Lalu vs nitish: Bihar, which was once known as Buddha’s land and ‘Taxshila’ and a historical site like Nalanda, is today struggling with the image of crime and administrative disability. There was a time when people here used to overcome difficulties with their hard work and confidence, but now the situation in Bihar has become very critical. After some time there are elections in Bihar, and this time leaders like Tejashwi Yadav, Nitish Kumar and Prashant Kishore have landed in the election field. It will be interesting to see how much the people of Bihar like these leaders.
Recently, gangster Chandan Mishra was killed in the private ward of Paras HMRI Hospital in Patna, Bihar, after which questions have been raised about law and order in the state. Subsequently, opposition leader and Prashant Kishore asked Nitish Kumar whether there is anything called administration in Bihar or not. Come, now we compare the reign of Lalu Prasad Yadav and Nitish Kumar in terms of education, crime and development:
Education: Lalu Prasad Yadav vs Nitish Kumar
Lalu Prasad Yadav (1990-2005)
There was no major progress in the field of education under the rule of Lalu Prasad Yadav and his wife Rabri Devi. Government schools lacked infrastructure facilities and shortage of teachers was also a serious problem.
Statistics: In 1991, Bihar’s literacy rate was 37.5%, which increased to 47% by 2001, but this increase was quite slow.
During Lalu’s reign, the budget for education was low and priority was on social justice. Despite this, he started schemes like Charwaha Vidyalaya, which were for informal education, but their quality was questioned.
Nitish Kumar (2005-current)
Nitish Kumar gave priority to education during his reign. He took several corrective steps, which increased the literacy rate and improved basic facilities.
Statistics: Bihar’s literacy rate was 47% in 2001, which increased to 61.8% in 2011 and about 70% in 2020.
Nitish Kumar’s rule especially improved women literacy. He implemented schemes like “Mukhyamantri Kanya Utthan Yojana”, “Cycle Scheme”, and “Bihar Student Credit Card Scheme”, which were to promote girls’ education. As a result, the enrollment rate in schools increased from 78% to 95%.
Change in crime rate
Lalu Yadav’s rule (1990–2005):
There was a very serious atmosphere of crime in Bihar under Lalu’s rule. The mafia and political influential people used to promote crimes. There was an increase in the number of crimes like murder, rape, kidnapping. There was no fear or discipline for criminals.
Murder cases (in 2000): 12,500 murder cases were registered.
Crime Rate: In 1990, the crime rate in Bihar was 18.7%, which was much higher than the national average.
Nitish Kumar’s rule (2005-2025):
Nitish Kumar took strict action against criminals. Strengthening law and order in Bihar through schemes like “Bihar Police Reform” and operations like “Bihar Police Reform”. This has led to a decrease in crime rates, although crimes in some areas still remain a challenge.
Murder Case (2020): 7,400 murder cases were registered, which were less than 2005.
Crime Rate: By 2020, the crime rate in Bihar had declined by 16%, which was close to the national average.
Vikas: Lalu Prasad Yadav vs Nitish Kumar
Lalu Prasad Yadav (1990-2005)
In Lalu’s rule, there was less attention to development works.
Statistics: Between 1990-2005, Bihar’s GDP growth was below the national average. In 2004, Bihar’s GDP growth rate was 4-5%, while the national average was 8.4%. Even after Lalu became the Union Railway Minister, Bihar did not get enough help.
Nitish Kumar (2005-current)
Nitish Kumar made the development of Bihar his priority and improved the infrastructure.
Statistics: Between 2005-2013, Bihar’s GDP growth rate reached 10–12%, which was higher than the national average. Nitish Kumar improved roads, bridges, power supply and health services. He launched the “Saat Nishcha” scheme, under which education, health, and rural development were noticed.
Speed of development: Lalu Yadav’s rule (1990-2005) vs Nitish Kumar’s rule (2005-2025)
Lalu Yadav’s rule (1990-2005)
Development works were not given priority under Lalu Yadav’s rule. His main concern was on political equations and caste issues, due to which there was no significant change in infrastructure and development works in the state.
Status in rural areas: There was a huge shortage of basic facilities in rural areas of Bihar. Roads, water and electricity were extremely bad, which made rural life difficult.
Economic growth rate: Bihar’s GDP growth rate was very low, and the state was among the most backward states of the country. Industrial development in the state was also negligible.
Nitish Kumar’s rule (2005-2025)
Nitish Kumar made his priority to the development of infrastructure during his tenure. He made major improvements in road construction, power supply and urbanization, which improved the economic and infrastructure of Bihar.
Road Construction: 16,000 km of roads were built under Nitish Kumar’s rule, which improved connectivity between rural and urban areas.
Rural Electorate: In 2015, Nitish Kumar launched a plan to provide electricity to rural areas, which is providing 24 hours of electricity to many villages.
Economic growth rate: After 2010, Bihar’s GDP increased by an average of 15% per year, which strengthened the state’s economy.
Health Services: Lalu Yadav’s rule (1990-2005) vs Nitish Kumar’s rule (2005-2025)
Lalu Yadav’s rule (1990-2005)
Bihar’s health services were very poor under Lalu Yadav’s rule. There was a huge shortage of basic facilities in government hospitals, and most people used to move to expensive private clinics for treatment.
Health facilities: There was a huge shortage of doctors in government hospitals, and basic health services were also not available.
Mother and infant mortality: The maternal and infant mortality rate in Bihar was very high, and no concrete solution was found.
Nitish Kumar’s rule (2005-2025)
Nitish Kumar insisted on improving health services. He introduced schemes like Mukhyamantri Health Scheme, which increased facilities in government hospitals and people got access to treatment.
Health improvement: Doctors and nurses were appointed in hospitals under Nitish Kumar’s rule. This improved government health services.
Maternal mortality: Nitish Kumar’s tenure decreased by 32% in maternal mortality, which is a proof of the impact of health reforms.
Now, in view of the upcoming assembly elections in Bihar, it has to be seen who the public considers the symbol of their hope and faith – Tejashwi Yadav, Nitish Kumar, or Prashant Kishore