Union Budget 2025: Major Development Schemes Announced for Bihar Ahead of Elections
The Union Budget 2025, presented by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Saturday, has made significant allocations for Bihar, focusing on infrastructure development, job creation, and agriculture. These announcements, which come ahead of Bihar’s upcoming assembly elections, have sparked a mix of reactions, with political leaders from all sides commenting on the timing and potential impact of the proposed projects.
Key Announcements for Bihar in the 2025 Union Budget
Bihar, one of India’s most populous states, has long struggled with issues related to infrastructure, irrigation, and agricultural productivity. The Union Budget addresses several of these concerns, with over ₹60,000 crore allocated to various initiatives aimed at bolstering the state’s growth.
Finance Minister Sitharaman, presenting the budget draped in a Madhubani sari designed by Padma Awardee Dulari Devi, announced a slew of development schemes for Bihar. These include new airport projects, expansion of IIT-Patna, a makhana (foxnuts) board, support for a canal extension project, and plans to enhance food processing technologies. In addition, the government’s commitment to developing key Buddhist sites for tourism is also expected to benefit Bihar, home to several important Buddhist heritage locations.
Makhana Board and Canal Extension Project
One of the major highlights of the budget is the establishment of a makhana board, which will focus on improving the production, processing, and marketing of foxnuts, a significant crop for Bihar’s farmers. The board will also work towards enhancing the value addition of makhana, ensuring that farmers are well-equipped to take advantage of government schemes aimed at improving their livelihoods.
In addition, Sitharaman announced financial support for the Western Koshi Canal ERM Project. This project will benefit farmers in the Mithilanchal region, enabling better irrigation for over 50,000 hectares of land. The support for irrigation and water management is expected to significantly boost agricultural productivity, particularly in a state heavily reliant on farming.
Infrastructure Boost: Airports and IIT-Patna Expansion
To further Bihar’s development, the budget also included plans for new Greenfield airports in the state, along with the upgradation of existing airports in Patna and Bihta. With Patna Airport facing operational challenges due to increasing footfall, the construction of new airports is expected to improve air connectivity, facilitating economic growth and job creation.
Moreover, the budget allocates funds for expanding infrastructure at IIT-Patna, including hostel facilities, to cater to the growing number of students. This expansion will also include the establishment of the National Institute of Food Technology, Entrepreneurship, and Management (NIFTEM) in Bihar, which will help farmers increase their income through value addition to their produce and provide skill development and entrepreneurial opportunities to the youth.
Political Reactions: Government vs. Opposition
Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar hailed the budget, calling it “progressive and futuristic” while emphasizing that the initiatives would help accelerate the state’s growth. Kumar’s Janata Dal (United) (JD(U)) party is a key partner in the ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA) and is preparing for the state elections later this year. Kumar’s government has been in power for nearly two decades, and he hopes to secure a fifth consecutive term.
BJP leaders also supported the budget’s focus on Bihar, with BJP MP Vivek Thakur from Nawada emphasizing that the comprehensive coverage of the state marked a significant shift in the national approach to Bihar’s development. Thakur pointed out that during the Congress-led United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government, Bihar received minimal attention, citing the announcement of a new train as one of the few major initiatives for the state.
A senior BJP leader reiterated that the party’s commitment to Bihar’s development transcended electoral politics, stating that the announcements were part of a long-term vision for the state. However, opposition parties have been quick to criticize the budget, alleging that it is nothing more than an electoral gimmick.
Opposition Criticisms and Election Allegations
Congress’s Jairam Ramesh was one of the loudest critics, accusing the government of making these announcements with an eye on the upcoming elections. He argued that Bihar’s development had been neglected for years, pointing to the lack of attention given to other states, such as Andhra Pradesh, which is also a key NDA ally.
Tejashwi Yadav, Leader of the Opposition and leader of the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), dismissed the budget as “jumlabaazi” (empty rhetoric), claiming that the announcements were merely a repackaging of old promises designed to boost the ruling alliance’s electoral prospects.
Political analysts like DM Diwakar, former director of AN Sinha Institute of Social Studies, pointed out that these announcements, although well-intentioned, were closely tied to the elections. He argued that the government’s effort to appeal to regional sentiments could be seen as an attempt to counter the growing popularity of Tejashwi Yadav’s Mithilanchal state proposal.
Conclusion: A Pivotal Moment for Bihar
The 2025 Union Budget presents a significant moment for Bihar, offering a potential path toward accelerated economic growth. While the timing of the announcements has sparked political controversy, the long-term impact of the proposed projects—particularly in agriculture, infrastructure, and education—could lay the foundation for the state’s future development. Whether these initiatives will lead to lasting change or merely serve as election fodder remains to be seen, but for now, Bihar’s residents are hopeful that the government’s promises will result in tangible benefits for the state’s economy and quality of life.