Devesh Kumar assumes charge as Vice-Chairman of Bihar State Planning Board

Former Member of Bihar Legislative Council Devesh Kumar on Friday (September 4, 2026) assumed charge as the Vice-Chairman of the Bihar State Planning Board. After taking charge, Mr. Kumar emphasised the need to make the role of the Planning Board more effective for the 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. Mr. Kumar said that the Bihar State Planning Board is an important institution responsible for guiding the State’s development 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 the better and more effective utilisation of the resources available in the State to achieve the development targets. Stating that Bihar is rapidly establishing new benchmarks of development, the Vice-Chairman said that it is essential to formulate plans keeping in mind future needs and challenges.

The Planning Board will establish better coordination with various Departments of the State government and provide necessary suggestions and guidance on development priorities, policies, and schemes. Bihar State Planning Board was established in 1972.

The Board plays an important role in the formulation of the State’s annual and long-term plans, as well as in conducting studies, research, and reviewing various development programmes. It has also played a significant role in determining development objectives in accordance with the resources available in the State and integrating them into the development process.

The Board studies the progress of schemes and development programmes implemented by various departments and provides suggestions and guidance on important issues related to development. Strengthening effective and forward-looking planning in line with changing development needs and future challenges is also among its key responsibilities.

Devesh Kumar expressed confidence that the Planning Board would play an even more effective role in promoting the State’s overall, balanced, inclusive, and sustainable development with the cooperation of the departments concerned, experts and officials.

On the occasion, Planning and Development Department Additional Chief Secretary Dr. N. Vijayalakshmi, Department’s Secretary Kanwal Tanuj, Bihar State Planning Board Additional Secretary Shyam Bihari Meena and other senior officials of the Department and the Planning Board were present.

Earlier, Mr. Kumar had resigned as a member of the Bihar Legislative Council on July 31, 2026 to pave the way for Deepak Prakash, the son of Rashtriya Lok Morcha (RLM) president and Rajya Sabha member Upendra Kushwaha, an ally in the National Democratic Alliance (NDA).

Later, Bihar Governor Lieutenant-General (Retd) Syed Ata Hasnain on August 5, 2026, nominated Mr. Prakash to the Bihar Legislative Council to fill the vacancy following his resignation.