Patna: Former Union Minister and Patna Sahib MP, Ravi Shankar Prasad, has praised the Union Budget 2025 as a transformative step for Bihar, applauding Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s focus on the state’s development.
In his remarks, Prasad noted the government’s continued attention to Bihar, stating, “Bihar has received many gifts in this budget, building on the foundations laid in previous years. The Prime Minister believes with authenticity that India’s development is not possible without the North-Eastern states, including Bihar, and this resolve is visible.”
Key Announcements for Bihar’s Growth
The budget for 2025-26 has introduced several initiatives aimed at boosting Bihar’s infrastructure, agriculture, and education sectors. Among the prominent announcements are:
- Greenfield Airport Development: Enhancing air connectivity to foster trade, tourism, and employment opportunities.
- Formation of a Makhana Board: Addressing a long-standing demand to support farmers from marginalised communities by improving the production, processing, and marketing of Makhana.
- Expansion of IIT Patna: Strengthening technical education and research in the region.
- Western Koshi Canal Project: Providing irrigation for over 50,000 hectares, benefiting the agricultural community.
- National Institute of Food Technology, Entrepreneurship, and Management: Promoting food processing and skill development in Eastern India.
Relief for the Middle Class and Support for Farmers
Prasad highlighted the budget’s provisions for the middle class, noting the increase in the income tax exemption limit to Rs 12 lakh. Salaried taxpayers, with a standard deduction of Rs 75,000, will see no tax on income up to Rs 12.75 lakh—a significant relief for many families.
The budget also aims to empower Bihar’s farmers through initiatives like:
- Increased Kisan Credit Card limit from Rs 3 lakh to Rs 5 lakh, facilitating easier access to loans for over 7 crore farmers nationwide.
- Pulse and Cotton Mission: Offering financial and technical assistance for cultivating pulses and cotton.
- Pradhan Mantri Dhan-Dhanya Yojana: Targeting 100 districts with low agricultural productivity, benefiting 1.7 crore farmers.
- Promotion of animal husbandry and fisheries to enhance rural employment and double farmers’ income.
- Use of drone technology for improved agricultural monitoring and production.
Education and Skill Development Initiatives
The Union Budget 2025 has made significant allocations for education and skill development, including:
- Establishing Centers of Excellence in Skilling and AI for Education, enhancing opportunities for the youth.
- Constructing 50 new model schools in Bihar, improving access to quality education in rural areas.
Infrastructure and Connectivity Boost
Bihar’s infrastructure is set for a major upgrade with:
- Expansion of the Greenfield Airport in Darbhanga, expected to bolster trade, tourism, and employment.
- Investment of Rs 1.5 lakh crore to enhance road and rail connectivity, fostering economic growth.
- Development of the Muzaffarpur-Samastipur Industrial Corridor, paving the way for new industries and job creation.
- Plans to connect all districts with a highway network, improving intra-state travel.
- Construction of new bridges over the Ganga, enhancing connectivity between North and South Bihar.
A Vision for a Prosperous Bihar
Prasad described the Union Budget 2025 as “progressive, welfare-oriented, and visionary”, aimed at fostering an inclusive and developed India. “This budget lays the groundwork for a strong and prosperous India, incorporating the all-round development of every section, including villages, farmers, women, youth, MSMEs, and startups,” he said.
He extended his “heartfelt gratitude” to Prime Minister Modi for presenting a budget that addresses the aspirations of every Indian, particularly the people of Bihar, setting the state on a path toward economic self-reliance and growth.
