BPSC Topic-Industrial Sector Performance in Bihar

In 2009-10, Bihar presented a downward trend in respect of mining/ quarrying and manufacturing sector, both registered and unregistered, but the construction sector proved to be the key driver in the growth trajectory of the state, whose share increased to almost twice in 2009-10 (11.18 percent) compared to 2004-05 (5.52 percent).

The state's share in the total value of output of non -agro based industries was almost double (0.99 percent) the share of agro-based industries (0.51 percent). However, the share in the total net value added was four times higher in agro-based compared to non-agro based industries. Food products/ beverages / tobacco group contributed over 76 percent of the total net value added by all the factories in operation in Bihar.

On account of lack of well developed infrastructural facilities and flight of capital, the state has only 4 units under food and beverages group in the large scale sector, one each in the districts of Banka, Begusarai, East Champaran and Rohtas. Besides, there are four more large scale units under private sector which include ITC, KCC and Gangotri Iron. Under the central sector, there are 6 large units, of which 4 are NTPC units, one is Indian Oil Corporation and one Ordinance Factory.

Out of a total number of 71,435 enterprises surveyed in Bihar, around 73 percent or 52,188 units were working. Around 69 percent of these enterprises were manufacturing units and 31 percent services units. The per unit employment was higher in manufacturing sector (3.64 persons) compared to the services (1.92 persons).

In the MSME Sector, the annual growth rate in total number of units during the last decade varied between 2.88 percent in 2009-10 to 5.27 percent in 2001-02. However, the annual increase in case of artisan units was in the range of 5 to 7 percent, though no unit was reportedly established in 2008-09, 2009-10 and 2010-11 (upto October). The SSI sector grew much slower, ranging between 1.42 percent in 2006-07 to 2.93 percent in the following year. During the decade, investment increased by over 185 percent and employment by about 38 percent.

Out of 9 divisions in the state, while Patna division showed higher concentration (22

percent) of MSME units, the divisions of Koshi and Bhagalpur reported only around 3 percent each. A similar trend was noticeable in different sub-sectors of MSME, except Tirhut, which reported higher proportion of establishments of small units (47 percent). Of the 9 divisions, small scale units were not established during the year (2010-11, upto October 2010) in as many as 5 divisions, viz., Bhagalpur, Purnea, Magadh, Koshi and Saran.

Of the total MSME units, around 81 percent were owned by general category, 13 percent by SC/ST and remaining 6 percent by minority community entrepreneurs. The investment and employment generation too were observed to be relatively less in the micro units started by SC/ST and minority communities, compared to those started by general category entrepreneurs. All the units under small and medium scale were reportedly owned by general categories entrepreneurs.

Bihar is fast becoming a large and growing market for food products. Of the total private consumer expenditure in the state, around 65 percent account for the expenditure on food only. According to a rough estimate, the present food market in Bihar is worth around Rs. 40,000 crore, of which processed food market, including beverages, is around Rs. 18,000 crore. Based on the estimated all India food consumption growth rate of 7 percent, the food consumption market of Bihar would be around Rs. 83,000 crore in the year 2015.

 Agro-based industries already enjoy the place of prominence in the state's industrial scenario. As per the ASI report 2007-08, the agro-based industries accounted for 88 percent of the total value added of Rs. 1159 crore of all industrial units. If the remaining small and micro units are included, the share of agro-based industries will be even larger, though its substantial potential still remains unutilized. Obviously, the state does not enjoy resource or input advantage for all agro-based industries, and therefore, the share of Bihar to all India is far less than what is economically feasible.

 With around 2 lakh tonnes of litchi production, Bihar accounts for almost 75 percent of national production. The brand Muzaffarpur Litchi commands a special respect in the fresh as well as processed fruit segments. Similarly, about 14 lakh tonnes of banana, produced in about 31 thousand hectares of land, offers significant opportunities for both fresh and processed food market. Processed banana is picking up fast with the South Indian market and new markets are emerging in the Middle East. Banana fibre also has a scope as one of the diversified textile fibres. This provides an added advantage of setting up fibre extraction and yarning units in the state.

