Structural Innovation for Inclusive Development in Bihar: The Navodaya Shahar Model

Under the National Democratic Alliance rule—led by the charismatic Chief Minister Nitish Kumar—Bihar, one of the poorest states in India, has seen a spectacular turnaround since 2006. Analyzing this recent resurgence in Bihar and demonstrating that policy options in the medium term are highly limited, this book outlines the concept of Navodaya Shahars—or new age rural-urban habitats—based on a new agenda to converge ownership of assets by poor households, find feasible solutions for services, and lay a solid foundation for identity and livelihood with dignity.