Prashant Kishor calls Bihar a “failed state," urges Bihari diaspora to contribute
Washington: Jan Suraaj leader Prashant Kishor described Bihar as a "failed state" during a virtual interaction with the Bihari diaspora in the United States. He emphasised the urgent need for comprehensive efforts to address the state's developmental challenges.
Speaking at the launch of the US chapter of Jan Suraaj, Kishor expressed confidence in his party's ability to secure victory in the 2025 Bihar Assembly elections. He pledged to lift the prohibition on alcohol and use the resulting revenue to improve school education.
Highlighting the grim situation in Bihar, Kishor remarked, "If Bihar were a country, it would rank as the 11th largest globally by population. The state is in deep crisis and requires sustained commitment for at least five to six years to achieve meaningful change."
Kishor also pointed out societal despair as a significant obstacle to progress. "When people lose hope, immediate survival overshadows all other concerns," he said. However, he expressed optimism, citing the groundwork laid by Jan Suraaj over the past two and a half years.
Acknowledging the long road ahead, Kishor stated, "Even with a government in place by 2025 and consistent efforts, transforming Bihar into a middle-income state by 2029-30 would be a significant achievement."
Addressing the diaspora, Kishor criticised their limited contribution to Bihar's development, urging them to mobilise support for Jan Suraaj. "I have not seen tangible efforts on the ground beyond discussions. It’s time to act," he said.
Despite Jan Suraaj's recent setbacks in the Bihar bypolls, Kishor maintained confidence in his party’s prospects, reiterating his commitment to prioritising education and long-term development strategies.
Let the Truth be known. If you read VB and like VB, please be a VB Supporter and Help us deliver the Truth to one and all.
Maharashtra government considers tweaks to Ladki Bahin scheme amid fiscal strain: Reports
Mumbai: A day after the Mahayuti coalition secured a landslide victory in the Maharashtra Assembly elections, attention has turned to the Ladki Bahin Yojana, a flagship welfare scheme that played a pivotal role in attracting women voters.
The scheme, launched in July 2024, offers ₹1,500 per month to economically disadvantaged women aged 18 to 65. The Mahayuti, in its election manifesto, pledged to increase the amount to ₹2,100 per month, a promise now under scrutiny due to fiscal concerns. With the scheme projected to cost the exchequer ₹33,300 crore from July 2024 to March 2025, bureaucrats are exploring ways to revise its provisions to prevent a financial imbalance.
Finance Minister and NCP leader Ajit Pawar hinted at the challenges, stressing the need for "financial discipline." A senior bureaucrat confirmed that plans are underway to prune the list of beneficiaries, citing the inclusion of ineligible individuals due to incomplete Aadhaar seeding and lack of required ration cards. According to the finance department, nearly one crore women out of the 2.43 crore registered beneficiaries may not qualify for the scheme.
The state’s debt burden is already projected to reach ₹7.82 lakh crore for the fiscal year 2024-25. Officials warn that continuing the scheme in its current form could impact the government’s ability to pay salaries by January. Despite these concerns, the ruling coalition is hesitant to reduce the beneficiary list, likely due to the upcoming civic elections.
Chief Secretary Sujata Saunik is expected to present renegotiation proposals to the new chief minister soon. Meanwhile, Shiv Sena spokesperson Krishna Hegde credited the scheme for increasing the number of women voters and boosting the coalition’s vote share. NCP (SP) leader Sharad Pawar also acknowledged the scheme’s role in mobilising women voters.
Other welfare measures introduced by the government include an electricity bill waiver for farmers and three free LPG cylinders annually for six million households. However, the financial viability of such initiatives remains a pressing concern.