In Bihar, the loss in cereals is estimated at Rs. 4500 crore. The food processing industries can minimize the losses through establishment of more units and marketing channels. Most of the food processing units are in unorganized sector and has very few success stories. However, the state has a large potential for milling and processing of food grains like rice, wheat, maize and pulses.

Presently, there remains only 28 sugar mills, of which 18 mills under public sector are closed. Of the remaining 10 mills under private sector, Bagaha and Motihari are almost sick and closed. Of the 18 closed public sector mills, 15 are under Bihar State Sugar Corporation and 3 under central PSUs. However, some positive steps have been taken by the state government in recent years for their revival.

According to a rough estimate, on an average, daily three truck loads of raw material consisting of 7000 to 8000 pieces of goat skins and 2000-3000 of cow hides are transported from Muzaffarpur to different destinations. Some of the well known Tamilnadu tanners have their own collection agents for hides and skins in all important markets in Bihar. The local tanning industries are confined to a few working tanneries in Muzaffarpur and BATA tannery at Mokamaghat. As a result, most of the raw materials find their ways to Kolkata, Kanpur, Chennai and other places.

The handloom sector in the state has seen a gradual decline over time and today the sector remains largely a story of impoverished weavers. Only around 10,850 handlooms are operating under 1090 weavers cooperative societies. Out of 38 districts in the state, the handloom units are concentrated in 14 districts, important among them being Patna, Gaya, Madhubani, Siwan, Bhagalpur and Nalanda. The study conducted by IL & FS reiterates that most of the weavers were still operating on a very small scale and do not have a commercially sustainable size of operation. There is a necessity to federate the weavers and bring their operations to a viable scale.

According to Fourth Census of MSME sector in 2006-07, there were slightly more than 21 percent closed units and around 6 percent non-traceable. Most of the units were operational on a low profit range in spite of easy access to labour and raw materials. It might be due to the lack of market opportunity or absence of infrastructural support to transport the goods to right markets. Of the closed units, 40.6 percent industrial units are in rural areas, and 59.4 percent of the units are in urban areas. Patna, Gaya, Aurangabad, Sitamarhi, Begusarai and Jehanabad districts had comparatively higher number of units closed.

The support institutions of Bihar, instead of becoming assets, are themselves becoming liabilities. The Bihar State Financial Corporation (BSFC) and Bihar State Credit and Investment Corporation (BICICO), who were responsible to provide financial support to industries, are sick primarily due to poor recovery and are waiting for revival.

Upto October, 2010, State Investment Promotion Board (SIPB) approved as many as 398 project proposals with proposed investment of Rs. 1.81 lakh crore and employment potential of 1.55 lakh. As many as 180 of the proposals are for food processing and 44 for power plants. Of the total 398 proposals, 45 have started working, 104 are at an advanced stage and 249 at different stages of implementation, involving an investment of Rs. 1102.5 crore so far.

The Bihar government has accorded the status of industry to the tourism sector. There are two types of activities going on in the Department of Tourism, viz., developmental and commercial. While commercial activities are being undertaken by the Bihar State Tourism Development Corporation, the developmental activities are executed by different agencies like Central Public Works Department, Bihar State Tourism Development Corporation, Building Construction Department, Water Resources Department and the concerned District Magistrates.

The approved plan budget of the Tourism Department has increased from Rs. 7.43 crore in 2005-06 to Rs. 18.30 crore in 2006-07 and Rs. 30.44 crore in 2010-11. The quantum jump in the plan outlay over the years is indicative of the state government's concern for improving tourism in the state.

The endeavors made by the state government in capacity addition in key infrastructure sectors like power and roads would yield the results and it is expected that, with the completion of large number of projects, the situation will ease and targets fulfilled. On one hand, growth in infrastructure removes the supply side constraints in production and, on the other, it stimulates additional domestic demand.

