The 2025 Bihar Assembly elections spotlight a critical juncture. Political debates are dominated by caste and personalities. Yet, beneath this lies a strong demand for jobs and economic growth. Migrant workers and youth seek opportunities that reduce forced migration. Bihar’s political maturity is tested by whether it can shift focus from caste to development.
Caste Dynamics in Bihar Politics
Caste remains central to Bihar’s politics. Parties mobilise voters through caste identities and promises of empowerment. The 2023 caste survey shows Extremely Backward Classes (EBCs) form 36%, Other Backward Classes (OBCs) 27%, Scheduled Castes 20%, Scheduled Tribes 1.6%, and upper castes 15.5%. Muslims are 17.7%, often allied with backward castes. Historical movements like the Triveni Sangh and policies like the Mandal Commission entrenched caste-based politics. Despite this, since 2005, governance and welfare have influenced voter behaviour alongside caste.
Migration – Bihar’s Silent Crisis
Large-scale migration marks Bihar’s economy. Many young men work in other states in construction and factories. Over 7% of Bihar’s population works outside the state. Remittances support families but social costs are high. Women and children face hardships, and villages lose productive workers. This migration reflects the lack of local jobs. Election agendas ignoring employment will not connect with Bihar’s youth.
Economic Progress and Its Limits
Bihar’s economy has grown at 8.64% recently, above the national average. Infrastructure like roads and electrification has improved. Education enrolment and law and order have also advanced. Nitish Kumar’s government played a key role in these gains. However, growth lacks industrialisation and large-scale jobs. Agriculture remains fragmented and low in productivity. Private investment lags behind other states. Thus, Bihar’s growth is broad but shallow.
The BIMARU Tag and Human Capital Challenges
Bihar still carries the BIMARU label for backwardness. Literacy at 74.3% is below India’s average. Female literacy is only 51.5%. Health indicators like infant mortality and malnutrition remain poor. Weak human capital limits industrial growth. Improving education, vocational training, and healthcare is essential for economic transformation.
Political Awareness and Demand for Development
Bihar has a history of political activism and reform. Voters are aware and demand delivery. They reward governance improvements but remain rooted in caste identities. The upcoming elections test if Bihar can prioritise economic dignity over identity politics.
Strategies for Bihar’s Growth
Bihar needs a fourfold approach – – Job Creation – Promote labour-intensive industries and support MSMEs. Simplify regulations and ensure reliable infrastructure. – Human Capital – Expand schools and vocational centres, especially for women. Align education with industry needs. – Infrastructure and Governance – Improve connectivity and ease of doing business. – Balanced Regional Growth – Avoid concentration of development in urban centres only.
Questions for UPSC:
- Discuss in the light of Bihar’s 2025 Assembly elections how caste continues to influence electoral politics despite economic growth.
- Critically examine the impact of large-scale migration on socio-economic development and political choices in state of Indias with special reference to Bihar.
- Explain the role of human capital development in transforming backward regions like Bihar and discuss policy measures that can accelerate this process.
- With suitable examples, discuss the challenges and strategies for promoting balanced regional development and industrialisation in states lagging behind in economic growth.
