NEW DELHI: For second year in a row, there were cheers for Bihar in the Union Budget as finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced several sops for the state where assembly polls are due towards the end of this year. The Centre’s focus on Bihar was evident right from the word go as Sitharaman donned a Madhubani saree to present the Budget.
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Makhana Board in Bihar
Sitharaman announced the setting up of Makhana Board in the state.Bihar has a place of pride in the production of superfood Makhana accounting for nearly 80% of country’s output. With assembly elections due in Bihar towards the year-end, the announcement will help the farmers of Bihar.
Also Read: With eyes on Bihar polls, Nirmala Sitharaman presents Budget in Madhubani saree
Greenfield airports in Bihar
The Budget outlined Centre’s plan to facilitate four greenfield airports in the state to meet its future needs. These will be in addition to the present airport in Patna.
National institute food technology entrepreneurship and management
The Union finance minister also announced the setting up of National Institute Food Technology Entrepreneurship and Management in the state.
IIT Patna
The Centre also announced to expand infrastructure and hostel facilities in IIT Patna. Indian Institute of Technology Patna was established in August 2008 by an act of Parliament. The government has declared it an Institute of National Importance.
Also Read: Union Budget 2024 unveils Rs 58.9k-crore growth package for Bihar
Support for Western Kosi Canal
The Union Budget announced financial support for western Kosi canal, benefiting 50,000 hectare in Mithilanchal region of Bihar.
Poll-bound Bihar gets second Budget booster shot
This is the second time in a row that Centre has showered sops to Bihar. Union Budget 2024 had also given a major boost to Bihar after Nitish Kumar provided valuable support in the formation of Modi 3.0 government. Last year a slew of development projects worth around Rs 58,900 crore was announced in the Union Budget. It included road projects worth Rs 26,000 crore, a 2400MW power plant worth Rs 21,400 crore and flood management projects worth Rs 11,500 crore.
With Modi 3.0 still dependent on Nitish Kumar’s support, focus on Bihar in Union Budget 2025 was a given.
Watch full speech of FM Sitharaman’s Budget speech
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