In my view, some active attempt has to be made to disentangle the caste-class complexities of the state to find that one skein of thread that would lead the Friends of Bihar to lead the state out of its penury. I have been trying to propagate in circles that matter a suggestion made by Dr.Raja Chellaiah, former member of the Planning Commission, which hopefully can be one of the first steps in that direction.

(This is an extract from his Lecture delivered at the Centre for Economic and Social Studies, Hyderabad, on the 9th August, 1999.)

"We should ensure that proportionately more resources are diverted to the backward states. To begin with, a special development programme must be prepared for Bihar (other backward states can be taken up in turn). This development programme should be geared in flood control, irrigation, agricultural development, land reforms and infrastructure development. This programme should be developed in consultation with the state government jointly by the Planning Commission and a team of experts with assistance from the IDA. Most of it will be implemented by the Central Government or under its supervision with the state government being associated with the Supervisory Committee. That is to say, there will be turnkey projects undertaken under the supervision of the centre. This programme will be in addition to the normal plan of the state and Central assistance to the plan. There would be an incentive for the state to accept this programme because it will gain enormously in terms of additional investment (say, Around Rs.15, 000 to 20,000 crores). I am suggesting that the programme for Bihar should be largely concentrated on agriculture and infrastructure development (roads and power) because Bihar can become a large and efficient producer of rice. With the WTO obligations coming into force and the large subsidies given by the developed countries gradually being reduced, there will be a world market for rice from Bihar. The consequent agricultural prosperity will trigger industrial development in Bihar."

Of course, Dr. Chellaiah's suggestion bypasses the oft-argued suggestions for strict and full implementation of land reforms. It also bypasses the pressing need for improving the law and order situation and instilling a sense of respect for the law of the land in every section of the society and more importantly in those sections that have occupied positions of political, economic and administrative power. But it is one step that wisely bypasses these contentious problems and will indirectly contribute to finding solutions to them. It is worth implementing. Whether Bihar is split or is retained in its present form, an immediate therapeutic treatment on the lines suggested by Dr. Raja Chellaiah in the plains areas of the State will hopefully pull Bihar out of the slough of poverty and backwardness.