Devesh Kumar takes over as the Vice-Chairman of the Bihar State Board

Former Member of Bihar Legislative Council Devesh Kumar. File photo: X/@ddnewsBihar

Former member of the Bihar Legislative Council Devesh Kumar took charge as the Deputy Chairman of the Bihar State Planning Council on Friday (September 4, 2026).

After assuming charge, Mr. Kumar emphasized the need to streamline the role of the Planning Board for inclusive, balanced and sustainable development of the state. He said that achieving the goal of Developed Bihar@2047 requires well-planned, evidence-based and long-term planning.

Development strategy

Mr. Kumar said that the Bihar State Planning Board is an important institution responsible for guiding the development of the state and formulating long-term and inclusive development strategies across various sectors. He said that the role of the board would be further strengthened to ensure better and more effective utilization of resources available in the state to achieve developmental goals.

Stating that Bihar is fast setting new benchmarks for development, the Vice-President said it was essential to formulate plans keeping in view the future needs and challenges. The Planning Board will ensure better coordination with various Departments of the State Government and provide necessary suggestions and guidelines regarding development priorities, policies and schemes.

The Bihar State Planning Board was established in 1972. The Board plays an important role in formulating annual and long-term plans of the state as well as conducting studies, research and evaluation of various development programmes. It also played a significant role in setting development goals in accordance with the resources available in the state and incorporating them into the development process.

The Board studies the development of schemes and development programs implemented by various departments and gives suggestions and directions on important issues related to development. Its main responsibilities also include strengthening effective and forward-looking planning in line with changing development needs and future challenges.

Devesh Kumar expressed confidence that the Planning Board will play an even more effective role in promoting overall, balanced, inclusive and sustainable development of the state in collaboration with concerned departments, experts and officials.

Additional Principal Secretary of Planning and Development Department Dr. were present on this occasion. N. Vijayalakshmi, Department Secretary Kanwal Tanuj, Bihar State Planning Board Additional Secretary Shyam Bihari Meena and other senior officials of the Department and Planning Board.

Earlier, Mr Kumar resigned as a member of the Bihar Legislative Council on 31 July 2026 to pave the way for Deepak Prakash, son of Rashtriya Lok Morcha (RLM) president and Rajya Sabha member Upendra Kushwaha, an ally in the National Democratic Alliance (NDA). Later, Governor of Bihar Lt. Gen. (Retd.) Syed Ata Hasnain on 5 August 2026 nominated Mr. Prakash to the Bihar Legislative Council to fill the vacancy after his resignation.

Published – 05 Sep 2026 09:40 IST