INDUSTRIAL SCENARIO IN BIHAR
Located in India’s eastern part, Bihar, the third largest state in the country in terms of Population and 12thlargest in area, is surrounded by Nepal in the north, West Bengal in the east, Uttar Pradesh in the west and Jharkhand in the south. The state enjoys a great geographical advantage by virtue of its proximity to big markets in eastern and northern India, access to Ports such as Kolkata and Haldia, raw material sources and mineral reserves in the neighbouring states, and has close proximity to South-East Asian markets too.
Bihar is one of the strongest states in agriculture which provide EMPLOYMENT and livelihood to about 80% of its people. It is the largest producer of vegetables and the second largest producer of fruits in India. Food Processing, Dairy, sugar, manufacturing and healthcare are among the fast growing industries in the state.
Bihar has planned initiatives for the development of other sectors such as Education and tourism and also provides incentives for information technology and RENEWABLE ENERGY. Large scale Infrastructure-2/”>INFRASTRUCTURE-development/”>Infrastructure Development, such as roads and bridges and a large base of low-cost industrial labour, make Bihar a potential Investment destination for a wide range of industries.
LARGE SCALE INDUSTRIES IN THE STATE
Bifurcation of the state on November 15, 2000 had left the present Bihar with very few large scale industries. However, the introduction of a new Industrial Policy in 2006 and its revision in 2011 resulted in increased investments in the state. In 2011-12, there were in all 12 large scale industrial establishments, which increased to 16 in 2012-13. The Bihar Investment Promotion Board approved 3 more large scale units in 2013-14 and 2 more in 2014-15, promoted by local entrepreneurs.
Micro, Small and Medium enterprises (MSME)
Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) sector has emerged as a highly vibrant and dynamic sector of the Indian economy. This sector not only plays a crucial role in providing large scale employment opportunities at a comparatively lower capital cost, it also helps in industrialization of rural and backward areas. The inclusiveness of the sector is also underlined by the fact that nearly 50 percent of the MSMEs are owned by the disadvantaged groups of Society. In order to strengthen this sector, the Government of India has taken several policy initiatives in recent years.
In Bihar, up to 2006-07, there were in all 1.63 lakh registered MSMEs . Thereafter, the registration of units per year has been declining. Against the registration of 7202 units in 2007- 08, only 3133 units could be registered in 2013-14, and the total number of units under this sector increased to 1.98 lakh by the end of 2013-14. This implied a increase of only 21.4 percent over a period of seven years. Secondly, the total investment of newly registered units recorded a Growth rate of 20.3 percent and the employment figures registered a jump from 5.37 lakh (up to 2006-07) to 6.52 lakh (till 2013-14). It is worth mentioning that 99 percent of the total number of units under MSME fall under tiny/micro sector and, despite this, the investment per unit increased from 1.87 lakh in 2007-08 to 10.07 lakh in 2013-14.
Agro-based Industries
In India, the agro-based industries, particularly the food processing ones, are considered as sunrise Industry on account of its huge potential for uplifting agricultural economy through the establishment of more food processing units, creation of food chain facilities, employment generation and export earnings. In terms of the production of fruits and vegetables, Bihar happens to be the seventh largest state in the country and, consequently, has relatively better opportunities for Agro Based Industries. Bihar offers enormous opportunities for investment in the food processing sector.
Besides food processing, the beverages, tobacco, etc. cover a large number of products, with high net value addition and employment potential. The tea and dairy industries have also started expanding in the state. Bihar grows a variety of fruits and vegetables in huge quantities. The total area under fruits in the state in 2013-14 was 290 thousand hectares and, under vegetables, it was 778 thousand hectares. The Fruits like banana, mango, guava and litchi are important in the state in terms of production. The floriculture has also started in the state on commercial basis, covering an area of 793 hectares, the total production being 8831 tonnes in 2013-14.
