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| Lists Financial Transactions |
Bihar, in eastern India, is the poorest Indian state (42% below
poverty line); with a population of 96 million in 1996, it is also
the second largest. The state has an annual per capita income of
Rs. 5110 (US$ 114) which will have made Bihar among the 10 poorest
countries in the world if independent. The average per capita income
in India is of Rs. 16,700 (US$ 370).
Large surveys have established the unmet |
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demand in Bihar between 25 and 40%. The average number
of children per couple is 4.6 which is 60% higher than the national
average. Only 24.5% of couples used modern contraceptives against
48% nationally.
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In December 1999, Bihar became poorer when 22 southern districts were
hived off to form Jharkhand state which reduced Bihar’s revenues
by two thirds. Currently, Bihar has a population of 89 million, 90% rural.
Jharkhand has 29 million, 78% rural. Jharkhand and Madhya Pradesh have
slightly better indicators but still compare unfavourably with the rest
of the country.
The programme also works in 10 districts of Madhya Pradesh.
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