In a revealing snapshot of Bihar’s economic landscape, the 2025-26 Economic Survey positions Patna as the state’s richest district, with Sheohar trailing far behind as the poorest. The report, presented on Monday, also notes the state’s average per capita income rising to Rs 76,490.
Patna’s dominance is clear: its per capita income of Rs 1,31,332 is a stark contrast to Sheohar’s Rs 18,980. This disparity, nearly sixfold, exposes the challenges of equitable development in one of India’s most populous states.
The methodology hinges on key indicators like petrol, diesel, and LPG consumption per person, integrated with small savings data. Patna clinched top spots across categories – leading petrol use over Muzaffarpur and Purnia, diesel ahead of Sheikhpura and Aurangabad, and LPG surpassing Begusarai and Gopalganj.
Laggards were unmistakable: minimal petrol in Lakhisarai, Banka, and Sheohar; scant diesel in Sheohar, Siwan, and Kaimur; low LPG in Araria, Banka, and Madhepura. Other wealthy districts like Begusarai (Rs 61,566) and Munger (Rs 54,469) shine, but poorer ones such as Araria (Rs 19,795) and Sitamarhi (Rs 21,448) demand urgent attention.
As Bihar ranks all 38 districts, policymakers face a clear mandate: address these imbalances to unlock the state’s true potential and ensure prosperity reaches every corner.