Sugar Industry
Sugar industry is an important component of agro-based industry in the state, providing employment directly in the producing units and indirectly through its ancillaries and various related activities. Bihar has a great potential for sugar and allied industries. The total cultivable land in the state is around 53 lakh hectares, of which almost 3 lakh hectares is under sugarcane. In view of its widespread cultivation, the government has decided to promote the sugarcane industries, which will also strengthen the rural economy of the state. For the benefit of sugar mills, various concessions and rebates have been provisioned by the State Government, which include reduction in VAT on ethanol and denatured spirit from 12.5 to 4.0 percent, and abolition of literage fees on ethanol and liquor. Out of 28 old sugar mills in the state, 18 are sick and closed and only 10 are working, all in the private sector. There are 2 new sugar mills under Bihar State Sugar Corporation, which were handed out to HPCL in 2011 on lease.
Dairy
Traditionally, the Animal Husbandry in Bihar is undertaken primarily to meet the household need for milk. But at present, the dairy is viewed as an industry. The Bihar State Milk Cooperative Federation (COMFED), established in 1983, has played a pivotal role in the development of dairy sector in the state. It is the implementing agency of Operation Flood programme in the state, and has worked towards promoting the White Revolution. It has also contributed towards developing the rural areas through enhancing the income level of households, particularly of the small and marginal farmers. For the establishment of the milk cooperatives, COMFED adopted the pattern of Anand in Gujarat. This is a three-tier pattern, under which there is milk producers’ cooperative society at the village level, milk union at the district level, and milk federation at the state level. During 2013- 14, COMFED has proceeded a step ahead and reached the 7th position among the milk federations in the country. A Road Map for the dairy development in the state (2012-17) has been prepared and, in order to achieve the targets fixed, the capacity of the milk Plants has been enhanced. As a result, COMFED in March 2014 achieved the maximum milk collection of 20.61 lakh litres in a day and processed it successfully.
NON-AGRO-BASED INDUSTRY
Handloom
The handloom sector in the state has witnessed a gradual decline in recent decades. Despite various schemes of the state government, the production in handloom sector is continuously declining. However, the fact remains that more than 1.32 lakh weavers are completely dependent on this sector for their livelihood. There are 1089 primary handloom weavers societies in the state, with nearly 34 thousand handlooms operating under them. There are two apex-level Marketing organisations, viz., Bihar State Handloom Cooperative Union, Patna and Bihar State Wool and Sheep Union, Patna. There is One Corporation— Bihar State Handloom and Handicraft Corporation— with 6 Regional Handloom Unions located in Nalanda, Sitamarhi, Siwan, Madhubani, Purnea and Bhagalpur.
Power loom
There are 11,000 power looms in the state, concentrated mainly in Bhagalpur, Gaya and Banka districts and their main products are staple chadar, furnishing clothes, etc. There is a training centre at Nathnagar (Bhagalpur), run by the Ministry of Textiles, Government of India, where 120 powerloom weavers are trained each year.
Sericulture
Bihar possesses a great potential for sericulture. In order to provide employment in the rural areas, the Chief Minister Tassar Development scheme was started in 2012-13. Under this, a sum of Rs. 170.90 crore has been approved under State Plan for Tassar Area Development in the districts of Banka, Munger, Nawada, Kaimur, Jamui and Gaya, and some water-logged areas in north Bihar where plantation of Arjun and Asan tees is feasible. The scheme will be completed during the Twelfth Plan period.
Jute
Bihar possesses a great potential for jute. There is need of certain interventions like establishment of jute park, modernization of looms, establishment of processing and design centre, establishment of a nodal centre for design and product development, establishment of raw material bank for jute, etc for the better prospect of jute industry.
Leather
Industries Bihar is rich in bovine population, accounting for around 8 percent of the country’s total bovine population. Again, the goat population in Bihar accounts for nearly 12.1 percent of the country’s total goat population, ranked third in the country, next only to West Bengal and Rajasthan. Buffalo and sheep account for 4.2 and 1.9 percent, respectively, of the country’s total population of those animals. According to a recent survey conducted by Central Leather Research Institute (CLRI), Chennai, Bihar annually produces 2.64 million bovine hides and 5.09 million bovine skins. The state is known for best quality goat skins, cow hides and buffalo’s calf skins. Goat skins are smaller in size and the best material for the production of glazed kid leather products, which are mostly exported. There are seven main markets for hides and skins in the state — Patna, Ara, Aurangabad, Munger, Muzaffarpur, Katihar (Pabai) and Purnea.
