Patna: Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has lauded the Union Budget, describing it as positive and balanced. He commended the Central Government for presenting a budget that aims to accelerate the development of both Bihar and the country. “The decision to undertake large-scale infrastructure projects nationwide is welcome,” he said.
Nitish highlighted the special financial assistance announced for Bihar’s development schemes in the NDA government’s first budget of its third term. He noted the budget’s emphasis on human resource and infrastructure development in Bihar, with significant allocations for road connectivity projects, power projects, airports, medical colleges, and sports.
The budget also prioritizes the development of tourist sites in Bihar and includes measures to protect the state from floods. Nitish expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman for the special financial assistance earmarked for the Koshi-Mechi river linking project, pollution reduction in rivers, and various irrigation projects.
“The announcements made for Bihar in the budget will spur rapid development in the state,” Nitish said. He also welcomed the Purvodaya Yojana, aimed at developing Bihar, Jharkhand, West Bengal, Odisha, and Uttar Pradesh.
Speaking to journalists at the Bihar Legislative Assembly premises, Nitish reiterated Bihar’s long-standing demand for special state status, which has been pursued since 2010. Despite previous rejections, he stressed the importance of either granting special state status or providing special assistance to accelerate Bihar’s development.
Reflecting on the progress since his government took power in November 2005, Nitish noted significant improvements in road connectivity and the construction of new schools. He recalled the dire situation in Patna before their tenure and praised the current budget for its numerous new road projects and expressways.
“The central government has given a lot to the state,” Nitish concluded, expressing optimism for continued cooperation in Bihar’s development.
