'Developing urban economies in Bihar', which is being jointly organized by the state urban and housing development department, Asian Development Research Institute, Patna and UK-based Department For International Development (DFID)

BIHAR is one of the least urbanized states in India with only 2% of its total geographical area being urban. Skewed urbanization pattern, high migration, high share of unemployed youth in population, lack of adequate technical education and job opportunities and poor business climate etc have contributed to the lowest urbanization.

The employment rate in the state is only 42% as compared to 52% at the national level and the female employment rate is abysmally low at 6.9% as compared to 25.7% at the national level

 These points have been highlighted in the background paper of a conference on urban planning beginning here on 7th.sep'2012. At the conference, experts will discuss urban local economic development framework and initiatives undertaken at national and international levels.

The conference, intends to address primarily four key Bihar urban development issues.

These issues are: 

(a) What are the institutional and governance challenges and opportunities to shape cities as engines of economic growth? 

(b) What are the city economic cluster development and investment opportunities in urban Bihar? 

(c) How can Bihar improve investment attractiveness of its cities and address infrastructure and skill gaps as part of its urban development planning policy? 

(d) What are the key policy and strategic interventions required to mainstream the urban poor for achieving inclusive urban development?

This conference is expected to recommend key action points for structuring the economic development role of cities, said an official.

Even though the business climate of Bihar, particularly the law and order situation, has improved during the past few years, inadequate private sector investment orientation of local governments, inadequate infrastructure, particularly power, skill gaps, and high transaction costs in doing business remain some of the challenges to give effect to investment promises in the state.

Chief minister Nitish Kumar will inaugurate the conference. A number of experts, including DFID India chief Sam Sharpe and Narayanan Edadan of Support Programme for Urban Reforms (SPUR), besides several senior government officials and entrepreneurs will also attend the conference.