Khadi and Village Industries
The Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC) is a statutory organisation under the Ministry of MSME as the single national nodal agency for the sector. At the state level, the KVIC functions through State KVIC Directorates and State KVI Boards. Its activities include Skill development, transfer of technology, research and development, marketing, etc. and it helps in generating employment/self-employment opportunities in rural areas. In case of village industries, KVIC is implementing the Prime Minister’s Employment Generation Programme (PMEGP). As a nodal agency, KVIC also implements cluster development activities for traditional products of khadi and village industries, under the Scheme of Fund for Regeneration of Traditional Industries (SFRTI).,
Bihar is a state in eastern India. It is the third-most populous state in India, with over 100 million inhabitants. The state has a long and rich history, dating back to the ANCIENT KINGDOM of Magadha. Bihar is also home to many important religious sites, including the Mahabodhi Temple, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The infrastructure of Bihar is in a state of flux. The state government has been investing heavily in infrastructure development in recent years, and there have been some significant improvements. However, there are still many challenges that need to be addressed.
One of the biggest challenges facing Bihar is the lack of adequate transportation infrastructure. The state has a poor road Network, and there are only a few major Airports and railway stations. This makes it difficult for people to travel within the state and to other parts of India.
The state government is working to improve the transportation infrastructure. A number of new roads are being built, and the airport in Patna is being expanded. However, it will take many years to address the transportation needs of the state.
Another challenge facing Bihar is the lack of adequate power supply. The state has a chronic power shortage, and this has a negative impact on Economic Development. The state government is working to improve the power supply, but this is a complex and expensive challenge.
The state government is also working to improve the education system in Bihar. There are a number of new schools being built, and the government is providing scholarships to students from poor families. However, the education system in Bihar is still struggling, and there is a long way to go before it reaches international standards.
The state government is also working to improve the healthcare system in Bihar. There are a number of new hospitals being built, and the government is providing free healthcare to the poor. However, the healthcare system in Bihar is still struggling, and there is a long way to go before it reaches international standards.
The state government is also working to improve the water supply in Bihar. A number of new water projects are being implemented, and the government is providing free water to the poor. However, the water supply in Bihar is still struggling, and there is a long way to go before it reaches international standards.
The state government is also working to improve the sanitation system in Bihar. A number of new sewage treatment plants are being built, and the government is providing free toilets to the poor. However, the sanitation system in Bihar is still struggling, and there is a long way to go before it reaches international standards.
The state government is also working to improve the telecom infrastructure in Bihar. A number of new mobile towers are being built, and the government is providing free Internet access to the poor. However, the telecom infrastructure in Bihar is still struggling, and there is a long way to go before it reaches international standards.
The state government is also working to improve the Environment in Bihar. A number of new environmental projects are being implemented, and the government is providing free clean energy to the poor. However, the environment in Bihar is still struggling, and there is a long way to go before it reaches international standards.
The state government is working hard to improve the infrastructure of Bihar. However, there are still many challenges that need to be addressed. The state government needs to continue to invest in infrastructure development, and it needs to work to improve the Quality Of Life for the people of Bihar.
Here are some frequently asked questions about infrastructure:
- What is infrastructure?
Infrastructure is the basic physical and organizational structures and facilities needed for the operation of a society or enterprise, such as roads, bridges, buildings, airports, Dams, sewers, power plants, and telecommunications systems.
- What are the different types of infrastructure?
Infrastructure can be divided into four main categories: transportation, energy, water and sanitation, and Communication-technology/”>Information and communication technology (ICT).
- What are the benefits of good infrastructure?
Good infrastructure can provide a number of benefits, including:
- Increased economic growth: Infrastructure can help to improve the productivity of businesses and attract new investment.
- Improved quality of life: Infrastructure can provide access to essential Services such as water, sanitation, and electricity, which can improve the Health and well-being of people.
- Reduced POVERTY: Infrastructure can help to create jobs and improve access to education and healthcare, which can help to reduce poverty.
Increased resilience to disasters: Infrastructure can help to protect people and property from natural disasters.
What are the challenges of infrastructure development?
