Foundation for Agrarian Studies’ Post

#Bihar #Economy Bihar economy is agrarian, with agriculture as the dominant sector. It also focuses on industries like textiles, food processing, and mining. The state promotes infrastructure development, including energy, transportation, and rural development initiatives.

The fourth seminar of the FAS Young Scholars’ Online Seminar Series 2024-25 will be presented by Prachi Bansal, Assistant Professor, Jindal School of Government and Public Policy, O.P. Jindal Global University (JGU) on Friday, November 29, 2024 at 4 PM IST. Prachi Bansal’s study gives a comprehensive view of total labour use in crop cultivation across different agro-ecological zones of rural Haryana. It identifies key features such as the use of unfree labour, high levels of mechanisation, gendered division of labour, and caste-class inequalities in villages. The study also explores the variations in labour use for different crops, different operations for each crop, the alternative techniques used for the same operation, and the various contracts under which labour is employed in the region. The discussant for this session is Dr. Niladri Sekhar Dhar, Associate Professor, Bihar Institute of Public Finance and Policy, Patna, Bihar. The series is chaired by Barbara Harriss-White, Emeritus Professor of Development Studies, University of Oxford. To attend the seminar, register here: https://lnkd.in/gp6by_aV To know more: https://lnkd.in/gZTen7BY

Many people criticise me by saying that why do I talk so much against my birth state Bihar? Okay so let me see what all I can appreciate about the state. Should I appreciate the fact that the state was once ancient Bharat’s capital and had the worlds biggest university Nalanda university which couldn’t even become a strong tourist destination till date? I also haven’t been to the university ruins even after being born there. Same is the story of Bodh Gaya, the place where Buddha got his enlightenment. Or should I appreciate the fact that the state produces one of the highest no of IIT and UPSC scholars, but most of them never want to go back to the state? Or should I appreciate the fact that the state’s economy is still in shambles even after having plenty of agriculture and miniral resources? Or should I appreciate the fact that during marriages, girls fairness is still the top and the most talked about criteria for future brides? Or may be I should appreciate the fact that almost no work is done in the state without bribe. Bribe is the norm of the state. Or should I appreciate the fact that administrative officers think that they are the demigods and can do whatever they want in the state? No doubt, my state has so many things to appreciate. And that’s why almost every intelligent person wants to move out of the state at the first given opportunity.

Father - Son duo making iron and steel products. You can see 30+ products in this shop, most of which are made by them. They can manufacture 20+ more items that are not displayed in the shop. These are not simple products rather they carry knowledge, passed on to generation after generation for thousands of years. Their knowledge, even if branded as inferior, has the power to assist agriculture, basic construction, foster self-defense and carry out other low tech manufacturing activities. In case of war and social turbulence, their knowledge will do wonders. Our country is full of such people who possess such knowledge. Do you think there is a future for such people? Can we upgrade their knowledge and production system? Can we have crores of such manufacturers fulfilling the majority of our needs? Can they compete with the factories making specialized goods? Can we bring their knowledge to the classrooms? As AI devouring jobs, can we have such local manufacturers providing customized products, thus keeping everyone aware that humans are also needed? And at the same generating income and wealth for themselves and for the community. Mandaar Manthan may have discussions around building ecosystems for upgradation of such units. Please register and join the retreat with Economists, students and working professionals who are concerned about economic growth in Bihar from 27-29 Dec 2024. https://lnkd.in/dGk2V-55

Please read the recently published village study by Priyadarshini Nath titled Understanding Rural Dynamics: A Holistic View of Village Ecosystems of Gaya District in Bihar. We congratulate Priyadarshini for her prosperous future. https://lnkd.in/dppk-DB5

𝐁𝐢𝐡𝐚𝐫'𝐬 𝐑𝐞𝐧𝐚𝐢𝐬𝐬𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞: 𝗪𝐡𝐲 𝐒𝐩𝐞𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐯𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐔𝐧𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐁𝐮𝐝𝐠𝐞𝐭 𝐌𝐚𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐫⁣ 🚀 ⁣ Bihar, a state rich in history and culture, often lags behind in economic growth and infrastructure. ⁣ ⁣ This disparity calls for special provisions in the Union Budget. ⁣ ⁣ Kudos to the NDA government for addressing this by allocating significant funds in the Finance Budget of 2024, aiming to drive Bihar's growth.⁣ ⁣ 𝘞𝘩𝘺 𝘥𝘰𝘦𝘴 𝘉𝘪𝘩𝘢𝘳 𝘯𝘦𝘦𝘥 𝘴𝘱𝘦𝘤𝘪𝘢𝘭 𝘢𝘵𝘵𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯? ⁣🤔 ⁣ With a population of over 120 million, Bihar’s per capita income remains one of the lowest in India. ⁣ ⁣ How can we ignore that over 60% of its workforce relies on agriculture, yet faces inadequate irrigation and technology?⁣ ⁣ The 2024 budget promises a game-changer: ₹10,000 crore allocated for infrastructure, including roads and bridges, and ₹5,000 crore for enhancing educational institutions. ⁣ ⁣ These investments are crucial for creating job opportunities and improving the quality of life for millions.⁣ ⁣ What impact will this have on Bihar’s youth? How will improved infrastructure and education facilities transform the state’s economy? ⁣ ⁣ By focusing on these key areas, the NDA government sets a precedent for inclusive growth.⁣ ⁣ Let’s engage in a dialogue about Bihar’s potential and celebrate this milestone.⁣ ⁣ #BiharBudget2024 #NDAGovernment #InclusiveGrowth #EconomicDevelopment #IndiaRising

