New Delhi, Dec 27: Bihar has emerged as the fastest growing state in the country with a growth rate of 10.9 per cent.
According to the Planning Commission data, Bihar was the slowest growing state during 2001-05 period with GDP figure of 2.9 per cent. However, between 2006 and 2010, it grew at 10.9 per cent, 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 per cent. But during 2006 and 2010, its growth dipped to 9.3 per cent 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 per cent in 2001-05 to 10 per cent growth, Haryana grew from 8.4 per cent to 9.7 per cent, Maharashtra from 8.2 per cent to 9.6 per cent and Orissa from 7.8 per cent to 9.4 per cent.
Average GDP growth of top five states was 9.10 per cent in 11th five year plan, up from 7 per cent in 10th plan and 5 per cent in 9th plan.
Bottom five states also saw a significant average growth, with figures of 8.58 per cent in 11th plan as compared to 6.76 per cent in 10th plan and 4.12 per cent in 9th plan.
The period between 2004-05 and 2011-12 also saw an average increase of 300 per cent in consumption in rural areas, bridging the big divide witnessed in the earlier five-year period and highlighting the inclusive growth.
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 per cent increase.
For National Health Mission, the increase in allocation will be 278 per cent from Rs. 66,127 crore in 11th plan to Rs. 250,000 crore in the 12th plan.
