New Delhi/ Patna: Sanjay Kumar Jha, Acting National President of JD (U) and Rajya Sabha MP, has lauded the Union Budget 2025 presented by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, highlighting its substantial relief for the middle class and its far-reaching measures aimed at the youth, women, farmers, and the economically disadvantaged.
Jha emphasized that the budget includes several key provisions that will propel the development of Bihar, including initiatives that will create new opportunities for youth, farmers, and entrepreneurs. He welcomed the incorporation of suggestions from Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, particularly regarding the establishment of a new airport, which he believes will help the state progress towards bridging regional inequalities.
“It is a matter of pride that the needs of Bihar have been addressed in this budget. These provisions will significantly contribute to the state’s growth and help reduce regional development disparities,” Jha said. He further criticized opposition leaders, accusing them of undermining the positive impact of the budget on Bihar, describing their remarks as ill-informed considering the years of neglect the state faced from previous central governments.
One of the most notable budget announcements for Bihar, according to Jha, was the establishment of the Makhana Board, a revolutionary move that will foster the production, processing, and marketing of Makhana, a major agricultural product of the Mithila region. “The creation of the Makhana Board will not only help farmers secure better prices for their produce but will also boost Bihar’s agricultural sector by making Mithila a key player in the global market for Makhana,” Jha stated.
The budget also brought good news for the region’s agriculture sector, with the Western Kosi Canal Project set to receive support. Jha praised the budget’s provision to extend irrigation coverage to an additional 50,000 hectares of land, which he said will reduce the impact of floods and enhance agricultural productivity in Mithila and surrounding areas.
Further, Jha expressed his satisfaction with the budget’s focus on improving air connectivity in Bihar, particularly the expansion of Patna Airport and the proposal for a Greenfield International Airport. These moves, he believes, will not only enhance domestic and international travel but also attract global tourism, fostering the state’s development.
The budget also includes provisions for expanding Patna IIT and establishing new institutions like the National Institute of Food Technology, which Jha sees as a significant step toward improving educational opportunities in Bihar. He noted that these initiatives will give local students access to quality education and research facilities without needing to leave the state.
“In the coming years, with these far-reaching decisions, Bihar will experience a transformative phase of development,” Jha remarked, adding that these efforts would complement the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to build a developed India.
In closing, Jha expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Modi and Finance Minister Sitharaman for their support, stating that the Union Budget 2025 has laid a strong foundation for the state’s growth. He affirmed that with the continued leadership of Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, Bihar is poised to make significant strides toward becoming a self-reliant and developed state.
