Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman presented the Budget for the financial year 2025-26 in the Lok Sabha on February 1, 2024. This budget includes several significant announcements for Bihar, made at a time when the state is gearing up for Assembly elections later this year. The Finance Minister announced various schemes aimed at boosting Bihar’s development and increasing farmers’ income. Let’s take a detailed look at what’s special for Bihar in this budget.
Nirmala Sitharaman Saree Also Puts Bihar in the Spotlight
When Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman arrived in the Lok Sabha to present the budget on February 1, her attire grabbed a lot of attention. She wore a cream-colored saree featuring Madhubani paintings with a golden border. This saree was inspired by Bihar’s famous Madhubani art and was gifted to her by Padma Shri awardee Dulari Devi. Earlier, during a credit outreach program in Madhubani two months ago, Dulari Devi had presented the saree to the Nirmala Sitharaman Finance Minister. Her choice of wearing this saree while presenting the budget has been linked to the upcoming Bihar elections.
What’s Special for Bihar in the Budget?
1. Establishment of National Institute of Food Technology
The central government Nirmala Sitharaman announced the establishment of a National Institute of Food Technology in Bihar. This institute will promote food processing in eastern India and create new employment opportunities. This move could prove to be a significant boon for Bihar’s farmers and the food processing industry.
2. Setting Up of Makhana Board
To boost makhana (fox nut) production in Bihar, the central government announced the establishment of a Makhana Board. The primary objective of this board will be to improve makhana production and marketing. It will provide training to makhana farmers and organize them into FPOs (Farmers Producer Organizations). This will increase farmers’ income and promote makhana production.
3. Expansion of IIT Patna
The central government also announced the expansion of IIT Patna, including improvements to hostels and other infrastructure. Additionally, the Finance Minister stated that 6,500 seats will be added to the five IITs established after 2014. This will provide students with better education and facilities.
4. Construction of New Greenfield Airports
The government announced the construction of new Greenfield airports in Bihar, keeping in mind the state’s future needs. Furthermore, the Patna Airport will be expanded, and a Brownfield airport will be developed in Behta. This will improve connectivity in Bihar and boost tourism.
5. Financial Assistance for Western Kosi Canal Project
The Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced financial assistance for the Western Kosi Canal Project in the Mithilanchal region. This project will benefit farmers cultivating in 50,000 hectares of land in the Mithilanchal area. It will improve irrigation facilities and increase farmers’ income.
Conclusion
The central government’s budget includes several major announcements for Bihar. These announcements are expected to benefit Bihar’s farmers, students, and industries significantly. At the same time, these schemes could give a new impetus to the state’s development. Now, it remains to be seen how much the people of Bihar benefit from these announcements and whether they are part of an electoral strategy.