India's new miracle economies: Bihar, poor states

India achieved record annual GDP growth, averaging 8.45%, in the five years, 2004-05 to 2008-09 . But was this inclusive, and did it benefit the

poor masses?

We have no data on poverty beyond 2004-05 . But the CSO has current data on the economic growth of the states. Historically, the chronically poor states were Orissa plus the BIMARU quartet (Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh), of which three have been sub-divided . Have these eight poor states participated in India’s boom?

Yes, absolutely. Indeed, five of India’s eight ultra-poor states have become miracle economies, defined internationally as those with over 7% growth. The best news comes from Bihar, historically the biggest failure . From 2004-05 to2008-09 , Bihar averaged 11.03% growth annually. It was virtually India’s fastest growing state, on par with Gujarat (11.05%). That represents a sensational turnaround. Nitish Kumar deserves an award for the most inclusive revolution of the decade. SOURCE: http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/Swaminathan-S-A-Aiyar/Indias-new-miracle-economies-Bihar-poor-states/articleshow/5406210.cms