Bihar News : A two-day Bihar SDG Conclave 2026 was inaugurated at the Convention Hall in Patna on Thursday. The conference, jointly organised by the Planning and Development Department and UNICEF, was inaugurated by Industry and Sports Minister Shreyasi Singh, who lit the ceremonial lamp.
On the occasion, Singh released a book related to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). She also launched a new website of the Directorate of Economics and Statistics and an advanced Data Lab.
Every Bihari Must Aim to Take Bihar Forward
Addressing the conference, Industry Minister Shreyasi Singh said that every Bihari should have a single resolve—to take the state forward on the path of progress.
She said that the comprehensive development of districts and the state is possible only through the right intent and effective policies.
“When Bihar becomes prosperous, only then can India become developed,” she said.
Highlighting women’s empowerment, Singh said that government policies have enabled women to play leading roles today, from the police force to various administrative and technical sectors.
She expressed confidence that several major industries would be established in the coming days by promoting industrial investment in the state.
Major Changes in Rural Connectivity and Infrastructure
Bihar Development Commissioner Mihir Kumar Singh said that the state’s landscape has changed significantly over the past two decades. He said rural roads in Bihar are now better than those in many other states, enabling rural products to reach urban markets more quickly.
He said the state has witnessed rapid expansion in expressways, road and rail networks, while uninterrupted electricity supply has been ensured in villages.
Professor Shamika Ravi, a member of the Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister, said the vision of a developed India cannot be achieved without a developed Bihar. She said Bihar’s contribution to national GDP growth has been steadily increasing, while consumption has witnessed rapid growth in both rural and urban areas.
UN Resident Coordinator Stephen Prisner also appreciated Bihar’s efforts towards sustainable development.
Bihar’s SDG Score Rises to 57
Additional Chief Secretary of the Planning and Development Department Dr N Vijay Lakshmi said that achieving the goal of a developed Bihar by 2037 would be essential for fulfilling the Centre’s vision of Viksit Bharat 2047.
She said Bihar has recorded notable progress under the Sustainable Development Goals framework. The state’s overall SDG score has increased from 48 in 2018-19 to 57.
According to her, Bihar has registered positive progress in 11 Sustainable Development Goals.
Bihar Becomes Frontrunner in Six SDG Areas
Dr N Vijay Lakshmi said Bihar has reached the ‘Frontrunner’ category in six areas—Good Health and Well-Being (SDG 3), Clean Water and Sanitation (SDG 6), Affordable and Clean Energy (SDG 7), Responsible Consumption and Production (SDG 12), Life on Land (SDG 15), and Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions (SDG 16).
In particular, Bihar scored 98 points in Clean Water and Sanitation under SDG 6.
UNICEF representative Dr Monica Nielsen presented the vote of thanks at the end of the programme.
