Bihar has not been selected for the prestigious PM MITRA Mega Textile Park scheme, despite being the home state of Union Textile Minister Giriraj Singh, who is also the BJP MP from Begusarai. When journalists questioned the minister in Delhi about why Bihar was left out while seven other states received approval for textile parks, Giriraj Singh appeared visibly uncomfortable and tried to avoid the topic.
Minister’s Response and Reaction
- Giriraj Singh cited that selection was based on specific criteria and only states meeting those standards were chosen for the parks.
- He expressed displeasure at the line of questioning, calling it “negative” and quickly sought to end the discussion, saying, “Why do you ask such negative questions?”
- The seven states selected include Maharashtra, Telangana, Madhya Pradesh, Karnataka, Uttar Pradesh, and Gujarat, all of which met the government’s defined benchmarks.
Context and Significance
- The PM MITRA scheme aims to boost India’s textile sector by creating integrated parks that provide end-to-end textile manufacturing facilities, generating employment and industrial growth.
- Bihar, with its large workforce and growing apparel industry, has long sought inclusion in such central government initiatives to accelerate economic development.
- The exclusion has sparked questions about Bihar’s industrial readiness and the political implications ahead of the state assembly elections.
Implications for Bihar
- The absence of a PM MITRA park could slow Bihar’s ambitions to become a textile manufacturing hub and limit job creation in the sector.
- Local entrepreneurs and workers may face continued challenges due to lack of large-scale infrastructure and investment.
- The issue adds to growing concerns about Bihar’s industrial development and equitable distribution of central projects.
Actionable Takeaway: Bihar’s policymakers and industry stakeholders should intensify efforts to meet the criteria for such projects and advocate for inclusion in future rounds. Citizens should engage with representatives to demand transparency and development commitments.