Infrastructure development can be challenging for a number of reasons, including:
- The high cost of infrastructure projects: Infrastructure projects can be very expensive, and the cost can be a barrier to development.
- The long-term nature of infrastructure projects: Infrastructure projects can take many years to complete, and this can make it difficult to secure funding and ensure that projects are completed on time and within budget.
- The complexity of infrastructure projects: Infrastructure projects can be complex, and this can make it difficult to manage and coordinate projects.
The need for coordination between different stakeholders: Infrastructure projects often require coordination between different government agencies, businesses, and communities.
What are some examples of successful infrastructure projects?
Some examples of successful infrastructure projects include:
- The construction of the Panama Canal: The Panama Canal is a man-made canal that connects the Atlantic Ocean to the Pacific Ocean. The canal was completed in 1914, and it has had a major impact on the global economy.
- The construction of the Hoover Dam: The Hoover Dam is a concrete arch-gravity dam in the Black Canyon of the Colorado River, on the border between the U.S. states of Nevada and Arizona. The dam was completed in 1936, and it is one of the largest dams in the world.
The construction of the Channel Tunnel: The Channel Tunnel is a railway tunnel under the English Channel that connects England and France. The tunnel was completed in 1994, and it is the longest underwater tunnel in the world.
What are some examples of failed infrastructure projects?
Some examples of failed infrastructure projects include:
- The construction of the Big Dig: The Big Dig was a major highway project in Boston, Massachusetts. The project was completed in 2007, and it was one of the most expensive infrastructure projects in the world. However, the project was also plagued by delays and cost overruns.
- The construction of the Eurotunnel: The Eurotunnel is a railway tunnel under the English Channel that connects England and France. The tunnel was completed in 1994, and it is the longest underwater tunnel in the world. However, the project was also plagued by delays and cost overruns.
The construction of the Three Gorges Dam: The Three Gorges Dam is a hydroelectric dam on the Yangtze River in China. The dam was completed in 2006, and it is the largest dam in the world. However, the project has been controversial due to its environmental impact.
What are the future trends in infrastructure development?
The future trends in infrastructure development include:
- The increasing importance of green infrastructure: Green infrastructure is infrastructure that is designed to protect the environment and provide other benefits, such as flood control and water purification.
- The increasing use of technology in infrastructure: Technology is increasingly being used in infrastructure projects, such as the use of sensors to monitor infrastructure and the use of drones to inspect infrastructure.
- The increasing importance of public-private partnerships in infrastructure: Public-private partnerships are partnerships between governments and private companies to finance and build infrastructure.
- The increasing importance of resilience in infrastructure: Infrastructure is increasingly being designed to be resilient to natural disasters and other shocks.
Sure, here are some MCQs without mentioning the topic Infrastructure of Bihar 1:
Which of the following is not a type of infrastructure?
(A) Transportation
(B) Education
(C) Healthcare
(D) AgricultureWhich of the following is the most important type of infrastructure?
(A) Transportation
(B) Education
(C) Healthcare
(D) AgricultureWhich of the following countries has the best infrastructure?
(A) United States
(B) China
(C) Japan
(D) GermanyWhich of the following is the most important factor in determining the quality of infrastructure?
(A) Funding
(B) Maintenance
(C) Planning
(D) DesignWhich of the following is the most common type of infrastructure project?
(A) Road construction
(B) Bridge construction
(C) Airport construction
(D) Dam constructionWhich of the following is the most expensive type of infrastructure project?
(A) Road construction
(B) Bridge construction
(C) Airport construction
(D) Dam constructionWhich of the following is the most time-consuming type of infrastructure project?
(A) Road construction
(B) Bridge construction
(C) Airport construction
(D) Dam constructionWhich of the following is the most disruptive type of infrastructure project?
(A) Road construction
(B) Bridge construction
(C) Airport construction
(D) Dam constructionWhich of the following is the most controversial type of infrastructure project?
(A) Road construction
(B) Bridge construction
(C) Airport construction
(D) Dam constructionWhich of the following is the most important factor in determining the success of an infrastructure project?
(A) Planning
(B) Design
(C) Construction
(D) Maintenance