Archive · 15 Dec 2025
Bihar Elections Highlight Need for Inclusive Growth
The article discusses the Bihar elections and how political parties are making short-term promises to win votes, like giving cash to people.
The author says this is not good for the country's long-term growth.
He explains that only about 20% of people are really benefiting from economic growth, while the rest are not feeling secure about their future.
The author warns that if the government keeps making these short-term promises, it could lead to big problems like fiscal collapse and slower economic growth.
He suggests that political parties should work together to make sure that growth benefits everyone, not just a few.
He also lists many challenges that need to be addressed, like improving education, healthcare, and creating jobs.
The author hopes that parties will have the wisdom to focus on inclusive growth.
Bihar elections highlighted competitive populism with short-term benefits like cash transfers.
Only 20% of the population significantly benefits from economic growth, while 70-80% are marginally impacted.
Populist policies risk fiscal collapse and slowed growth due to lack of long-term investment.
Key challenges include education, healthcare, employment, urbanization, pollution, and corruption.
The author calls for a consensus on inclusive growth to ensure productivity gains for all.
- Who
- Dr. Jayaprakash Narayan, founder of Lok Satta movement and Foundation for Democratic Reforms
- What
- Analysis of Bihar elections and the need for inclusive economic growth
- When
- During and after the Bihar elections
- Where
- Bihar, India
- Why
- To highlight the risks of populist politics and the need for long-term economic strategies
- Author
- Dr. Jayaprakash Narayan
- Election Focus
- Bihar
- Key Issues
- Populist promises vs. long-term growth
- Population Impacted
- 20% benefiting significantly, 70-80% marginally
- Key Challenges
- Education, healthcare, employment, urbanization, pollution, corruption
- Author's Concern
- Risk of fiscal collapse and slowed growth
- Author's Solution
- Consensus on inclusive growth and productivity gains