As Bihar gears up for a high-stakes election, the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) has unveiled its 2025 election manifesto, outlining an expansive vision for development, employment, and empowerment. The document, described as a blueprint for a “Viksit Bihar,” seeks to counter the Opposition Mahagathbandhan’s (INDIA bloc) promises with a mix of welfare initiatives, infrastructure commitments, and forward-looking economic plans.
At the heart of the NDA’s manifesto is a massive job creation pledge — over 1 crore government jobs to be allocated based on a state-wide Skill Census. The alliance also plans to establish a mega skill centre in every district, positioning Bihar as a global hub for skill development.
Focus on Women Empowerment
Women occupy a central place in the NDA’s 2025 vision. The manifesto promises up to ₹2 lakh in assistance to women under the Mukhya Mantri Mahila Rozgar Yojana, while aiming to make 1 crore women ‘Lakhpati Didis’ through entrepreneurship and income support. A special Mission Crorepati has been proposed to help women entrepreneurs scale their businesses to the millionaire mark.
While the INDIA bloc has countered with its own “Mai Bahin Maan Yojana,” which offers a monthly allowance of ₹2,500 for five years, the NDA is betting on long-term economic empowerment over short-term financial aid.
Empowering EBCs and Dalits
In a state where Extremely Backward Classes (EBCs) make up nearly 36% of the population, the NDA’s Sankalp Patra pledges strong outreach. The alliance promises ₹10 lakh in assistance for EBC business groups and the creation of a high-level committee, chaired by a retired Supreme Court judge, to recommend measures for their economic and social upliftment.
For Dalits and Scheduled Castes, the manifesto outlines ₹2,000 monthly stipends for students pursuing higher education, and a special venture fund to support SC entrepreneurs. These initiatives aim to strengthen inclusion while promoting entrepreneurship among marginalised groups.
Farmers at the Core of Development
Recognising Bihar’s largely agrarian economy, the NDA has announced a Karpoori Thakur Kisan Samman Nidhi, promising ₹3,000 annually for three years to farmers. Additionally, the government aims to invest ₹1 lakh crore in agricultural infrastructure and ensure procurement of key crops at the Minimum Support Price (MSP) at the panchayat level.
Plans include the establishment of five mega food parks, boosting exports, and making Bihar self-sufficient in pulse production by 2030. The manifesto also promises to turn Bihar into a global export centre for Makhana and fish, with missions focused on fisheries and dairy development.
Social Security and Welfare
The NDA’s welfare promises include 125 units of free electricity, free medical treatment up to ₹5 lakh, and the construction of 50 lakh new housing units. It also proposes a social security pension scheme and life insurance of ₹4 lakh for drivers in the informal transport sector.
Additionally, the alliance has promised collateral-free vehicle loans, skill training for unorganised workers, and expanded social protection schemes for vulnerable groups.
Education and Healthcare Reforms
Education forms a major part of the NDA’s transformation plan. The manifesto promises free, quality education from kindergarten to post-graduation, along with healthy breakfasts in addition to midday meals in schools. The government plans to invest ₹5,000 crore to modernise district schools, create skill labs, and establish a world-class Education City and Centre of Excellence to make Bihar an AI and innovation hub.
In healthcare, the NDA vows to set up a medicity, build medical colleges in every district, and establish a super-speciality hospital for children and people with autism. A sports city has also been proposed to encourage youth participation in athletics and fitness.
Infrastructure and Urban Growth
Infrastructure development remains one of the strongest pillars of the NDA manifesto. The coalition has pledged to construct seven expressways, modernise 3,600 km of railway lines, and introduce Metro services in four cities. The Amrit Bharat Expressway and NaMo Rapid Rail are also expected to be extended within the state.
For urban development, the NDA envisions a greenfield city in New Patna, satellite townships near major towns, and 1 lakh green homestays supported through collateral-free loans. Plans for a Film City, Sharda Sinha Art and Culture University, and Bihar School of Drama aim to boost the state’s cultural and creative industries.
Industrial and Economic Vision
The NDA has laid out an ambitious plan to turn Bihar into a “global back-end hub” and “global workplace.” With an estimated ₹50 lakh crore investment target, the alliance intends to drive industrialisation through the Viksit Bihar Audyogik Mission, allocating ₹1 lakh crore for industrial infrastructure.
It also envisions 100 new MSME parks, cutting-edge manufacturing units in each district, and the establishment of 10 industrial parks. The manifesto highlights a focus on textiles, renewable energy, food processing, and technology, setting the stage for a new industrial revolution in Bihar.
Religious and Cultural Tourism
Tapping into Bihar’s deep cultural roots, the NDA has proposed a new spiritual city — Sitapuram in the Mithila region, celebrating the birthplace of Goddess Sita. Other initiatives include the Maa Janki Temple, Mahabodhi Corridor, and development of Ramayana, Jain, Buddhist, and Ganga tourism circuits, combining heritage with economic opportunity.
The Road Ahead
With the 2025 Bihar elections approaching, the NDA’s manifesto signals a blend of welfare and aspiration — promising growth that uplifts the poor while preparing Bihar for a technologically advanced future. From empowering women and farmers to creating jobs and industries, the alliance aims to transform Bihar into a self-reliant, modern, and globally connected state.
As political rivals trade promises, one thing is clear — this election will define Bihar’s developmental trajectory for the next decade.