Transition in Bihar : The Turn Around Story

Contents: Foreword. Preface. 1. A historical background of the state. 2. The present socio-economic profile. 3. Congress and its allies: a study of the state and its programmes and polices (1980-1990). 4. RJD and its allies: A study of the state and its programmes and policies (1900-2005). 5. NDA and its allies: A study of the state and its programmes and policies (2005-present). 6. A comparative study of the three regimes. 7. What went wrong and where. 8. Summary, conclusion and suggestions. Annexures. Bibliography. Index.

One of the most backward states of the country as per the socio-economic indicators of development, the backwardness of Bihar is an outcome of non fulfillment of socio-economic policies of the governments in the state. An attempt here has been made to study the socio-economic policies of three different regimes in the last three decades (1980-2010). The three regimes so chosen are distinct from each other. Congress and its allies rules from 1980 till 1990, Rastriya Janata Dal and its allies from 1990 to 2005 and NDA and its allies from 2005 to till date.

Three decades in the political life of a state, is a significant period of time to make an evaluation of the trends of development-its achievements, failures and future prospects. The regimes chosen for a comparative study are Congress led regime headed by Dr. Jagannath Mishra and others (June 1980 – March 1990), Rastriya Janata Dal and Coalition regimes headed by Lalu Prasad Yadav and Smt. Rabri Devi (March 1990-March 2005) and NDA regime of Nitish Kumar (2005 – till date). A comparative study of these regimes is expected to reveal, what went wrong and where. That is our basic aim in this proposed research.

The present research work in a way, prepares the background for a new beginning in the light of the existing state of Bihar Politics. The study method adopted is historical-analytical-theoretical and critical based on the historical facts. Presenting a historical background, the work analyses the policies and programmes and their implementation with their consequent results and impact on the society. The work is largely theoretical, using empirical evidence as secondary source, as and where available, to support the analytical-critical conclusions of the study. (jacket)