Dimensions of Poverty in Bihar: "With Special Reference to Buxar District"

Abstract: Bihar has shown great development potential & acquired a positive and dynamic image in recent years, during last decades or so, the growth of the economy as measured by state Gross Development Product (GDP), has been keeping around 10% per annum, which is not only above the national average but one of the highest amongst poor states of India. There has been changes which we can feel, also there is huge Improvements in infrastructure, particularly roads, and delivery of several social and economic programs. However, in spite of this impressive achievements, the state continuous to be one of the poorest states in country with very low levels of development in terms of human development. Bihar faces huge challenges in its fight against poverty and backwardness. I have focused to review the emerging pattern of growth and development of the state and its implications in improving poverty and livelihood. This paper will be based on secondary data, encompassing various economic activities related to “Poverty In Bihar” secondary data will be based on published literature, books, journal articles, reports, surveys, Internet etc. Poverty eradication & alleviation programs can be designed on the basis of understanding of different and complex aspects of structural and institutional impediments influencing the incidence of poverty. The Level & Incidence of poverty has declined significantly in the past 75 years of independence, yet even today nearly one of every four persons in India is below the poverty line, poverty however cannot be estimated only on the basis of calorie adequacy, many other factors such as accessibility of safe drinking water, shelter, education, health and the livelihood opportunities of large vulnerable group just above the poverty line, should also be taken into consideration while formulating anti-poverty policies. The concept of poverty line was basically developed to help identify poor for formulating appropriate poverty alleviation programs. The anti-poverty program evolved since the third five -year plan. It could be categorized under these four broad heads: - 1. Wage employments schemes through labour market interventions like IRDP, NRY, MGNREGS, Public works etc. 2. Income support schemes through credit market interventions like IRDP, NRY etc. 3. Food & Nutritional Security Schemes like PDS, ICDS etc. 4. Social Security and Welfare schemes be based on direct monetary or material transfer to the poor eg. Old age pension etc. These are aimed at directly helping the poor with wage, income, supplementation or transfer of monetary benefits through subsidy or otherwise. This paper is focused on “Dimensions of Poverty In Bihar: with special reference to Buxar District”. Bihar poverty has reduced with the implementation of different government schemes. I have focused to review the emerging pattern of growth and development of Bihar and its implications on poverty alleviation.