Bihar registered fastest economic growth in 2017-18: Governor

Governor Lalji Tandon Monday said Bihar has registered the highest economic growth of 11.3 per cent in the country during 2017-18 and curbed crime to a great extent, thereby providing a better society for its citizens. Addressing the Budget session of both Houses of Bihar Legislature, the governor quoted Central Statistical Organisation (CSO) figures to say that Bihar registered the highest economic growth rate of 11.3 per cent among the states in 2017-18 against the national growth rate of 7 per cent.

With a focus on development of infrastructure and ensuring better implementation of various schemes, the size of the state's budget has increased to Rs 1.77 lakh crore in 2018-19, which is 18 per cent more than the previous year, he said. The states own tax revenue collections is expected to be around Rs 31,000 crore in 2018-19 against Rs 23,136 crore in 2017-18.

The governor also highlighted the governments priority on womens empowerment, "seven resolves" and prohibition -- the schemes and policies which have left a positive impact on peoples life. Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, Deputy Chief Minister Sushil Kumar Modi, Leader of opposition in the Council Rabri Devi were present during the joint sitting held at the newly inaugurated central hall in the annexe building of the state legislature.

The governor was flanked by Speaker of Legislative Assembly Vijay Kumar Chaudhary and Acting Chairman of Legislative Council Haroon Rashid. Monday was the first day of the 10-day Budget session.

Tjhe governor also referred to the latest National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) data to show that Bihar is better placed among states in maintaining law and order situation. As per the NCRB data, the number of cases relating to cognizable offences in Bihar is 157.4 against the national average of 233.6 per one lakh population.

Tandon said Bihar ranked 22nd among all states and union territories in terms of crime rate. Police have been able to crack the cases lodged in major categories besides being able to ensure conviction in 3,650 cases that took place in 2018, he said and added that the state government is working to achieve population-police ratio as per national standard for which it has been filling posts and making fresh recruitments.

Tandon said the government has adopted "zero tolerance policy" towards corruption and it has also attached top priority to establish rule of law and create a society free of fear. He said the governments decision to reserve 50 per cent seats in panchayats, urban local bodies and teachers appointment for women is a step in the right direction.

The state government has also implemented 35 per cent quota for women in government jobs and in the recruitment of constables and sub-inspectors in police department. Tandon said that the government has introduced Mukhya Mantri Kanya Uthan Yojana for making girls self-reliant by providing them protection, education and health care facilities.

The scheme takes care of a girl child right from her birth to graduation level by providing financial support. The government has initiated "seven resolves" under good governance programme (Sushashan Ke Karyakrram) for the states development.

The governor said power supply reached 5,139 MW in September 2018 against a meagre 700-800 MW in 2005. He said the government successfully implemented prohibition which has become a "social movement".

Meanwhile, Bihar's revenue surplus increased from Rs 6,441 crore in 2013-14 to Rs 14,823 crore in 2017-18. The state has been a revenue surplus state since 2007-2008, Deputy Chief Minister Sushil Kumar Modi, who also holds finance portfolio, said after tabling the 13th Economic Survey 2018-19 in the Assembly. The surplus, projected to be Rs 21,312 crore during 2018-19, is considered to be the result of better financial management, Modi said adding that the surplus could be used for asset creation like roads, building etc.

The Gross Fiscal Deficit (GFD) of the state government went down from Rs 16,480 crore in 2016-17 to Rs 14,305 crore in 2017-18, which was 2.9 per cent of Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP) keeping it within the Fiscal Responsibility and Budget Management Act, the Deputy CM said. The total revenue of the state government increased from Rs 68,919 crore in 2013-14 to Rs 1,17,447 crore in 2017-18, implying an increase of 70.4 per cent over a period of four years between 2013-14 to 2017-18.

The growth in agro-based industries in Bihar is 19.2 per cent which is almost five times the all India growth rate of 3.6 per cent, the minister said..