Patna: In a significant move to accelerate Bihar’s socio-economic development, the State Government’s Department of Planning and Development has entered into a three-year strategic partnership with The Convergence Foundation (TCF). The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed on Tuesday in the Secretariat’s conference hall in the presence of Chief Secretary Pratyay Amrit.
Partnership to Strengthen Development Priorities
The partnership aims to strengthen the state government’s priorities on development and growth, leveraging TCF’s expertise in policy design, implementation of reforms, and strategic advisory in key sectors. Under the MoU, TCF will provide support directly or through its portfolio organizations and leading expert institutions, including on a pro-bono basis.
A significant component of the collaboration is the establishment of a Research and Strategy Unit under the Chief Secretary’s Office. This unit will work closely with various departments, leadership, and key stakeholders to provide policy and strategic guidance across priority areas. TCF will also extend support to emerging focus areas identified by the Chief Secretary, leveraging its network of partner organizations.
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Key Focus Areas of the Partnership
- Investment and Ease of Doing Business: Strengthening the investment ecosystem through regulatory simplification, investment promotion, export facilitation, and other measures to create a conducive business environment.
- Regional Development Planning: Developing strategic plans to promote balanced regional growth across the state.
- Tourism Strategy and Governance: Formulating tourism policies, destination branding, governance frameworks, and fostering partnerships to boost the sector.
- Effective Delivery of Government Schemes: Enhancing state capacity, data systems, and evidence-based policymaking, alongside supporting clean air strategies and their implementation.
- Human Capital Development: Providing strategic support in education, sports, employability, skill development, and overseas employment opportunities.
High-Level Officials Witness MoU Signing
Officials from the Department of Planning and Development who attended the signing ceremony included Principal Secretary K. Senthil Kumar, Secretary Kanwal Tanuj, Joint Secretary Ravish Kishore, Deputy Director Ashok Kumar Tiwari, Senior Research Officer Shipra, Public Relations Officer Prem Shankar, and Assistant Director Shruti. TCF representatives present included Praveen Khangta, Aditi Elhance, Narendra, Gopal Krishnan Nair, Pallavi Dhal, Kamalnath Jha, and Aditya Tiwari.
Strategic Impact on Bihar’s Development
The Department of Planning and Development expressed confidence that this strategic partnership would play a pivotal role in giving new direction to Bihar’s economic, social, and institutional development, ensuring sustainable growth and transformative governance.
