Bihar beckoned in 2007

PATNA: The passing year saw Bihar, once infamous as a badland, beckoning. The India Inc flew in here to explore the possibilities of investment and become a partner in the state’s economic growth. The visitors included the likes of Mukesh Ambani, Anand Mahindra, Kumar Manglam Birla, Priya Paul and K V Kamath, among others. The state also hosted several events at which industry giants and corporate honchos had brain-storming sessions. The year in fact began with the holding of a ‘Global Meet for a Resurgent Bihar’ which was inaugurated by then President APJ Abdul Kalam. It was followed by a meeting of Bihar Development and Investment Promotion Council, Mirror Conference and International Seminar on Poverty. The state also came up with its own Approach Paper to the 11th Five-Year Plan and formed a new sector ‘Abiding Initiative’ bringing 12 sectoral groups in it. Each group was headed by experts like Govind Rao, Y S Rajan, Anil Sadgopal, Analjit Singh, P K Pachauri, Suman Berry and Priya Paul. The proposals approved by the council included eight super-speciality hospitals, two engineering colleges, one steel plant, four power plants, 21 sugar industries and 14 mega projects. Almost all the visitors echoed similar sentiments regarding change of climate in Bihar and made no secret of their intention to make Bihar their destination. Kalam said, “India needs a developed Bihar which, more than any other state, has potential to achieve all the indexes.” Lord Meghnad Desai said Bihar has arrived at a crucial stage for its turnaround. The captains of Indian industry came to a consensus that Bihar is in process of a radical transformation. Anand Mahindra of Mahindra & Mahindra said, “Yes, a radical transformation and silent revolution is taking place in Bihar and very shortly projects will come here.” ADRI member-secretary Shaibal Gupta said an authentic sub-national government is here which cares not only for the subaltern but also for the elite who had earlier abandoned Bihar. But what is the result at the end of the year? “The impact of the efforts can be evaluated in three spheres,” said State Planning Board deputy chairman N K Singh. “First, the tangible investment have come; second, enhanced awareness of investment prospects and third, the problems of Bihar have caught the national attention,” Singh told TOI on phone from Delhi. He said investment proposals have come, particularly in sugar sector. Besides, important companies like Reliance, Bharti, Tata Chemicals, Indian Oil Corporation have showed inclination to invest in the state. "After two years you will definitely see changes. We have successfully branded Bihar and convinced the investors of a conducive atmosphere in the state," said Nitish.