GLOBAL MEET FOR A RESURGENT BIHAR 19-21 January, 2007, Patna Venue: Hotel Maurya, Patna Organised by Institute for Human Development and The Bihar Times In collaboration with Government of Bihar Organising Partners Asian Development Research Institute Bihar Industries Association The Indus Enterprises (TiE), Bihar Website: globalbiharmeet.com Email : global.bihar@gmail.com 1
GLOBAL MEET FOR A RESURGENT BIHAR CONTEXT Bihar is one of the most gifted states of the country in terms of its geographical location, its fertile soil, bountiful water resources, and a vibrant culture rich with history. Once a centre of political, intellectual and cultural activities, the state has made invaluable contributions in the field of literature, culture, intellectual discourse and towards the building of the nation as a while. While, the state played an important role in the freedom movement, its economy and society suffered considerably during the colonial period. In the post-independence period notwithstanding achievements in several field, its position vis-à-vis other states has been deteriorating. The state is now counted as one amongst the most economically backward states in India. Lakhs of people from the state have migrated elsewhere, both within the country as well as abroad, in search of better avenues of education and livelihoods, many of whom have achieved eminence in various fields. The bifurcation of the state has also changed the parameters of development context in Bihar, particularly in terms of resource endowments. Recently there have been concerted efforts to improve the overall climate of development in the state bringing in a new glimmer of hope. Several new policies in various spheres physical infrastructure, industrial development, education, health and tourism have been initiated with promising results. However, the state still faces enormous challenges economic (financial and infrastructural), institutional and social that need to be overcome to pursue an effective development strategy. The immense potential of the state needs to be looked at from a fresh perspective in order to leverage the resources most effectively towards development. Right from the basic foundations of infrastructure, and economic development through industry and trade, to social advancement through health and education initiatives, the process of renewal needs to be given a big impetus. 2
Indeed, the development challenges and bottlenecks facing the state are enormous. To overcome them, earnest initiative and active participation of all those interested in the development of backward regions in general and Bihar in particular, from various walks of life, need to be sought and consolidated to enable the transformation of the state towards prosperity. As a response to this challenge and as an effort to use its full potential, the Institute for Human Development (IHD), New Delhi and The Bihar Times, Patna in association with the Asian Development Research Institute (ADRI), Patna, Bihar Industries Association (BIA) and the Indus Enterprises (TiE) are organising a Global Meet for a Resurgent Bihar in Patna between 19-21, January, 2007. The Government of Bihar is actively collaborating with the organisation of this event. More than 500 eminent persons across the globe, belonging to various fields and concerned with the development of Bihar, are expected to participate in the Meet. The Meet shall enable development players (public as well as private) to appreciate the situation and forge partnerships for undertaking various initiatives for Bihar s development. OBJECTIVES The overall objective of the Meet is to bring together on one platform, leaders of industry and trade, policy makers, scholars, development practioners activists, to explore opportunities and partnerships for playing their effective roles towards development of Bihar. More importantly, this would be the ideal opportunity to analyse the expansive potential of the state in terms of investment opportunities in various fields and also connect with the robust culture, tradition and history that the state has to offer. The key objectives of the Meet are: To deliberate on newer and creative development ideas that can gear the State towards a vibrant socio-economic progress. To create networks and liaisons between the people of Bihar and those outside Bihar concerned with its development so as to leverage their energies and resources of the state for development. 3
To explore avenues of investment in different sectors. To contribute towards cultural and educational resurgence of the State. To enable Bihar to acquire a positive brand image that can be helpful in forging links with the outside world. THEMES AND ISSUES The deliberations under various relevant themes in the Meet would focus on strengthening governance and delivery mechanisms and of various institutions in the state including creating a social and political structure conducive for development; developing education, skill and training systems; and boosting investment opportunities in different areas. These would be discussed in various parallel and plenary sessions. In addition, there will be sessions/panels and lectures by eminent personalities specialised in diverse fields. Focussed issue papers not exceeding 1500 words are welcome, which will be circulated. In addition, background papers on various themes have been invited which will be presented and circulated at the Meet. The Meet would also showcase the richness of the state s culture, arts and crafts, apart from presenting to the participants, enthralling opportunities to explore tourism activities. The Government of Bihar will organise a special interactive session with potential investors in which senior policy and decision-makers of the state will participate. FINANCIAL SUPPORT AND ORGANISERS The Meet would be funded through contributions from individuals, registration fee collected from the delegates and sponsorship from government and concerned organisations. Shri Nitish Kumar, Chief Minister of Bihar is the Chief Patron of this Meet and Shri Sushil Kumar Modi, Deputy Chief Minister, is the Chairperson of the Steering Committee. The Steering Committee, which would provide the overall guidance in organising the Meet, would comprise of eminent personalities, drawn from various spheres of life, interested in the development of the state. In addition, there will be an Organising Committee to provide active and regular inputs to the whole event. 4
