much concentrated around Patna. Industry is practically non existent in major parts of Bihar though an effort is being made to revive the same. Some technical institutions are in the pipe line with IIT-Patna having already started. We should make Sure that IIT-Patna does not turn out to be like IIT-Kanpur or IIT-Guwahati which are world class institutions but have not been able to translate their success into developing their surrounding areas. here the role of the common people becomes very important.

Bihar can only develop if it takes steps keeping in mind its strengths. According to me its strengths lie in agriculture and its allied activities including argo-based industries, service industry, handicrafts (Bhagalpuri silk, handlooms etc) etc.

There are many instances of individuals being very successful in Bihar but that has not really translated into a movement. Take the example of the humble makhana. The two links should give you an idea of its potential business. Makhana on way to Europe. Also read Innovative makhana marketing. But the big question is how to translate individual success into community success.

The above example is just one. Take Sudha dairy. It is one of the biggest success stories but has not really helped the villages unlike NDDB which has transformed thousands of villages in Gujarat.

Similarly pisciculture can transform vast swathes of north Bihar.

Here agriculture universities can play an important role. They must develop new seeds, train farmers in better agricultural methods and come up with more innovations at a fast pace.

Moreover, the government must also get in touch with Biharis living abroad and invite them aggressively especially for starting healthcare facilities, educational institutes (both primary and higher) and labour intensive industries.

It should also get in touch with prominent Biharis in India and prepare a roadmap for the next decade which must be further divided into steps that must be taken in the next one year, three years, five years, seven years and then 10 years. There should be strict audit of all the works being undertaken in the state to prevent and stop corruption and nepotism.

The government should make a database of Bihari contractors and they should be given contracts to help them grow. For example a contractor who is into laying roads should be asked to do so in a particular locality of a city, say SK Puri in Patna. If he succeeds then only he should get a contract for a larger area or state roads and highways.

An entrepreneurial development institute should also be opened to train those interested.

In my opinion the government must now concentrate on controlling crime, inviting private partnership in setting up educational institutes and technical colleges, developing healthcare and proving a conducive environment for growth.

This is already happening and the Bihar pavilion at the trade fair in New Delhi is already showcasing some of these.

But the biggest hurdle is a lack of sub-nationalism among Biharis. It seems we have forgotten what development means.

Only in the last couple of years has this started to show. What also needs to be done on a war-footing is to banish the ghost of caste-based politics from Bihar.

[Ashish Kumar]

Dear Priyarag,

You have outlined a perfect analysis but i sincerely do not agree that we lack the sub-nationalism. It may not be omnipresent but its there in every bihari, simply unnoticed. During the dark age i.e. last 15 years prior to the present government there are numerous instances when one has tried but couldn't succeed due to tyrannical government. But i totally agree with you that Sudha been a complete success did not helped the villages because of the government protectionism. Instead of making the villagers a part of the industry the government decided to start its own animal husbandary, so as to keep the maximum benefits. For makhana industry to success we need a diverse value chain where makhana farmers can contribute.

Keep sharing the ideas, because these ideas will give us, what we have yearned for so long, "A DEVELOPED BIHAR".

Regards
Ashish..
Priyarag Verma said:

Dear Ashish and Dr Sharma,

Developing Bihar can only be achieved though a joint effort on the part of the government, industry, technical institutions and the common Bihari. While the government does seem to be on the right path, it seems it is too much concentrated around Patna. Industry is practically non existent in major parts of Bihar though an effort is being made to revive the same. Some technical institutions are in the pipe line with IIT-Patna having already started. We should make Sure that IIT-Patna does not turn out to be like IIT-Kanpur or IIT-Guwahati which are world class institutions but have not been able to translate their success into developing their surrounding areas. here the role of the common people becomes very important.

Bihar can only develop if it takes steps keeping in mind its strengths. According to me its strengths lie in agriculture and its allied activities including argo-based industries, service industry, handicrafts (Bhagalpuri silk, handlooms etc) etc.

There are many instances of individuals being very successful in Bihar but that has not really translated into a movement. Take the example of the humble makhana. The two links should give you an idea of its potential business. Makhana on way to Europe. Also read Innovative makhana marketing. But the big question is how to translate individual success into community success.

The above example is just one. Take Sudha dairy. It is one of the biggest success stories but has not really helped the villages unlike NDDB which has transformed thousands of villages in Gujarat.

Similarly pisciculture can transform vast swathes of north Bihar.

Here agriculture universities can play an important role. They must develop new seeds, train farmers in better agricultural methods and come up with more innovations at a fast pace.