Jail Administration Prepares For Casey Anthony's Release

RLANDO, Fla, July, 17:Several protesters gathering up to the Orange County Courthouse on Casey Anthony's sentencing day, and staffs are bracing for more when she's released from jail on Sunday.

Many type of changes are being made at the jail, according to the jail officials. The strong barricades are set up for protesters.

The Booking and Release Center parking has been shut down since the Saturday evening, and jail staff said major plans are under way for Anthony's safe and secretive release.

"My best guess is you're not going to see her," said criminal defense attorney Jeff Deen.

The Anthony will be released from jail, at 12:01 a.m. Sunday; Deen expects that it won't be anything like the frenzy that's surrounded her exits in the past.

"The point now is her safety that she acclimates back into society. Nobody needs to be in anybody's face with the emotions connected to this case and verdict," said Deen.

A jail spokesman reveals that, the jail administration has not given Anthony any special treatment, but her release is the exception. The jail administration will allow three journalists: one videographer, one photographer and one reporter to be inside the jail to capture Anthony's final steps to freedom.

Jail administration said the media will be notified by email, once Anthony is a safe distance away.

Deen believes beginning a new life for her won't be easy.

"She's O.J. Simpson without the fame, and he never got past the stigma of it," Deen said.

Outer premices of the jail, protesters like Bree Thornton will be kept in a grassy area along John Young Parkway. Thornton said she is expecting to camp out at the jail 24 hours, not to catch a glimpse of Anthony, but to remember Caylee.

"It's about Caylee, not about Casey. I don't care to look at Casey. I don't want to look into the eyes of a killer," Thornton said.

There is no word from Anthony's attorneys what she'll do or where she'll go when she walks out a free woman after 1,005 days in jail. Deen said Anthony can leave the country with a passport, even with civil lawsuits pending.

Wakeup Seed, Gandhi is Again Coming

Mahatma Gandhi undoubtedly the most modern political thinker India has ever had. He imbibed the best from the East and the West and developed an organic a political philosophy that created miracles in India. Today, Indian politics enveloped in wide scale corruption, perhaps there is a need to rediscover Gandhi, and the support that the followers of Gandhi like Anna Hazare is getting in the country has their distinct dimension.

Mahatma Gandhi is still an integral part of Indian politics as his political philosophy encompasses an assortment of elements embedded with basic humanistic outlook.

As Gandhi opined in his famous journal, Harijan: "There are eternal principles which admit of no compromise, and one must be prepared to lay down one's life in the practice of them." 

He always remained attached to his principles in all walks of his life and even extended them in his attempt to create a resurgence of the nationalistic spirit among the common Indians.

Former West Bengal's Chief Minister Buddhadeb Bhattacharya highlighted in his research work titled Evolution of the Political Philosophy of Gandhi: "Mahatma Gandhi can be credited for belonging to the most modern type of mass leader."

In the historical year 1919, when Gandhi took up the reins of the Indian National Congress, he introduced a new thinking and orientation in spirit to the struggle for the people of India. He advocated the concepts of nonviolence and non-cooperation, which not only suited the superior resources of the British Empire but also became the pragmatic process of protest by indian masses against the Government of India Act (1919) and the Rowlatt Act (1919). 

The Non-Cooperation Movement, taken a definite shape after the massacre at Jallianwala Bagh, which compelled him to comment that "Cooperation in any shape or form with this satanic government is sinful." 

The spirit of nonviolence and non-cooperation  that Gandhi infused in Indian politics is equally relevant in modern times.The violent uprise, antipathy in addressing common issues and lack of a pragmatic dialogue among various political folks that characterise the Indian political system, emphasizes that a dedicated follow up  of Gandhian political doctrines have become the need of the nation.

The political ideology of Gandhi was a harmonious combination of western and eastern thoughts, did not accept this near totalitarian concept of the state. Inspired by western thinkers such as Thoreau, Tolstoy and so on, he declared that the political authority was not an end in itself. 

Several people have expressed that Gandhi regarded power to be "one of the means of enabling people to better their conditions in every department of life".

