Patna : Chief Minister Nitish Kumar presented a comprehensive memorandum outlining the state’s financial needs and priorities to the 16th Finance Commission at a meeting held today at Samvad in the Chief Minister’s Secretariat. Expressing confidence that the Commission would give due consideration to Bihar’s demands, CM Nitish emphasized the need for continued financial assistance to sustain the state’s growth trajectory.
The Chief Minister extended a warm welcome to the Chairman of the 16th Finance Commission, Dr. Arvind Panagariya, and other members, acknowledging their expertise and familiarity with Bihar’s socio-economic landscape. CM Nitish highlighted that Panagariya, who also serves as the Chancellor of Nalanda University, is well-acquainted with the state’s challenges and potential.
The Chief Minister underscored the growth of the state budget, which has risen from Rs30,000 crore in 2005 to Rs3.17 lakh crore in 2025, reflecting sustained progress. He acknowledged the support of the central government in this journey, highlighting recent allocations for road development, industry, health, tourism, and flood control. Notably, Kumar mentioned the establishment of a Makhana Board, development of new airports, financial aid for the Western Kosi Canal Project, and the expansion of Patna IIT as part of the 2025 budget announcements.
CM Nitish expressed optimism that the 16th Finance Commission would recognize the state’s evolving needs and provide adequate financial support. “The state government has prepared a detailed memorandum to highlight these requirements, which we have placed before the Commission today. I am confident that the Commission will consider these issues seriously,” he said.
During the event, the Chief Minister honoured the Chairman and members of the 16th Finance Commission by presenting them with traditional shawls. The meeting was also addressed by Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Chaudhary, Chief Secretary Amrit Lal Meena, and other senior officials.
The programme witnessed the presence of Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Kumar Sinha, Water Resources and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Vijay Kumar Chaudhary, Energy and Planning Minister Bijendra Prasad Yadav, Rural Development Minister Shravan Kumar, Health Minister Mangal Pandey, and other senior ministers and officials, including Finance Commission members Ajay Narayan Jha, Annie George Mathew, Dr. Manoj Panda, Dr. Soumya Kanti Ghosh, and Ritwik Ranjan Pandey.
