Focusing Reforms in Industry and Employment: MoU signed between Bihar Government and Asian Development Research Institute (ADRI)

Under the leadership of Chief Minister Shri Nitish Kumar, the Government of Bihar is taking important steps towards continuous development and reform in the state. The Government of Bihar has taken several initiatives to improve social and economic policy-making, with a special focus on reforms in the field of industry and employment. On 13 December 2024, a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was signed between the Department of Industry and the Asian Development Research Institute (ADRI) in Patna, which will help to give a new direction to the development of Bihar.

The MOU process was done by Alok Ghosh, Director of the Department of Industry in the presence of Hon'ble Minister of Industry Nitish Mishra, Secretary Bandana Priyashi. The Asian Development Research Institute (ADRI)*, established in 1991, has been at the forefront of economic and social policy research. With an emphasis on evidence-based analysis, ADRI is playing a key role in policy-making and sustainable development in Bihar. ADRI is conducting a study on the contribution of various industries and services to Bihar’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) through innovative methodologies. The research focuses on estimating employment contribution by correlating economic activities with nighttime light intensity data, using advanced satellite technology like VIIRS (Visible Infrared Imaging Radiometer Suite).

Three main programmes of ADRI

1. Data Collection: The data collection process involves government reports, labour survey data and local employment statistics. It also involves satellite data to analyse variations in light intensity and their relation to economic activity.

2. Correlational Analysis: The study explores the interrelationships between light intensity and industrial/service activities. This involves assessing how areas with higher light intensity at night are related to greater economic output.

3. Local Analysis: Geographic Information Systems are being used to identify local connections between employment and night-time light variations to determine the dynamics of regional economic hubs.

A budget of ₹5,00,500 (Rupees Five Lakh Five Hundred) has been allocated for the study and it has received prior approval from industry and government authorities. ADRI's ongoing efforts in social and economic research have been instrumental in policy-making for the development of Bihar. The findings of the study will assist in formulating evidence-based policies to enhance employment and economic growth.