This gratitude speaks of his awareness of the reality that is firmly embossed on his political thought. His political proceedings were directed towards attaining power which, according to him, should not be concentrated in the hands of a few but disseminated among the masses.

This political ideal becomes more and more noteworthy in the present socio-political scenario, when there is an escalating tendency of power concentration in the hands of the privileged few.

Another aspect that is conspicuous in the Hindu political thought and has a significant impact on the psyche of the people is that revolt is one of the recognized rights of individuals and groups.

This concept is deeply imprinted in the mass psyche and played a significant role in the isolated uprisings that were a vital part of the Indian freedom struggle. 

The duty and accountability of the king is also clearly indicated. A king who did not abide by the dictates of ethics and justice was endangered with dire consequences in hell as well as revolt. 

In Mahabharata, Bhishma Pitamah goes to the extent of saying that the king who fails to protect his people should be slain by his subjects like a mad dog. Gandhi's clarion call for nonviolent revolt against the British is therefore a continuation of the Indian tradition. 

Fascinatingly, though Gandhi acknowledged the traditional injunction in country and the way Anna and Ramdev Movement is getting response from the common man it is going to be another Civil society movement and this time Gandhi’s philosophy is playing again a big role in India.

www.goindocal.com

BPSC-Topic Agriculture and Allied Sectors in Bihar

The average annual rainfall in Bihar for the last decade (2000-09) was estimated to be 1091.08 mms. But, in 2005, the rainfall was 897.40 mms and in 2009 it was 868.61 mms.This indicates severe drought situation in 2005 and 2009. Drought occurred due to shortfalln south west monsoon in both these years.

The area under net sown area has undergone a marginal change. In 2007-08, net sown area was 60.5 percent as compared to 59.4 percent in 2005-06. The increase in net sown area is 109 thousand hectares. The cropping intensity has also shown a marginal increase from 1.33 in 2005-06 to 1.37 in 2007-08. This implies an additional 368 thousand hectares under cultivation in 2007-08 over 2005-06. Land under both fallow and current fallow have registered a decrease in 2007-08. This indicates that, with growing population, the pressure on land is now even higher.

 Because of various levels of irrigation facility, the intensity of cropping across the districtsvaries considerably, from 1.10 at Jamui to 1.76 in Saharsa.

The average productivity of three important cereals are — 1454 kgs/ha for rice, 2126 kgs/ha for wheat and 2746 kgs/ha for maize. Of the two pulses groups, the average productivity in Bihar is 984 kgs/ha (kharif pulses) and 753 kgs/ha (rabi pulses). These productivity figures relate to triennium average ending 2008-09. In 2007-08, taking into account the productivity of rice, three districts with the highest productivity levels were Buxar (2731 kgs/ha), Aurangabad (2472 kgs/ha) and Lakhisarai (2472 kgs/ha). For wheat, West Champaran tops with 3150 kgs/ha and for maize, Samastipur heads the list with 6287 kgs/ha.

Bihar has a prime position in the production of several vegetable crops. In 2008-09, Bihar’sproduction levels were potato (50.34 lakh tonnes), onion (9.47 lakh tonnes), tomato (10.37 lakh tonnes), cauliflower (10.44 lakh tonnes) and brinjal (11.86 lakh tonnes). For fruits production four important crops are mango, guava, litchi and banana. In 2008-09 Bihar could produce 13.30 lakh tonnes of mango, 2.29 lakh tonnes of guava, 2.17 lakh tonnes of litchi and 13.74 lakh tonnes of banana.

The commercial production of flowers is taking place on large scale in the state in view of rising demand. Important flower crops are rose, gladiolus, jasmine (bela), marigold and tuberose. In 2008-09, the production level of these flowers were – 67 tonnes of rose, 4429 tonnes of marigold, 270 tonnes of jasmine and 365 tonnes of tuberose. Major flower producing districts are Patna, Muzaffarpur, Vaishali, Samastipur and Gaya.

