The implementation of central schemes in Bihar holds a crucial place in the state's socio-economic development. Bihar, being one of India's most populous and socio-economically challenged states, relies heavily on these schemes to uplift its populace and address challenges like poverty, unemployment, malnutrition, and infrastructure deficits.
This article provides a detailed examination of the implementation of central schemes in Bihar, focusing on their scope, impact, challenges, and recommendations for effective execution.
1. Introduction to Central Schemes in Bihar
Central schemes are government initiatives funded and managed by the Union Government, aimed at addressing national priorities while catering to state-specific needs. In Bihar, these schemes focus on areas such as health, education, rural development, agriculture, skill development, and infrastructure.
2. Key Central Schemes Implemented in Bihar
2.1 Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS)
Objective: Provide at least 100 days of wage employment to rural households.
Implementation in Bihar:
Played a critical role in mitigating rural unemployment.
Approximately 10 million households registered, with a high participation rate during the pandemic.
Challenges: Delays in wage payments and lack of awareness in remote areas.
2.2 Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana – Gramin (PMAY-G)
Objective: Provide housing for all in rural areas.
Implementation in Bihar:
Over 3 million houses sanctioned under the scheme.
The state has been proactive in leveraging technology for tracking construction progress.
Challenges: Land ownership issues and delays in fund disbursement.
2.3 Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY)
Objective: Enhance rural connectivity through road construction.
Implementation in Bihar:
More than 50,000 kilometers of rural roads constructed.
Improved access to markets, schools, and healthcare centers.
Challenges: Seasonal floods causing damage and delays in project completion.
2.4 Jal Jeevan Mission
Objective: Provide piped drinking water to rural households.
Implementation in Bihar:
Significant progress with over 25% households now having tap water connections.
Focus on water-stressed districts like Gaya and Nalanda.
Challenges: Contamination of groundwater and inadequate infrastructure maintenance.
2.5 Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN)
Objective: Provide financial assistance to small and marginal farmers.
Implementation in Bihar:
Approximately 13 million farmers registered.
Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) system has reduced leakages.
Challenges: Exclusion of landless farmers and lack of digital literacy.
2.6 Swachh Bharat Mission (SBM)
Objective: Promote sanitation and end open defecation.
Implementation in Bihar:
Over 12 million toilets constructed.
Behavioral change campaigns have seen mixed success.
Challenges: Poor toilet maintenance and lack of water facilities.
2.7 Ayushman Bharat – Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY)
Objective: Provide health insurance coverage to economically vulnerable families.
Implementation in Bihar:
Nearly 10 million families covered under the scheme.
Active enrollment and empanelment of hospitals have increased accessibility.
Challenges: Low awareness and slow claim processing.
2.8 Skill India Mission
Objective: Enhance skill development and employability.
Implementation in Bihar:
Over 2 million youth trained in various trades.
Special focus on agriculture-based skills and IT-enabled services.
Challenges: Mismatch between training and job market requirements.
2.9 Mid-Day Meal Scheme
Objective: Improve nutritional status of school children.
Implementation in Bihar:
Covers approximately 16 million students across 70,000 schools.
Improved school attendance and nutritional outcomes.
Challenges: Quality of meals and accountability in fund usage.
2.10 Beti Bachao Beti Padhao
Objective: Address gender inequality by promoting education and empowerment of the girl child.
Implementation in Bihar:
Focus on districts with adverse child sex ratios like Patna, Gaya, and Muzaffarpur.
Awareness campaigns and scholarships have boosted girl child enrollment in schools.
Challenges: Deep-rooted societal biases and lack of institutional support.
3. Impact of Central Schemes in Bihar
Economic Growth: Rural employment schemes like MGNREGS have contributed to income generation and poverty reduction.
Improved Infrastructure: Schemes like PMGSY and PMAY-G have enhanced rural connectivity and housing.
Social Development: Programs targeting health, education, and sanitation have significantly improved living standards.
Agricultural Support: PM-KISAN and irrigation projects have provided relief to farmers in the state.
4. Challenges in Implementation
Administrative Issues: Limited capacity at the block and district levels hampers efficient delivery.
Corruption and Leakages: Mismanagement and diversion of funds remain significant concerns.
Infrastructure Deficits: Poor road networks and frequent floods delay project execution.
Awareness Gaps: Low literacy rates and digital illiteracy limit the reach of DBT and other tech-driven initiatives.
Coordination Issues: Lack of synergy between state and central governments affects timely implementation.
5. Case Studies
5.1 Successful Implementation: PMGSY in Flood-Prone Districts
Districts like Purnia and Saharsa have seen remarkable rural connectivity improvements due to innovative use of geosynthetics for road construction.
5.2 Challenges in MGNREGS During COVID-19
Delayed wage payments and overwhelming demand highlighted the need for better preparedness and resource allocation.
6. Recommendations for Better Implementation
Strengthening Local Governance: Empowering Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) for grassroots-level monitoring and execution.
Capacity Building: Training government officials and workers to ensure efficiency.
Improved Technology Integration: Expanding DBT and GIS-based monitoring systems to reduce leakages.
Regular Audits: Ensuring transparency and accountability in fund utilization.
Community Participation: Involving local communities in planning and execution for greater ownership.
Flood Resilience Measures: Adopting flood-proof construction techniques to sustain infrastructure projects.