The National Democratic Alliance (NDA) has released its manifesto just days before the 1st phase of voting for the Bihar assembly elections in 2025, pledging to create 1 crore government jobs in a state known for significant migration. The manifesto emphasizes women's empowerment, aiming to transform one crore women into 'lakhpati didis'. Additionally, it outlines a substantial infrastructure plan, including the development of four international airports and seven expressways in Bihar.
The NDA also promises to construct 50 lakh new permanent houses and offer free rations, 125 units of free electricity, free medical treatment up to Rs 5 lakh, and social security pensions under the PM Awas Yojana.The NDA's 'Sankalp Patra' was unveiled by BJP leader JP Nadda and Chief Minister Nitish Kumar in Patna today, with senior alliance leaders in attendance.
Employment and the Youth
The most significant announcement concerned job opportunities in a state that experiences a large influx of workers annually. If re-elected, the NDA pledged to carry out a skill census to offer skill-based jobs to all young people in Bihar. 'We will position Bihar as a global hub for skills with major skill centers in every district,' stated the manifesto. Additionally, the manifesto mentioned that several 'Centres of Excellence' for sports would be established in Bihar Sports City and other regions.
Empowering Women
Under the Chief Minister's Women's Employment Scheme, women will receive financial support of up to Rs 2 lakh. The NDA also promised to create a crore 'Lakhpati Didis', enabling women to earn Rs 1 lakh per year. Additionally, the alliance aims to transform women entrepreneurs into crorepatis through 'Mission Crorepati.'
Infrastructure
The government intends to construct seven expressways and upgrade 3,600 kilometers of railway tracks, in addition to setting up international airports in Patna, Darbhanga, Purnia, and Bhagalpur, as well as metro systems in four cities. Air connectivity will be extended to 10 additional cities. The plan also includes building factories and 10 new industrial parks in each district. The NDA has pledged to establish at least 100 MSME parks and over 50,000 cottage industries if the alliance is re-elected.
Among its commitments are the development of a defense corridor and a semiconductor manufacturing park with global capability centers, in addition to a world-class medical city and a medical college in each district. The NDA also pledged to position Bihar as the textile and silk hub of South Asia.
Farmers
The manifesto includes significant commitments for farmers. It promises a guaranteed minimum support price (MSP) for all crops and an increase in the Kisan Samman Nidhi from Rs 6,000 to Rs 1,000. Additionally, aid for fishermen will rise from Rs 4,500 to Rs 9,000. Furthermore, the government pledges to invest Rs 1 lakh crore in the state's agricultural infrastructure.
Education
The NDA intends to establish an Education City and launch campuses for leading global universities. It has pledged to provide free, high-quality education from kindergarten to postgraduate levels for students from underprivileged families, along with offering nutritious breakfasts in addition to midday meals at schools.
Social Justice
Residential schools will be established in every subdivision for students belonging to the Scheduled Caste (SC) category. Additionally, SC students pursuing higher education will receive a monthly assistance of Rs 2,000. Those from the Extreme Backward Classes (EBC) category will be eligible for assistance of up to Rs 10 lakh. The NDA has also pledged to transform the birthplace of Mother Janaki, or Sita, into a world-class spiritual city named 'Sitapuram'. Furthermore, the construction of the Vishnupad and Mahabodhi Corridors, along with the Ramayana, Jain, Buddhist, and Ganga Circuits, are part of the NDA's election promises.