During the period 2000-01 to 2008-09, the total irrigated area has increased from 44.6 lakh hectares to 49.2 lakh hectares. In 2008-09, about 55.3 percent of the total irrigated area in Bihar came from tubewells (both private and state). These tubewells are often run on diesels which is expensive, in the absence of adequate supply of power. Irrigation from surface canals, both major & minor, is important in 8 districts – Rohtas, Kaimur, Bhojpur, Buxar, Aurangabad, Banka, Munger and Lakhisarai. These are rice producing districts of Bihar

The roadmap of agriculture drawn up by the present state government puts emphasis on the use of certified seeds. Because of this initiative, the SRR for major crops like rice, wheat and maize has increased significantly in the state during the last five years. Amoung kharif crops SRR has increase from 14 percent in 2007-08 to 31.0 percent in 2010-11 for paddy. For reabi crops SRR has increase from 15 percent in 2007-08 to 25.3 percent in 2009-10 for wheat.

The total consumption of fertilizer in Bihar was 32.25 lakh tonnes in 2006-07. In 2007-08, it increased to 36.49 lakh tonnes with a growth rate of 13.1 percent. In 2008-09, it increased further by 10.9 percent to reach a level of 40.46 lakh tonnes.The per hectare consumption of fertilizer went upto 181.11 kgs in 2009-10 from a level of 141.7 kgs three years ago.

Farmer's training through Farmers Field Schools (Kisan Pathsala) has gained prominence in recent times. Krishi Vikash Shivir, programme for interaction between agricultural scientists and farmers, is providing a platform for technology-transfer. One of the major initiative in this regard is to arrange for minikit distributions at the Panchayat or village level. This minikit programme covers as many as seven crops in kharif- paddy, maize, arhar, urad,moong, castor and sesamum. For rabi cultivation, the demonstration again include seven crops-wheat, maize, gram, masoor, pea, mustard and rajmah.

In 2008-09, 3028 power tillers were provided to farmer on subsidy. The number of power tillers given to farmer rose to 4041 in 2009-10.In last two years (2008-09 and 2009-10) a toal number of 7069 power tillers were given to farmer on subsidy. As a part of the process of modernization of agriculture in Bihar, the state government is providing subsidies to farmers over and above the subsidy admissible under the centrally sponsored schemes for acquisition of tractors, harvesters etc.

In 2009-10, around 13.40 lakh farmers of Bihar had access to facility of Kisan Credit Card.For the years 2004-05 to 2009-10, in might be noted that actual credit flow as percentage of annual targets has been around 80 percent. In absolute terms, total credit flow to agriculture has increased by 273 percent between 2004-05 and 2009-10.

Fish production in the state has been showing a steady growth. In 2004-05, the total production of fish in Bihar was 2.67 lakh tonnes. There was steady increase of fish production thereafter and it reached to a level of 3.06 lakh tonnes in 2008-09.

BPSC -Mains Topic Bihar Economy at a Glance

In 2009-10, the total GSDP at 2004-05 prices was Rs. 1, 35,900.23 crore, yielding a per capita income of Rs.13, 983. For total GSDP, the estimated growth rate was 11.70 percent over 2008-09. At current prices, the GSDP for Bihar in 2009-10 was estimated to be to Rs. 1, 72,138.46 crore with a per capita income of Rs. 17,959.

During the first five years since 1999-2000, the economy had grown at an annual rate of 3.50 percent and the economy had grown at an annual rate of 10.93 percent during 2004-05 to 2010-11 at constant prices. This is one of the highest among the growth rates of different Indian states.

With economic development, it is historically observed that structure of any economy also undergoes changes over time. This is true of Bihar also. In the beginning of the last decade, the share of different sector in total GSDP stood at 39.0 percent (primary) 10.5 percent (secondary) and 50.5 percent (tertiary). Since secondary and tertiary sectors have shown a much higher growth rate in the last decade, the composition of sectors is now substantially different; in 2009-10, the composition was — 21.74 percent (primary) 16.61 (secondary) and 61.65 percent (tertiary).

