Survey claimed that 55 per cent of Bihar’s population was malnourished

A survey report released on June 16 by the Supreme Court appointed panel claimed that 55 per cent of Bihar’s population is malnourished and 70 per cent of women and children are anaemic due to low intake of food because of poverty. The survey was done in the year 2011.

The following are the highlights of the report:

•    Drought and flood have aggravated the situation with farmers and landless workers being forced to migrate to cities to look for jobs.

•    Implementation of the welfare schemes, health scheme and work schemes have not been accelerated, resulting in deterioration in the condition of the poor.

•    The agriculture sector has been neglected, though over 80 percent population is dependent on it for sustenance.

•    The report added that government's efforts to check malpractices are not sufficient based on the survey of status of the implementation of schemes like integrated child development scheme, mid-day meal scheme, the public distribution system and the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme in 33 villages of seven districts of Bihar.


According to Bihar government estimates, the state has 1.45 crore BPL families Bihar had been hit by severe drought for two consecutive years. In 2009, 26 of the 37 districts were declared drought hit. In 2010, the state government had declared all districts as drought hit.

About the Supreme Court Appointed Panel

In interim orders dated 8 May 2002 and 2 May 2003, the apex court had appointed ‘Commissioners’ for the purpose of monitoring the implementation of all orders related to the right to food. The Supreme Court of India had appointed a two-member panel of Commissioner NC Saxena and Special Commissioner Harsh Mander. An NGO, People's Union for Civil Liberties had filed a PIL in the apex court against Union of India and other states seeking recognition to the right to food in 2001.

Bihar’s Growth Rate

Bihar had registered an impressive 13.06 per cent growth in 2008-09. The gross state domestic product (GSDP) of Bihar was higher at 8.56 per cent in 2009-10 as the national average was eight per cent.

However, the per capita net state domestic product (NSDP) of Bihar had remained lowest for the financial years in 2007-08 at Rs 11,514 in 2008-09 at Rs 13,980 and at Rs 16,119 in the financial year 2009-10. This was attributed to poor performance in the previous financial years.