Bihar is fastest growing state, Guj left behind

In a huge turnaround, Bihar has emerged as the fastest growing state in the country with figure of 10.9%, overtaking Gujarat whose growth has dipped.

In a huge turnaround, Bihar has emerged as the fastest growing state in the country with figure of 10.9%, overtaking Gujarat whose growth has dipped.

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According to the Planning Commission data, Bihar was the slowest growing state during 2001-05 period with GDP figure of 2.9%. However, between 2006 and 2010, it grew at 10.9%, becoming the fastest growing state and shedding the tag of BIMARU (an acronym for sick states).

On the other hand, Gujarat was the fastest growing state between 2001 and 2005 with figure of 11%. But during 2006 and 2010, its growth dipped to 9.3% and was overtaken by Bihar and four other states -- Chhattisgarh, Haryana, Maharashtra and Orissa.

Interestingly, Gujarat was the only state among 17 fastest ones to see a decline in growth.

Chhattisgarh grew from 7.7% in 2001-05 to 10% growth, Haryana grew from 8.4% to 9.7%, Maharashtra from 8.2% to 9.6% and Orissa from 7.8% to 9.4%.

Average GDP growth of top five states was 9.10% in 11th five year plan, up from 7% in 10th plan and 5% in 9th plan.

Bottom five states also saw a significant average growth, with figures of 8.58% in 11th plan as compared to 6.76% in 10th plan and 4.12% in 9th plan.

In the 12th plan period, the Centre is set to increase its assistance substantially over the previous period for various programmes.

Among them, Integrated Child Development Service (ICDS) is going to be the biggest beneficiary with Rs 1,08,503 crore, marking around 396% increase.

For National Health Mission, the increase in allocation will be 278% from Rs 66,127 crore in 11th plan to Rs 250,000 crore in the 12th plan.