Bihar suffers from considerable economic disparities across the districts. Considering per capita estimates of GDDP, we find that Patna (Rs. 37,737), Munger (Rs. 12,370) and Begusarai (Rs. 10,409) are the most economically prosperous districts of Bihar. On the other end of the ranking, the three most economically underdeveloped districts are Jamui (Rs. 5516), Araria (Rs. 5245) and Sheohar (Rs. 4398).

For the consumer price index for rural workers, the rise in prices in Bihar has been lower than in India as a whole. For agricultural labourers, the index rose by 115 points between 2007-08 and October 2010 for Bihar, but for India as a whole, the rise was by 149 points during the same period. A similar pattern can be observed for rural labourers also. In case of industrial labourers, it is found that price rise has been higher in Bihar than in India as a whole. Between 2007-08 and October 2010, the index for industrial labouers rose by 53 points in Bihar, whereas it rose by 48 points for India during the same period.

As a result of improvement in law and order situation, resultant faith in the government, and other positive changes taking place in Bihar, a favourable environment for private companies, investors, entrepreneurs and tourists, etc. has been created in Bihar. The state has become a favourite destination for a large number of companies and private institutions.

Janta Ke Darbar Mein Mukhya Mantri' programme, organised at different places has attracted significant public participation. Vikas Yatra, undertaken by the Chief Minister to remotest places has ushered in new trend of dialogue between the rural population and the ministers and officials accompanying the Chief Minister in such yatras.

The state government has taken positive steps for increasing the common man’s faith in police. The 'Speedy Trial' mechanism has been effectively used to expedite convictions. With the introduction of 'speedy trials' and resultant quick convictions, the number of convictions is increasing. The total number of convictions rose from 6839 in 2006 to 13,146 in 2009 which means an increase of 92.46 percent during the period.

 In order to strengthen the training facility for police officers, the Bihar Police Academy has been established in the state. Work has begun on construction of a new campus of Bihar Police Academy at Rajgir at the proposed cost of Rs. 206 crore. Besides, under state plan, work has been completed for 14 model police stations and work for 26 more model police station are in progress. Another 40 model police station will be taken up in near future, apart from 49 Grade III police station, 8 Grade IV police stations and 69 police buildings.

 The state government has recently established a Fire Brigade Training Centre and a Home guards training centre at Bihta at the cost of Rs. 7.50 crore and Rs. 4.00 crore respectively.

Steps were taken to contain corruption in the state. A total of 66 persons were arrested in 60 trap cases in 2006, 126 in 108 trap cases in 2007, and 99 in trap cases in 2008. There has been a rise in registration of anticorruption cases. From 1996 to 2005, on an average, about 28 cases were registered annually. In 2006 alone, 99 cases were investigated. From 1996 to 2008, 396 gazetted officers, 332 non-gazetted government servants, and 215 nongovernment servants, were chargesheeted. Under the disproportionate asset case, wealth to the tune of Rs. 8 crore have been identified and trials are under progress.

The state government has initiated steps to strengthen the Disaster Management Authority (SDMA) on the guidelines of National Disaster Management Act, 2005. NDMA has set up a battalion of NDRF (National Disaster Response Force) at Bihta in Patna district for various operations during the disasters.

During the drought, the lives and occupation of the lower income groups suffered enormously. The state government had to save the lives of sick people from starvation in drought hit districts, for which it sanctioned an amount of Rs. 973.63 lakh for providing dry foodgrains and Rs. 1839.75 lakh for drinking water. Thus, a total amount of Rs. 6691.64 lakh was sanctioned for fighting drought during 2010-11 (upto January 13, 2011).

There are 28 districts in the state, mostly in North Bihar, which are affected by floods almost every year. The state government is currently constructing 200 flood shelters in flood prone districts. In addition to this, there is also a proposal for creation of new post of Emergency Managers with Associates for 10 most flood prone districts of the state. Disaster Management Department has issued guidelines to Divisional Commissioners and District Magistrates for rehabilitations and reconstructions during the post-flood operations. To combat flood operations, cyclone / fire disaster in 2010, the state government had to incur an amount of Rs. 17345.35 lakh in non-plan head.