Tragedy of Bihar / edited by Meera Datta

The main thrust of this book is that qualitatively Bihar's situation related to political economy dynamic is no different than that of India. The difference is one of degree only. As resource rich India is grandest failure in world arena similarly resource rich Bihar is a neglected region of this country.

This book brings out on factual basis the features and causes of non-development of Bihar. At the same time it brings out the facts to show that Bihar is also a much maligned region. It also brings in sharp focus that Bihar as a matter of fact, is treated as a step-son of Centre. It also lends support to the thesis that the process of planning and development of India is inherently related to uneven regional dynamics. All this stems from the process of internal colonisation which is obviously the product of the system which was adopted after the transfer of power on 15th August, 1947.

The essays lead to a conclusion that it is arrogance of the elites rather than supposed ignorance of masses which is responsible for the mess in this country particularly, that in Bihar. The solution suggested is widespread non-violent democratic people's consciousness and add to the dignity to the movement for progress. The issues and the nature of the struggle may be the outcome of the thinking of the local people because they know where the shoe pinches. The book, thus, provides a valuable insight of the problem ridden State.