Bihar Government Demands Greater Central Financial Assistance Following SDG India Index Report

Senior Bihar government officials reacted to the latest NITI Aayog's SDG India Index 2023-24 report, which positioned the state at the bottom in sustainable development despite improvements. They reiterated their demand for greater central financial assistance and special category status to aid Bihar's continued growth and development.

Senior Bihar government officials have reacted to the recent NITI Aayog's SDG India Index 2023-24 report, which places Bihar at the bottom in sustainable development goals despite some improvements. They emphasized their long-standing call for more significant central financial assistance.

According to Vijay Kumar Chaudhary, Bihar Water Resources Minister and a senior JD(U) leader, the report vindicates the state's ongoing demand for special category status or a special financial package from the Centre. Chaudhary highlighted that Bihar, although one of the fastest-growing economies in India, remains one of the poorest and heavily relies on its own resources.

Chaudhary, along with Rural Development Minister Shrawan Kumar, urged immediate central intervention for Bihar's overall development. They pointed out that the NITI Aayog had previously acknowledged Bihar's progress but noted the state requires more time to stabilize. The SDG India Index assesses states on 16 sustainable development goals, generating composite scores ranging from 0 to 100 for each state and UT.

(With inputs from agencies.)