Patna: Bihar Finance Minister Samrat Chaudhary on Monday presented a Rs 3.17 lakh crore budget in the state assembly, unveiling 52 new initiatives in his 40-minute speech. The budget prioritises education, healthcare, women’s welfare, and agriculture, with a significant rise in allocations compared to the previous year.
The Nitish Kumar-led government has earmarked over Rs 60,000 crore for education and Rs 20,335 crore for healthcare. The finance minister highlighted major allocations aimed at women, including 33% job reservation in the Bihar State Road Transport Corporation, the introduction of women-only ‘Pink Bus’ services in major cities, and the construction of ‘Pink Toilets’ for improved sanitation. Additionally, hostels will be established in key cities to provide secure accommodation for working women, and marriage halls will be set up in every panchayat to facilitate weddings for economically weaker families.
For farmers, the budget promises procurement of tur, moong, and urad dal at minimum support price (MSP), along with plans to set up cold storage facilities in every block to aid agricultural storage and distribution.
The deputy CM also noted that Bihar’s fiscal deficit remains within the 3% limit. “Next year’s budget is Rs 38,000 crore more than the current year. We have proposed Rs 25,262 crore for economic services, allocated Rs 1,000 crore for the Bihar Student Credit Card scheme, and will repay Rs 2,819 crore in loans, including Rs 1,600 crore to the Centre,” he said.
During the budget presentation, Leader of Opposition Tejashwi Prasad Yadav was seen smiling slightly, though the RJD has yet to formally respond to the proposals.
