The National Democratic Alliance (NDA) secured a decisive victory in the Bihar Assembly Elections 2025, setting the stage for a new government. While the NDA celebrates its win, the incoming administration faces a daunting array of challenges that demand immediate attention and strategic solutions. Here are five key challenges that the new Bihar government must address:

1. Unemployment and Migration:

Unemployment remains a critical issue in Bihar, particularly among the youth. Despite a decrease in the unemployment rate from 30.9% in 2018-19 to 9.9% in 2023-24 for those aged 15-29, the situation remains grim. A significant portion of the working-age population is economically inactive, reflecting a lack of job opportunities and widespread withdrawal from the labor market. Moreover, a concerning trend is the high unemployment rate among educated youth, with graduates and those with higher education facing even greater difficulty in finding jobs. This lack of employment opportunities forces many to migrate to other states in search of work. The new government needs to focus on skill development, create formal jobs, and stem the outmigration of its workforce. The NDA has promised 10 industrial parks, 100 MSME parks and over 50,000 cottage industry units to boost local manufacturing.

2. Education System Overhaul:

Bihar's education system faces significant challenges, including poor infrastructure, high dropout rates, and a shortage of teachers. Many schools lack basic facilities like electricity, computers, and libraries. Despite increased literacy rates, skill development remains poor, creating a gap between academic achievement and employability. The new government must focus on improving school infrastructure, recruiting and training teachers, and modernizing curricula to align with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2025. The Bihar School Education Policy 2025 aims to enhance accessibility, quality, and inclusivity in education, with a focus on multilingual education, digital learning integration, and vocational training.

3. Healthcare Infrastructure and Access:

While Bihar has made strides in improving its healthcare system, significant gaps remain, particularly in rural areas. A shortage of medical staff, including doctors and paramedics, and inadequate infrastructure hinder access to quality healthcare services. The INDIA alliance has criticized the state's healthcare system, claiming critical medical staff shortages. The new government must invest in expanding healthcare infrastructure, filling vacant positions, and ensuring the availability of essential medicines and services, especially in rural areas. The government plans to construct over 1,500 new hospital buildings in rural areas and is working to increase the number of medical colleges and MBBS seats.

4. Flood Management and Disaster Preparedness:

Bihar is highly vulnerable to recurrent floods, particularly in the northern regions. Major rivers like the Kosi and Mahananda often cause widespread devastation, displacing families and damaging infrastructure. Effective flood management and disaster preparedness are crucial for protecting lives and livelihoods. The new government must invest in improving river embankments, drainage systems, and early warning systems, as well as ensuring timely relief and rehabilitation measures for affected populations.

5. Economic Growth and Fiscal Management:

Bihar is one of the fastest-growing states in India, with an estimated GDP growth rate of 22% for the year 2025-26. However, the state's economy faces challenges such as high debt and limited fiscal space for development. The new government must focus on attracting investments, promoting industrial growth, and improving agricultural productivity to sustain economic growth and generate employment opportunities. Prudent fiscal management is also essential to reduce debt and ensure resources are available for development priorities.

Addressing these five challenges will be critical for the new Bihar government to ensure inclusive and sustainable development, improve the quality of life for its citizens, and unlock the state's full potential. The NDA's victory has raised expectations of stability, development, and inclusivity, and the government's success will depend on its ability to deliver on these promises.