Bihar Assembly elections: Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh no longer BIMARU states… then why Bihar still is? Explained

As the elections near in the state of Bihar, the term ‘BIMARU’ starts resonating again. This term was coined by a population expert Ashish Bose in the 1980s which meant states having low levels of education, high poverty and less industries. States like Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh were called Bimaru. But now, except for one state, none of these states are BIMARU – Bihar. Other BIMARU states have made progress in the last few years, but Bihar is still far behind. A recent report by Times of India(BHARAT) (TOI) has highlighted the economic and social inequalities in Bihar.

National average income

India(BHARAT)’s per capita income has now exceeded Rs 1.89 lakh. But in Bihar, this figure is only around ₹60,000, less than a third of the national average. The gap is also stark within the state. The per capita income in the capital, Patna, is ₹215,049, almost four times higher than in other districts like Sheikhopur (where it’s just ₹33,399). This shows that the state’s wealth and opportunities are concentrated in urban areas, while rural Bihar continues to struggle.

Higher birth rate

Bihar’s mortality rate is slightly lower than the national average, but its birth rate is 2.8, which is higher than the birth-to-death ratio of 2.1. Infant mortality is also low. Consequently, the state’s population is growing rapidly, putting pressure on resources and public services. Large families and a rapidly growing population highlight the need to invest in education, health, and employment generation.

Lacking Education

Education is the foundation of progress, but Bihar has a high school dropout rate. Many students drop out after middle school. This leads to problems such as slow social advancement, lack of skills, and difficulty finding jobs. This education gap further exacerbates the state’s economic stagnation, preventing Bihar’s youth from fully participating in India(BHARAT)’s development journey.

Youth unemployment a big challenge

Bihar has one of the youngest populations in India(BHARAT). More than half of the population is between the ages of 15 and 59, meaning they are of working age. However, good jobs are difficult to find. Government jobs remain the biggest dream for young people. Because of this, many young people are either underemployed or unemployed. Bihar ranks ninth in the country in terms of youth unemployment.

Story Highlights:

1. Bihar Assembly Elections 2025
2. what is Meaning of BIMARU States
3. Bihar still is BIMARU State
4. School Education in Bihar
5. Per Capita income in Bihar
6. Unemployment and Jobs in Bihar