The Bihar government’s ministers have cited NITI Aayog’s latest Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) India Index 2023-24 to bolster their longstanding demand for special category status (SCS) or enhanced financial assistance from the central government. Despite showing improvement on certain parameters, Bihar remains at the lower end of the SDG Index, prompting calls for targeted support to accelerate its development trajectory.
BulletsIn
- Bihar government ministers assert that NITI Aayog’s SDG India Index 2023-24 supports their plea for greater central financial aid.
- The state ranks poorly in the SDG Index despite making strides in specific developmental areas.
- Senior JD(U) leader Vijay Kumar Chaudhary emphasizes Bihar’s economic growth and consistent performance.
- Chaudhary highlights Bihar’s need for special assistance given its economic challenges despite growth.
- The demand for special category status (SCS) or a dedicated financial package for Bihar has been ongoing since 2011-12.
- Former Finance Minister Chaudhary underscores the state legislature’s unanimous resolution supporting Bihar’s special status.
- Shrawan Kumar, another JD(U) leader, urges the central government to promptly address Bihar’s developmental needs.
- The SDG India Index measures state and UT performance across 16 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
- Bihar’s scores in the index reflect its progress towards achieving SDG targets, with room for significant improvement.
- RJD spokesperson Mrityunjay Tiwary criticizes the NDA government, alleging neglect of Bihar’s developmental priorities based on the latest SDG report.
