Context & The Gist
The article is triggered by the upcoming Bihar Assembly elections. It argues that Bihar needs to move beyond conventional political promises focused on identity and grievances, and instead prioritize sustainable growth and leverage its diaspora for development.
Key Arguments & Nuances
- Political Status Quo: Both major alliances (NDA & Mahagathbandhan) are offering typical promises that, while addressing existing concerns, lack fiscal viability and long-term vision.
- Historical Political Shifts: Lalu Prasad’s focus on social justice and representation of backward castes was transformative, but his governance failures led to his decline.
- Nitish Kumar’s Approach: Nitish Kumar successfully linked social justice with improved governance, implementing targeted schemes like providing cycles to girl students.
- Migration as an Asset: Out-migration, while a symptom of limited opportunities, can be reframed as a positive force through leveraging the Bihari diaspora’s remittances, talent, and networks.
- Need for a New Vision: The article emphasizes the need for a forward-looking approach that prioritizes the future of Bihar’s youth and moves beyond traditional political narratives.
UPSC Syllabus Relevance
- Polity: Electoral politics, regionalism, and the role of social justice in Indian politics (GS Paper II).
- Governance: Issues of governance, development, and the effectiveness of social welfare schemes (GS Paper II).
- Social Issues: Migration, social inequalities, and the impact of political mobilization on social structures (GS Paper I).
Prelims Data Bank
- Constitutional Provisions: Article 360 (Financial Emergency) - relevant to the discussion of fiscal sustainability of promises.
- Government Schemes: While the article doesn't mention specific schemes, knowledge of Bihar-specific schemes like Mukhyamantri Kanya Utthan Yojana (for girl students) is useful.
- Remittances: India is among the top recipients of remittances globally, contributing significantly to the economy.
Mains Critical Analysis
The article highlights a critical juncture for Bihar. The state faces a governance deficit despite past attempts at social justice. The challenge lies in translating political mobilization into sustained economic growth. The focus on fiscal sustainability of promises is crucial, as unsustainable schemes can exacerbate existing inequalities.
The concept of 'palayan' (migration) is particularly insightful. Traditionally viewed negatively, the article proposes reframing it as 'diasporism' – a potential asset. However, realizing this potential requires a proactive strategy to engage the diaspora, including facilitating remittance flows, attracting investment, and leveraging their expertise. A key critical gap is the lack of a concrete plan to harness the potential of the 7.4 million strong diaspora.
Value Addition
- Prashant Kishor’s Approach: His focus on the future of children represents a shift towards long-term vision in Bihar politics.
- SC Judgments: The Supreme Court’s rulings on reservation and social justice are relevant to understanding the historical context of Bihar’s political landscape.
- Best Practices: Kerala’s successful model of leveraging remittances for development can serve as a case study for Bihar.
- Quote: “Bihar’s people deserve better than more of the same.” – The Indian Express Editorial.
The Way Forward
- Immediate Measure: Conduct a comprehensive assessment of the fiscal implications of all electoral promises and prioritize schemes with demonstrable long-term benefits.
- Long-term Reform: Develop a dedicated diaspora engagement strategy focusing on remittances, investment, knowledge transfer, and skill development. Invest in improving governance and institutional capacity to ensure effective implementation of policies.