Moreover, the government must also get in touch with Biharis living abroad and invite them aggressively especially for starting healthcare facilities, educational institutes (both primary and higher) and labour intensive industries.

It should also get in touch with prominent Biharis in India and prepare a roadmap for the next decade which must be further divided into steps that must be taken in the next one year, three years, five years, seven years and then 10 years. There should be strict audit of all the works being undertaken in the state to prevent and stop corruption and nepotism.

The government should make a database of Bihari contractors and they should be given contracts to help them grow. For example a contractor who is into laying roads should be asked to do so in a particular locality of a city, say SK Puri in Patna. If he succeeds then only he should get a contract for a larger area or state roads and highways.

An entrepreneurial development institute should also be opened to train those interested.

In my opinion the government must now concentrate on controlling crime, inviting private partnership in setting up educational institutes and technical colleges, developing healthcare and proving a conducive environment for growth.

This is already happening and the Bihar pavilion at the trade fair in New Delhi is already showcasing some of these.

But the biggest hurdle is a lack of sub-nationalism among Biharis. It seems we have forgotten what development means.

Only in the last couple of years has this started to show. What also needs to be done on a war-footing is to banish the ghost of caste-based politics from Bihar.

[Dr.V.N.Sharma]

Dear Ashish and Priyarag,
I replied to your 2nd msg on the issue. It seems to have been lost somewhere. Anyway, I agree with you and my intention was that every dist. must be taken as a Unit for development. Think Global , Act Local is the slogan for the Environmentalists but You can surely apply it here. Everything cannot be done everywhere. So one has to go by the availability of infrastructure and raw materials in a given location called District/ Unit.

It is also implied that we will have to assure the public and the ruling elites of Bihar that we mean business and they are required to be partner in progress. From my 14 year experience at IIT Kanpur the best part in then UP was no interference in affairs of Educational institutes for admission, donation etc which is opposed to what existed all through in Bihar. Electric supply was never to be shut down for IITK as a part of Agreement and Govt Order. We need to build that kind of Environment for developments to take root in Bihar. All political parties and Peoples representative must agree to a written or unwritten code of conduct for non- interference into the affairs of professional/ vocational institutions. In addition to these there are many things that I hope will come out during the discussion.

We must keep many of the problems and issues like caste based society, crime, keednapping, academic backwardness, and everything adding to universally acceptable bad name. It is good that we list out such evils and also listing out the good points of the people of the State.

Do you think we need to hold a Meeting and have one to one discussion so that a clear understanding is made? In case you agree you can start organising that sooner than later. Since I am very clear that elites have to be taken into confidence we must get the ruling elites to discuss the conclusion of the discussion.

[Ashish Kumar]

Dear Dr. Sharma,
Thanks for sharing you view. Well i agree to most of the parts but the focus shifts back to, how to ensure the transparency in the society. The present generation has seen only the curruption and all the evils so much, that they cant think of any fair and better society. So ensuring them to follow the ethics laid down by the government or any body will hardly met with any success. Although RTI (Right to information) model adopted by Government has earned them many applauses but its like a shimmering light in vast swathes of darkness. The irony is that even the academic models cannot ensure any such transparency. The political science or social welfare economics or any such academic discipline is just academic thought. It does not have any such tools/models to implement the directives. For this i would like to propose a panel of academic and industry experts drawn from various universities and bodies who can work as a complementary body to aid in development headed by Governer as ex-officio chairman and presided by Chief secratary of the state. Such panel in their ethics should never become a part of present system and should be regualted on a project to project basis.They can complement about the development and give suggestions to imporve the situation but cannot enforce any of their judgement. They can be selected based on the exemplary work they have done in their respective area. I know that there are many flaws in this model but please suggest some alternatives or suggestions that must be augmented to create any such model.

As far as holding meeting is concerned, its pretty impossible for me, as i am tied to my professional ethics. Presently I am in Milan,Italy and coming to Bihar is not in horizon any soon. But i would like to discuss and comment on issues, so that if any of us should get any chance they can propose the ideas we discussed here for a "DEVELOPED BIHAR"

Regards
Ashish...


Dr.V.N.Sharma said:

Dear Ashish and Priyarag,
I replied to your 2nd msg on the issue. It seems to have been lost somewhere. Anyway, I agree with you and my intention was that every dist. must be taken as a Unit for development. Think Global , Act Local is the slogan for the Environmentalists but You can surely apply it here. Everything cannot be done everywhere. So one has to go by the availability of infrastructure and raw materials in a given location called District/ Unit.

