The very question that,  what did Jharkhand achieve post bifurcation of Bihar?  is sufficient to elicit passionate replies. I, in my personal capacity, shall try to put forth a reasonable answer.
In hindsight, why’d things come on to bifurcation? While writing for my blog I tried stitch some reasons:
“The state of Jharkhand(formerly south Bihar), was carved out of Bihar on 15th November,2000 after an arduously long ‘Jharkhand mukti’ movement that began in 1920’s but, could gain momentum only after the formation of JMM(Jharkhand Mukti Morcha) lead by charismatic tribal leader, Shibu Soren. Drawing inspirations from famous revolts against the British Raj, like the Kol rebellion, Santhal Revolt & the Birsa Munda struggle, political entities began to echo vociferously for greater autonomy for this improvished region. The general resentment had always been that Bihar was the biggest beneficiary of Jharkhand’s abundant mineral reserves (accounting 40% of India’s total known reserves), on the other hand the genuine grievances of triblas met the deaf ears of governments both at Patna & Delhi. Soon, disgruntled villagers inspired by Maoist movements in neighboring W. Bengal began to take arms against the government. This  sowed the seeds of Naxalism & it continues to be the most grievous threat  in larger parts of the state, Maoist run parallel  governments are rampant across multiple towns particularly in the tribal belt; scant development in such areas has effectively turned them into Maoist hotspots. This has unleashed a vicious cycle of under development as popular schemes can barely be implemented in zones of political unrest rendering them even more vulnerable to Naxals & their ideologies (blowing of schools, demanding levy from industrial establishments often populates the front page of leading news dailies).”
Now, at this juncture, If I were to quantify development & progress, the parameters which could surely help are; taking three material (GSDP, Per Capita Income, Poverty) & two social parameters (IMR, Literacy rate):
1. GSDP (Gross State Domestic Product).
2. Per Capita Income.
3. Poverty Rate.
4. Literacy Rate.
5. Infant Mortality Rate
1. GSDP:

Note: Growth before & after 2000; Jharkhand, Uttarakhand, Chhatisgarh & their mother states.
Limiting ourselves to first row, it doesn’t require some great statistical erudition to decipher that:
Prior to bifurcation both Bihar & Jharkhand (then S.Bihar) were perennial laggards in economic growth. I firmly espouse the view that, both regions are diametrically opposite in their economic strengths, Bihar is an agrarian economy whereas; industries are the mainstay of Jharkhand. This divide manifests as slower growth, a case where government is not able to construct a comprehensive policy for both regions.
Once bifurcation was complete, governments in both states knew where to concentrate their energies. The result: both states grew satisfactorily over the next decade. If it weren’t for political turbulence in Jharkhand ( nine governments in first fourteen years) then, surely the state would’ve fared better.
2. Per capita Income

Small states are easy to manage and the lassiez faire theory of economics (just a fancy name for trickle-down effect) works efficiently here. The result is income per head grows far swiftly. Here, PCIs of both states more than doubled in the previous decade.
3. Poverty rate:

Poverty has steadily declined in both states over the last decade. In fact, as should happen, it has begun to recede faster in Jharkhand due industrial growth. With much needed political stability finally here, poverty is surely going to abate.
4. Literacy rate:

Although literacy rate has grown appreciably over the past decade, it isn’t a highly reliable parameter owing to the fact that, the very definition of what constitutes literacy is highly debatable. Also the dubious credibility of agencies involved further aggravates this situation.
But, still it’s safe to assume that as of this day, there are far greater numbers of children enrolled in primary schools than ever. Surely a positive change.

5. IMR:

Infant mortality rate has largely subsided over the past decade. This also implies, better health-care facilities to women in labor. Overall health- care facilities are still far from being ubiquitous & available to all, it has improved & would surely pick up some serious pace this decade.

Summary:
Looking through my windowsill as I finally complete this; there are speeding cars moving past unending roads, people mingling & ebullient children jumping hither & thither (It’s nearly dusk & with that haze you can at least feel some wintry chill!).
I can assure you that Jharkhand is going to live up to its destiny & we all shall be witnesses of a better & brighter future for all.

©Haris Ahmed

(Photo Source: http://www.indianexcursion.net/images/jharkhand_map_s.jpg)