70^th BPSC Mains

Approach Briefly introduce digital infrastructure’s role in Bihar. Discuss digitisation initiatives by the government of Bihar. Conclude suitably.

Introduction

Digital infrastructure plays a crucial role in Bihar’s socio-economic development by enhancing governance, education, healthcare, financial inclusion, and agriculture, bridging the digital divide and fostering growth, employment, and service delivery efficiency.

Body

• Digital Infrastructure Development:
  • Bihar State Wide Area Network (BSWAN): Established to provide a robust digital backbone, BSWAN connects various government departments, facilitating efficient communication and data sharing.
  • BharatNet Project: Aiming to provide broadband connectivity to rural areas, this initiative facilitates access to digital services, education, and e-commerce.
• E-Governance Initiatives:
  • Bihar e-Governance Services & Technologies (BeST): Digitizes government departments and provides online services through Common Service Centers (CSCs), making services like land records and certificates accessible online.
• I-BHUGOAL (Bihar Infrastructure Mapping GIS Project): Integrates GIS, GPS, and satellite imagery to represent resources for location-specific planning, decision-making, and monitoring.
• Digital Literacy and Education:
  • Digital Saksharta Abhiyan (DISHA): Aims to impart digital literacy to citizens, empowering them to participate in the digital economy.
• Healthcare Initiatives:
  • e-Hospital: Digitizes patient records, appointments, and medical services in government hospitals, reducing waiting times and improving patient care.
  • Telemedicine Services: Connects patients in remote areas with specialists, enabling timely diagnosis and treatment.
• Economic Empowerment:
  • Bihar Start-Up Policy: Provides incentives and support to entrepreneurs, encouraging innovation and job creation in the state.
  • Investment in IT Sector: The new IT Policy has attracted major companies to set up data centers and drone manufacturing units in Bihar, strengthening the state's digital framework.
• Urban Development:
  • Smart City Projects: The government is implementing 5 smart city projects, integrating advanced technologies to enhance public services, streamline urban management, and promote sustainable development.

Conclusion

These initiatives collectively contribute to Bihar's socio-economic development by improving governance, education, healthcare, and economic opportunities through enhanced digital infrastructure.

(b) Discuss Bihar’s policies to promote renewable energy and ensure energy security.

Approach Briefly introduce digital infrastructure’s role in Bihar. Discuss digitisation initiatives by the government of Bihar. Conclude suitably.

Introduction

Bihar is actively promoting renewable energy to enhance energy security and reduce dependence on fossil fuels. The Bihar Policy for Promotion of New & Renewable Energy Sources (2017) set ambitious targets to expand the state's renewable energy capacity.

Body

• Key Policies and Targets:
  • Green Energy Goals (2030): Bihar aims to source 44% of its electricity from renewable sources by 2030, up from the current 15%.
  • Solar Energy Expansion: Major projects include 200 MW in Kajra (Lakhisarai), 250 MW in Pirpainti (Bhagalpur), 125 MW in Jamui, and 75 MW in Banka.
  • Rooftop and Floating Solar: Bihar is promoting grid-connected rooftop solar plants and solar panels on canals and reservoirs such as Son Canal (Patna) and Phulwaria Reservoir (Nawada).
• Other Renewable Energy Initiatives:
  • Pumped Hydro Storage: The Kaimur project will store solar energy for nighttime electricity generation.
  • Biomass Energy: Sugar mills contribute 100 MW through bagasse-based co-generation.
• Incentives and Energy Security Measures:
  • Transmission and Banking Benefits: Renewable energy projects get transmission charge exemptions and 100% energy banking for captive use.
  • Subsidies: The government provides 45–65% subsidies for solar power installations and solar irrigation pumps for 10,000 farmers by 2025.
• Challenges and Future Outlook:
  • Bihar ranks 18th among 36 states in renewable energy production, generating only 415 MW.
  • No operational wind or geothermal projects.
  • Intermittency in solar power is being tackled with battery and pumped hydro storage.

Conclusion

With strategic policies and projects, Bihar is working towards becoming one of India’s top 10 green energy states by 2030. The state is focusing on expanding solar and biomass energy capacity to reduce reliance on fossil fuels. Strengthening grid infrastructure and investment in renewable energy projects will be crucial for achieving this goal.