In my latest column with Hon'ble Member of Parliament Sudhakar Singh Ji for Deccan Herald, we explore how the government’s economic focus is lopsided, prioritizing select regions while neglecting others. Specifically, while Gujarat receives continuous attention, states like Bihar are often left in the shadows. This disparity reflects a deeper political challenge — one that is not merely about regional economic imbalances but about how we define the role of governance in addressing structural inequalities across our nation. Article 1 of the Indian Constitution speaks not only to political federalism but also encompasses economic federalism. It emphasizes the unity of India while recognizing the diversity and autonomy of its states. Yet, the current approach often undermines this ideal by economically centralizing resources and growth in certain regions, rather than ensuring equitable development across all states, including economically weaker ones like Bihar. Economic federalism demands that states be given their fair share of opportunities and resources to foster development, but this aspect has been overlooked. Governments tend to focus on regions that align with political interests or are deemed growth engines. Yet, in a democracy like India, this selective attention has significant consequences. It deepens inequalities between states, leaving behind large swaths of the population who feel disconnected from the national growth narrative. This is particularly true for states like Bihar, which, despite its enormous potential, is still grappling with unemployment, poor infrastructure, and a lack of meaningful policy intervention. Ultimately, this neglect of certain states is not just an economic oversight but a political failure. It raises larger questions about inclusivity, fairness, and how we distribute resources and opportunities. If states like Bihar continue to be left out, we risk creating deeper social and political divides that undermine the very foundations of our democracy. Read the full article here - https://lnkd.in/gks_HRYH #Bihar #Infrastructureprojects #BiharGrowth #EquitableIndia #PolicyForAll

𝐈𝐒𝐄𝐂 𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐏𝐚𝐩𝐞𝐫 𝐒𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐄𝐦𝐞𝐫𝐠𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐀𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐫𝐢𝐚𝐧 𝐒𝐲𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐦 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐈𝐭𝐬 𝐈𝐦𝐩𝐚𝐜𝐭 𝐨𝐧 𝐂𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐞 𝐑𝐞𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐋𝐨𝐜𝐚𝐥 𝐏𝐨𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐬: 𝐀 𝐒𝐭𝐮𝐝𝐲 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐁𝐢𝐡𝐚𝐫 𝐀𝐮𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐫: 𝐏𝐫𝐚𝐬𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐭 𝐊𝐮𝐦𝐚𝐫 𝐂𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐝𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐲 This working paper investigates the evolving agrarian system in Bihar and its impact on caste relations and local politics. It looks into the historical context of caste-based discrimination, the shift in political power from upper to lower castes, and the role of landholding patterns in perpetuating social inequalities. By examining the complexities of caste dynamics and political shifts in villages like Navadih and Rajua Bakhri, the study sheds light on the persistent challenges and gradual changes in Bihar's socio-political landscape. This analysis is essential for understanding the interplay between traditional caste structures and modern governance. #agriculture #AgrarianReform #agrarianlife #politics #ISEC Link: https://lnkd.in/dNe4Afga

Approaching the FAS Young Scholars' Online Seminar Series 2024-25, today's post discusses a seminar titled 'Livelihood, Production Structure, and Accumulation: A case study of a village in Bihar'. Presented during the second session of YSOSS by Mrityunjay Pandey, this seminar examines current development trajectory of agrarian economy of Bihar. The study analyses livelihood conditions, and strategies of landless labour households, production organisation of cultivator households, and sources of surplus and accumulation strategies of surplus-appropriating households. To know more or to watch the recordings of the seminars in YSOSS 2023-24 round, follow the link: https://lnkd.in/gZh4yBB4

It's finally out today! Caste of Marginality and Migration in Bihar, has been published by Indian Journal of Human Development. In the world of ‘global capital—peripheral labour’, multiple strategies are employed to accumulate labouring bodies to augment accumulation, the lifeline of capitalism. Relations of inequalities have historically helped capitalism to accumulate and thrive. Growth in India and its accompanied en masse informalisation of labour is located at the intersection of caste, gender and migration. Foregrounding the cultural political economy of agrarian poverty, migration and informalisation of #labour, we underline the criticality of caste in reproducing a labour force that is perennially insecure, unsettled and unorganised. Based on a qualitative study in rural #Araria, Bihar, we argue that informalisation of labour is institutionalisation of vulnerability, which is sustained and reproduced through caste-based social relations. Have a look into #Bihar, an alluvial landscape of bountiful misery, and #migration which is marked by impermanence and defined by social capital for the most deprived. https://lnkd.in/dsppPemm #caste #informalworkers #precarity #capital #labour #India Diksha Shriyan