PATNA, Dec. 24 -- In a move to accelerate the state's development trajectory, the Bihar government's planning and development department has entered into a three-year strategic partnership with The Convergence Foundation (TCF), a prominent philanthropic organisation dedicated to fostering economic growth across India. The agreement was formalised in the presence of state chief secretary Pratyay Amrit, underscoring the state's commitment to collaborative efforts for holistic progress. Officials described the tie-up as a key step toward strengthening Bihar's priorities in 'growth and development'. From the government side, principal secretary K Senthil Kumar, secretary Kanwal Tanuj, joint secretary Ravish Kishore, deputy director Ashok Kumar Tiwari, senior research officer Shipra and other officers were present. Representing TCF were Praveen Khangta, Aditi Elhans (APAG), Narendra (Atithi), Gopal Krishnan Nair (CSBC), Pallavi Dhal (CSBC), Kamalnath Jha (CSF) and Aditya Tiwari. Under the pact, TCF will provide strategic support to the Bihar government in policy formulation, implementation of reforms and key priority sectors. This assistance will come directly from TCF or through its portfolio organisations and leading expert institutions, often on a pro-bono basis. The partnership zeroes in on several critical areas, which includes bolstering an investment-friendly environment through reforms in investment procedures, regulatory simplification, ease of doing business, attracting investments and promoting exports. The agency will also help the government in formulating strategic plans to promote balanced regional development and developing tourism policy and strategy, with emphasis on destination branding, good governance, and building partnerships. As per the agreement, the foundation is supposed to enhance the state's capacity for effective delivery of government schemes, strengthening data systems, evidence-based policymaking, and supporting the design and implementation of clean air strategies. Besides, it is also expected to offer strategic backing in human capital development, covering education, sports, employability, skill development and opportunities for overseas employment. Beyond these, TCF has committed to extending support in emerging priority areas identified by the Chief Secretary from time to time, leveraging its own expertise or network of partner organisations. A notable feature of the collaboration is the establishment of a research and strategy unit linked to the chief secretary's office. This unit will work in coordination with various state departments, leadership, and key stakeholders to deliver policy and strategic inputs in the focused domains. The planning and development department believes this alliance will play a pivotal role in steering Bihar's economic, social, and institutional advancement in a new direction. As the state pushes forward with ambitious growth targets, this partnership signals a blend of governmental resolve and philanthropic expertise aimed at delivering tangible outcomes for Bihar's people....