By Vishwapati
Patna: The budget for the upcoming financial year was presented in the Bihar Assembly today by Finance Minister Samrat Chaudhary, marking his second consecutive presentation of the state budget. In his address, Chaudhary revealed that the budget size for 2025-26 will stand at ₹3.17 lakh crore, with a strong emphasis on encouraging private investment and promoting employment-oriented initiatives.
The budget for 2025-26, amounting to ₹3,16,895.02 crore, reflects an increase of ₹38,169 crore compared to the previous financial year. During his speech, the Finance Minister announced several significant measures aimed at driving development across various sectors.
Key Announcements in the Budget
Education Expansion:
Degree colleges, whether government or private, will be established in 358 out of 534 blocks in a phased manner. Additionally, scholarships for students from backward and extremely backward communities studying in government schools will be doubled.
Agricultural and Market Development:
A scheme has been introduced for the modernisation of 21 market committees at a cost of ₹1,289 crore, with plans to make all market committees operational. Efforts will also be made to connect 17 additional market committees. Procurement of tur, moong, and urad dal will be carried out through Minimum Support Price (MSP) mechanisms.
Infrastructure and Storage Facilities:
Cold storage facilities will be established in all subdivisions and blocks, while vegetable facility outlets, modelled on the lines of Sudha, will be opened in every block. A dedicated committee will oversee this initiative.
Women’s Welfare and Employment:
To support women’s empowerment, Mahila Haat will be established in Patna, and pink buses—operated exclusively by women drivers and conductors—will be introduced in major cities. Additionally, e-rickshaw training programmes will be launched to boost women’s employment. Housing facilities for women constables will also be arranged near police stations.
Healthcare Initiatives:
Municipal medical centres will be opened in urban areas, and a cancer hospital will be established in Begusarai. Mobile gymnasiums, staffed by female trainers, will also be introduced in Patna.
Tourism and Connectivity:
Flights from Purnea Airport are set to commence within three months, enhancing connectivity for religious tourists, particularly during Chhath Puja.
Urban Development:
Pink toilets will be constructed in cities, and bus stands will be developed across all districts in a phased manner. Kanya Vivah Mandap (marriage halls for poor girls) will also be built in every block.
Sector-Wise Allocation
The budget prioritises education, with the highest allocation of ₹60,964 crore. Other major allocations include:
- Health: ₹20,335 crore
- Urban and Rural Roads: ₹17,908 crore
- Home Department: ₹17,831 crore
- Rural Development: ₹16,093 crore
- Energy: ₹13,484 crore
- Social Welfare and Other Departments: ₹13,368 crore
This comprehensive budget underscores the Bihar government’s commitment to fostering economic growth, improving infrastructure, and enhancing social welfare, particularly for women and underprivileged communities.
(The author, Vishwapati, is a senior journalist based in Patna. He may be contacted at vishwapati25@gmail.com)
