In a significant move aimed at propelling Bihar into the league of developed Indian states, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Tuesday unveiled the blueprint for the third phase of his flagship development program. The state cabinet gave its nod to the rollout of 'Saat Nischay 3.0' (Seven Resolves-3.0), which will guide the government's agenda for the period 2025 to 2030.
A Vision Two Decades in the Making
Announcing the decision on social media platform X, the Chief Minister reflected on his government's journey since it first came to power on November 24, 2005. He stated that 20 years of continuous work under a rule of law framework had set the stage for this ambitious next step. Having implemented the original Saat Nischay (2015-20) and its second version (2020-25) under the banner of 'development with justice', the government is now setting its sights even higher.
"A decision has now been taken to implement Saat Nischay 3.0 to place Bihar among the most developed states," Nitish Kumar declared in his post.
The Seven Pillars of Saat Nischay 3.0
The comprehensive program is built on seven core resolves, each targeting a critical sector for holistic growth.
1. Double Employment, Double Income
The first resolve aims to double the state's per capita income. Building on the claim of providing jobs to 50 lakh people between 2020-25, the new target is to create government job and employment opportunities for a staggering 1 crore youth. Schemes like the Mukhyamantri Mahila Rozgar Yojana, which offers Rs 10,000 for women's self-employment and up to Rs 2 lakh for venture expansion, will be strengthened. A separate Department of Youth, Employment and Skill Development has been created to spearhead these efforts.
2. Prosperous Industry, Empowered Bihar
This pillar is perhaps the most ambitious in terms of scale. The government has set a target to secure at least Rs 50 lakh crore in private investment over the next five years. Three high-level committees under the Chief Secretary will drive rapid industrial development. The vision is to make Bihar the technology hub of eastern India, develop world-class workplaces, and encourage entrepreneurship. All districts will see developed industrial areas, a new Directorate of MSMEs will be established, and the Bihar Marketing Promotion Corporation will promote local products. In a major push for the sugar sector, nine closed sugar mills will be restarted and 25 new ones set up.
3. Progress in Agriculture, Prosperity of the State
Agricultural growth will be accelerated through the fourth Agriculture Road Map (2024-29). Special focus will be given to high-value crops like 'makhana' (fox nut), along with dairy and fisheries. The plan includes forming dairy production committees in all villages and establishing a 'Sudha' dairy sales centre in every panchayat. Expansion of irrigation facilities is also a key component.
4. Advanced Education, Bright Future
A newly created separate higher education department will oversee this resolve. The government plans to develop prestigious institutions as 'Centres of Excellence', build a new Education City, and open model schools and degree colleges in every panchayat.
5. Accessible Health, Secure Life
The health sector will see a major upgrade, with block community health centres being developed into speciality hospitals and district hospitals into super speciality hospitals. Public-private partnerships will be encouraged, and incentives will be provided to doctors serving in remote areas. In a significant policy shift, private practice by government doctors will be prohibited.
6. Strong Foundation, Modern Expansion
This resolve covers vast infrastructure development. It includes building modern planned cities, affordable housing for the urban poor, constructing five expressways, and widening rural roads. The plan also encompasses strengthening electricity infrastructure, promoting solar energy, developing tourist sites, and establishing a Film City. Patna will get a world-class Sports City, and all districts will have Centres of Excellence for sports.
7. Respect for All, Easy Life
The final resolve focuses on governance reform, aiming to make citizens' lives easier through technology, innovation, and sensitive administration.
The Road Ahead
The approval of Saat Nischay 3.0 marks the beginning of a critical five-year chapter for Bihar. The program's success hinges on its ability to attract the monumental private investment it envisions and to translate policy into on-ground employment and development. If implemented effectively, it could fundamentally alter the economic and social landscape of the state, inching it closer to Nitish Kumar's long-held vision of a 'Developed Bihar'.
