The Bihar Economic Survey for the fiscal year 2025-26 was officially presented in the state legislative assembly on Monday, offering a comprehensive analysis of economic indicators across various districts. This detailed report categorizes districts based on critical parameters such as per capita income and energy consumption, revealing pronounced disparities in development and prosperity levels.
Stark Contrasts in Per Capita Income Across Districts
The survey underscores a significant economic divide, with some districts experiencing robust growth and higher consumption patterns, while others continue to struggle and fall behind. At the forefront is Patna, which boasts the highest per capita gross district domestic product (GDDP) at constant prices (2011-12), reaching an impressive Rs 1,31,332. In stark contrast, Sheohar finds itself at the bottom of the list with a mere Rs 22,047, making Patna's income more than six times higher.
Top and Bottom Performers in Income
Following Patna, the districts with the highest per capita incomes include Begusarai at Rs 61,566 and Munger at Rs 54,469. On the other end of the spectrum, the poorest districts are Sheohar (Rs 22,047), Araria (Rs 23,670), and Sitamarhi (Rs 24,332). The average per capita income for Bihar's Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP) at current prices has shown notable growth, rising from Rs 46,412 in 2020-21 to Rs 76,490, reflecting overall economic progress despite the disparities.
Energy Consumption Patterns Highlight Further Inequalities
Patna's dominance extends beyond income to energy consumption, where it leads in the usage of petrol, diesel, and LPG. In terms of petrol consumption per 1000 persons, Patna records 18.6 metric tons (MT), significantly ahead of Muzaffarpur at 12.5 MT and Purnia at 11.7 MT. The lowest consumption rates are observed in Lakhisarai and Banka, both at 5.6 MT, and Sheohar at 6.1 MT.
Diesel and LPG Consumption Trends
Similarly, Patna tops the list in diesel consumption, with Sheikhpura and Aurangabad following closely. The districts with the lowest diesel usage are Sheohar, Siwan, and Kaimur. When it comes to cooking gas (LPG), Patna again leads with the highest consumption among all districts, followed by Begusarai and Gopalganj. Conversely, Araria, Banka, and Madhepura report the lowest LPG consumption, indicating varying levels of access and affordability across the state.
These findings from the Bihar Economic Survey 2025-26 paint a clear picture of the economic and developmental gaps that persist within the state. While some districts like Patna show strong performance, others require targeted interventions to bridge the divide and ensure more equitable growth across Bihar.
