The National Democratic Alliance (NDA) unveiled its Bihar election manifesto on Friday, presenting a comprehensive set of promises aimed at competing with the Opposition Mahagathbandhan's proposals. The document pledges over 1 crore government jobs based on skills identified through a Skill Census, alongside a mega skill centre in every district. Women's empowerment features prominently, with up to Rs 2 lakh assistance under the Mukhya Mantri Mahila Rozgar Yojana and a target to create 1 crore 'Lakhpati Didis'. The manifesto extends significant support to Extremely Backward Classes, who constitute 36% of the state population, and Scheduled Caste communities. Farmers, representing a majority in the predominantly rural state, are promised the Karpoori Thakur Kisan Samman Nidhi offering Rs 3,000 annually for three years, and Rs 1-lakh crore investment in agri-infrastructure. Social security measures include 125 units of free electricity, medical coverage up to Rs 5 lakh, and housing initiatives. Infrastructure development plans feature seven expressways, Metro services in four cities, and international airports in multiple locations. The manifesto combines poverty alleviation with aspirational projects, aiming to transform Bihar into a global skilling, manufacturing, and textile hub while addressing annual floods and promoting religious tourism.
Employment, Skills, and Support for Marginalised Groups
The NDA promises more than 1 crore government jobs determined by a Skill Census, with mega skill centres planned for every district to position Bihar as a global skilling hub. Extremely Backward Classes, forming 36% of Bihar's population, will receive Rs 10-lakh assistance for business ventures and benefit from a high-level committee led by a retired Supreme Court judge studying their socio-economic conditions. Dalit students in higher education will get Rs 2,000 monthly, while SC entrepreneurs will access a special venture fund. Women's initiatives include up to Rs 2 lakh assistance under the Mukhya Mantri Mahila Rozgar Yojana and a Mission Crorepati targeting women entrepreneurs. The Mahagathbandhan countered with promises of one government job per family, increased EBC reservation from 20% to 30%, and scholarships for 200 SC-ST students annually for overseas higher studies.
Agriculture, Social Welfare, and Infrastructure Vision
In the largely rural state, where 89% of the population lived in villages according to the 2011 Census, farmers will receive Rs 3,000 yearly for three years through the Karpoori Thakur Kisan Samman Nidhi. The NDA pledges Rs 1-lakh crore for agri-infrastructure, procurement at minimum support price at panchayat level, and positioning Bihar as a global export hub for Makhana and fish. Social security promises include 125 units of free electricity, medical treatment up to Rs 5 lakh, and 50-lakh new housing units. Infrastructure plans feature seven expressways, modernisation of 3,600 km railway tracks, Metro services in four cities, and international airports in Patna, Darbhanga, Purnia, and Bhagalpur. The manifesto also proposes a spiritual city, Sitapuram, in Mithila region and development of religious tourism circuits including Ramayana, Buddhist, and Ganga routes.
Source: Link