It is also implied that we will have to assure the public and the ruling elites of Bihar that we mean business and they are required to be partner in progress. From my 14 year experience at IIT Kanpur the best part in then UP was no interference in affairs of Educational institutes for admission, donation etc which is opposed to what existed all through in Bihar. Electric supply was never to be shut down for IITK as a part of Agreement and Govt Order. We need to build that kind of Environment for developments to take root in Bihar. All political parties and Peoples representative must agree to a written or unwritten code of conduct for non- interference into the affairs of professional/ vocational institutions. In addition to these there are many things that I hope will come out during the discussion.

We must keep many of the problems and issues like caste based society, crime, keednapping, academic backwardness, and everything adding to universally acceptable bad name. It is good that we list out such evils and also listing out the good points of the people of the State.

Do you think we need to hold a Meeting and have one to one discussion so that a clear understanding is made? In case you agree you can start organising that sooner than later. Since I am very clear that elites have to be taken into confidence we must get the ruling elites to discuss the conclusion of the discussion.

[Dr.V.N.Sharma]

Dear Ashish,
With your proposal to include Governor and Chief Secretary you are getting into the wrong system of Governance. They are the problems of the State, not solutions. Perhaps you are not aware of the functioning of the Bureaucracy and limitations of a Governor.

The present generation really has seen only corruption and crime flourishing in Bihar and it is indeed a difficult thing to get back in Time. But the start has to be made somewhere and it has to be initiated outside the purview of the Govt and its structure because the Govt is not to develop philosophy of change in society. It is simply not their job. Their job is to use Police and quell opposition to governance and perform day to day functions. Therefore, initially the participation of such individuals, directly involved with governance has to be on informal level.

Internet and e-mail communications have their limitations. Therefore, at a certain level direct communication is required not only between the members of this group but also with the general public. With regard to the Meeting and execution of the ideas one has to be on the play ground and my proposal was to get such names who are prepared to do this. Outsiders can only provide some ideas and help in the form of meeting small expenses. I hope members will respond.

Dr.V.N.Sharma

Ashish Kumar said:

Dear Dr. Sharma,
Thanks for sharing you view. Well i agree to most of the parts but the focus shifts back to, how to ensure the transparency in the society. The present generation has seen only the curruption and all the evils so much, that they cant think of any fair and better society. So ensuring them to follow the ethics laid down by the government or any body will hardly met with any success. Although RTI (Right to information) model adopted by Government has earned them many applauses but its like a shimmering light in vast swathes of darkness. The irony is that even the academic models cannot ensure any such transparency. The political science or social welfare economics or any such academic discipline is just academic thought. It does not have any such tools/models to implement the directives. For this i would like to propose a panel of academic and industry experts drawn from various universities and bodies who can work as a complementary body to aid in development headed by Governer as ex-officio chairman and presided by Chief secratary of the state. Such panel in their ethics should never become a part of present system and should be regualted on a project to project basis.They can complement about the development and give suggestions to imporve the situation but cannot enforce any of their judgement. They can be selected based on the exemplary work they have done in their respective area. I know that there are many flaws in this model but please suggest some alternatives or suggestions that must be augmented to create any such model. As far as holding meeting is concerned, its pretty impossible for me, as i am tied to my professional ethics. Presently I am in Milan,Italy and coming to Bihar is not in horizon any soon. But i would like to discuss and comment on issues, so that if any of us should get any chance they can propose the ideas we discussed here for a "DEVELOPED BIHAR"

Regards
Ashish...


Dr.V.N.Sharma said:

Dear Ashish and Priyarag,
I replied to your 2nd msg on the issue. It seems to have been lost somewhere. Anyway, I agree with you and my intention was that every dist. must be taken as a Unit for development. Think Global , Act Local is the slogan for the Environmentalists but You can surely apply it here. Everything cannot be done everywhere. So one has to go by the availability of infrastructure and raw materials in a given location called District/ Unit.

It is also implied that we will have to assure the public and the ruling elites of Bihar that we mean business and they are required to be partner in progress. From my 14 year experience at IIT Kanpur the best part in then UP was no interference in affairs of Educational institutes for admission, donation etc which is opposed to what existed all through in Bihar. Electric supply was never to be shut down for IITK as a part of Agreement and Govt Order. We need to build that kind of Environment for developments to take root in Bihar. All political parties and Peoples representative must agree to a written or unwritten code of conduct for non- interference into the affairs of professional/ vocational institutions. In addition to these there are many things that I hope will come out during the discussion.