The Meet is being organised by the Institute for Human Development (IHD) and The Bihar Times, Patna in collaboration with the Government of Bihar. The organising partners are Asian Development Research Institute (ADRI), Bihar Industries Association and The Indus Enterprises (TiE). Professor Alakh. N. Sharma, Director, Institute for Human Development, is the Coordinator of this Meet and Shri Ajay Kumar, Chief Executive Officer, The Bihar Times, is the Associate Coordinator. FOLLOW UP PROCESS The proceedings of the event would be widely disseminated through the print and the electronic media. A wide network of stakeholders would be formed and a liaisoning mechanism created whereby, inputs from the delegates would be utilised in future. Furthermore, to carry forward the recommendations of the Meet, efforts would be made to organise such events at the regional levels. 5
TENTATIVE PROGRAMME OUTLINE THURSDAY, JANUARY 18, 2007 18 January, 2007, Thursday 16.00 22.00 : Registration 07.30 10.30 : Registration FRIDAY, JANUARY 19, 2007 19 January, 2007, Thursday 10.30 12.15 : Inaugural Session 12.15 13.30 : Lunch 13.30 15.30 Plenary Session I Bihar Economy : Challenges of Development in the 21 st Century Recent Initiatives for Turnaround Comments by some Eminent Experts 15.30 16.00 : Tea 16.00 18.00 : Parallel Sessions : Education, Skill Development and Health 18.30 19.00 Tea I. School Education (Elementary and Secondary) II. Higher and Technical Education III. Skill Development and Training IV. Health, Sanitation and Nutrition 19.00 21.00 : Cultural Programme 21.00 : Dinner 6
SATURDAY, JANUARY 20, 2007 20 January, 2007, Saturday 09.00 11.30 : Parallel Sessions : Priorities and Opportunities for Investment 11.30 12.00 : Tea V. Education, Training and Health: Public Private Partnership VI. Physical Infrastructure: Transport, Power and Telecommunications VII. Agri-business, Agro-based Industries and Handicrafts and Handloom VIII. Tourism 12.00 14.00 : Plenary Session II: Panel Discussion Strategy for Development of Bihar in the wake of Globalisation 14.00 15.00 : Lunch 15.00 17.15 : Parallel Sessions : Institutions and Governance 17.15 17.45 Tea IX. Strengthening Civil Society, People s Organisations and Agenda for Growth Conducive Political-Social Environment X. Strengthening Governance and Delivery Mechanisms XI. Strengthening Financial Infrastructure and Institutions XII. Brand Building of Bihar 17.45 19.15 : Plenary Session III : Interactive Session between Potential Investors and the Government of Bihar (Organised by Bihar Government) 19.15 21.00 : Cultural Programme 21.00 : Dinner 7
SUNDAY, JANUARY 21, 2007 21 January, 2007, Sunday 09.30 11.00 : Plenary Session IV Conclusion and the Main Recommendations of the Meet Vision and Action for a Resurgent Bihar 11.00 11.30 : Tea 11.30 13.00 : Valedictory Session 13.00 : Lunch and Farewell to the Delegates 14.00 : Local Sight Seeing 8
VENUE The Global Meet for a Resurgent Bihar will be held at: Hotel Maurya, South-West Gandhi Maidan, Patna The Hotel is centrally located and offers conference facilities of international standards with an ambience that is widely appreciated. Overseas Participants REGISTRATION AND ACCOMMODATION Residential: US$ 200 (includes boarding and lodging) Non-residential: US$ 40 Domestic Participants Residential: Rs 3000 (includes boarding and lodging) Non-residential: Rs 1000 (locals and those not requiring accommodation) (In case of spouse, an extra amount of US$ 50 for overseas/rs. 1000 for domestic participants) Registration fee includes breakfasts, lunches, mid-morning and afternoon tea breaks, admission to sessions, a bag, a copy of the programme and all the papers presented. Except for local participants, the fee also covers accommodation charges for four days (afternoon of 18 January to forenoon of 22 January, 2007). Accommodation Organisers are making arrangements for about 500 delegates at various hotels in Patna. These hotels are located in the radius of about 1-3 kms from the venue of the Meet. The delegates would also be ferried to and fro from their place of stay to the venue. For registration and other details, kindly contact: Mr Prem Chandra, Administrative and Programme, Manager, Institute for Human Development, NIDM Building, (3 rd Floor), IIPA Campus, I.P. Estate, New Delhi 110 002. Ph : +91-11-23358166; 23321610; Fax : +91-11-23765410 E-mail: global.bihar@gmail.com; ihd@vsnl.com Website: www.ihdindia.org Under a copy to Ms. Sujata, The Bihar Times, Patna Tel: +91-612-2278048; Email: globalmeet@bihartimes.com The registration fee should be sent by demand draft in favour of Bihar Global Meet, payable at New Delhi to the Administrative Officer, Institute for Human Development, NIDM Building, 3 rd Floor, IIPA Campus, I.P. Estate, New Delhi 110002, before 31 st December, 2006. You can also register online at www.globalbiharmeet.com 9
R E G I S T R A T I O N F O R M Name : Title/Position : Organisation : Address: City State Country Tel (Off) Tel (Res) Mobile Fax Email id: Date and time of arrival:.. Date and time of departure:. Accompanying person(s) details 1. Name: Relationship.Occupation 2. Name: Relationship.Occupation Attached herewith demand draft no.. Dated amount for Rs./US$ Accommodation required (Please write y for yes and n for no):. Specify Single room or Double room: 10
CHIEF PATRON Shri Nitish Kumar, Chief Minister, Bihar STEERING COMMITTEE Chairman: Shri Sushil Kumar Modi, Deputy Chief Minister, Bihar Co-Chairmen: Dr. S.C. Jha, Chairman, Special Task Force on Bihar,Government of India and Shri. N.K. Singh, Deputy Chairman, Bihar State Planning Board (To be confirmed) COORDINATOR Professor. Alakh N. Sharma Director, Institute for Human Development ASSOCIATE COORDINATOR Sri Ajay Kumar Chief Executive Officer and Editor, The Bihar Times, Patna SECRETARIAT INSTITUTE FOR HUMAN DEVELOPMENT NIDM Building, (3 rd Floor), IIPA Campus, I.P. Estate, New Delhi 110 002. Ph : +91-11-23358166; 23321610; Fax : +91-11-23765410 E-mail: global.bihar@gmail.com; ihd@vsnl.com Website: www.ihdindia.org THE BIHAR TIMES 4-B, Nehru Nagar, Pataliputra Colony, Patna 800 013 Ph: +91-612-2278048 Email: globalmeet@bihartimes.com 11