Bihar’s Economic Survey 2025-26 has unveiled stark contrasts in the state’s district-level prosperity, with the capital Patna emerging as the undisputed leader in wealth. Meanwhile, Sheohar district finds itself at the bottom, highlighting deep-rooted economic disparities across the state.
The survey, tabled on Monday, paints a comprehensive picture of Bihar’s economy. Patna’s per capita income stands at an impressive Rs 1,31,332, dwarfing Sheohar’s meager Rs 18,980 – nearly six times lower. This gap underscores the uneven development plaguing Bihar, where urban centers thrive while rural pockets struggle.
Assessments were based on consumption patterns of petrol, diesel, and LPG, alongside per capita small savings. Patna dominated petrol consumption, followed by Muzaffarpur and Purnia. In diesel usage, it led ahead of Sheikhpura and Aurangabad. LPG consumption saw Patna, Begusarai, and Gopalganj at the forefront.
On the flip side, districts like Lakhisarai, Banka, and Sheohar recorded the lowest petrol use, while Sheohar, Siwan, and Kaimur lagged in diesel. LPG scarcity was evident in Araria, Banka, and Madhepura. Bihar’s average per capita income has now climbed to Rs 76,490, signaling modest overall growth.
Top performers include Begusarai (Rs 61,566) and Munger (Rs 54,469), while Araria (Rs 19,795) and Sitamarhi (Rs 21,448) join Sheohar at the bottom. These rankings, covering all 38 districts, call for targeted interventions to bridge the divide and foster balanced growth in Bihar.