We must keep many of the problems and issues like caste based society, crime, keednapping, academic backwardness, and everything adding to universally acceptable bad name. It is good that we list out such evils and also listing out the good points of the people of the State.

Do you think we need to hold a Meeting and have one to one discussion so that a clear understanding is made? In case you agree you can start organising that sooner than later. Since I am very clear that elites have to be taken into confidence we must get the ruling elites to discuss the conclusion of the discussion.

[Ashish Kumar]

Dear Chintan,

It was very pleasant to know your view. But there are some areas where i would like to attract your attention.

1. To maintain the law and order we are expecting a lot from people but thats not possible. The present generation has seen a lot of curruption and violence so its foolish to ask them to obey the orders or maintain discipline. People cannot elect sincere politicians because it requires an educated judgement. Since the illiteracy rate is highest in Bihar so this is just a dream, 'coz when you favour to some politician whom you consider honest, people will think that you are supporting that particular caste. SO, i believe at this stage the law and order can not be expected but rather imposed harshly on people, so that they can learn some discipline.

2. To encourage company to invest here is not possible unless law and order improves and corruption decreases and above all the infrasturcture i.e. roads, transport, healthcare and other areas imporves. These are the basics of investment and government is working towards it.
For more information on how government is making invester friendly environment please check the following link:
Wikipedia at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Economy_of_Bihar

Then for the educational institues the government is moving in the right direction, you can see for yourself at http://www.bihartimes.com/Newsbihar/2008/Dec/Newsbihar03Dec7.html

http://www.bihartimes.com/Newsbihar/2008/Nov/Newsbihar21Nov5.html


Soon we are going to see the petroleum extraction from Darbangha probably by the end this month that will really add to our state prosperity.
http://www.bihartimes.com/Newsbihar/2008/Dec/Newsbihar04Dec2.html

Just keep watching bihar news at
http://www.bihartimes.com/
for updates and you will see the changes.

Regards
Ashish Kumar...

Dear Ashish, I am chintan anand, from village chesi , patna district. I am a software engineer in pune. I want to contribute for development of bihar. I want to share my view for development. First of all, law and order should be better so that company can ready to invest money in state. All the fundamental facilities such as electricity, transport should be in better condition. Bihar has very talented man power. Man power is not a issue. There should be adequate number of higher education institutes for engineering,medical and management. Students can complete education in state and no need to go in other state for education. In the other state, students pay more money in education. when the law and order, management will be good, company will invest money and people will get job here. Our reputation in other state is not good. We should improve our reputation.We have to prove to the world that we are not backward. We should do these development work by step and step. According to me there are following steps:
1. Maintain Law and order in state:
We should take help from our state government and convince him not to play politics in the development. For maintaing law and order i am not seeing that present any party has the capacity to maintain peace. Every one interested to his self interest. Do not vote for any party. Make one young generation party who is honest and dedicated for the development. Every citizen of bihar should think seriously about to elect honest,sincere people. This is the first step.

2. Encourage Company to invest money in state:
Encourage company to invest money in state. People can get a job here. They can contribute to the development. People will earn here. The state will be develop. Then there will no need to go to the other state for job. No Biharis will be getting problem because of dirty politics of the other state. I think that we will not solve our basic problem simply to blame others. We should think our defecencies.

3. Open Large no of educational institutes for engineering,medical and management:
By opening a large no of educational institutes , students can do study here. When our students go for study in other states they pay more money. A poor student can not go for the higher studies in other states. By that way the economy of state will improve as well as students can get profit. Rich and educated people should come forward to open institutes for the development of bihar. Encourage other people for contribute money and convince him that his brother,sister,son will get benefits. 4. Improve moral and literacy:

We should improve our moral qualities. We should honest,sincere, care,extrovert. Think that other will not get problem because of himself. Help people as our brothers and sisters. Become generous. Not do any thing that will be bad impression for ourself and state.
5. Feel proud as u bihari..

[sachin kumar]

i think ur idea is good but not successfully occured....

[Ashish Kumar]

To make my ideas into reality i have to be in government and since i am not in government that's why it has not been successfully implemented.

Regards
Ashish...

sachin kumar said:

i think ur idea is good but not successfully occured....

[ABHISHEK KUMAR]

Dosto bas sabko shiksha mile to sab theek ho jayega. Logo ko jagruk banaya jaye.

[Ashish Kumar]

Kaise banenge log jagruk... or kaise sab ko siksha milegi...is par apne vichar vyakt kijiye.

ABHISHEK KUMAR said:

Dosto bas sabko shiksha mile to sab theek ho jayega. Logo ko jagruk banaya jaye.