Bihar's 2025-26 Budget Receives Praise for Women Empowerment and Development
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Synopsis
Bihar's Finance Minister presented a Rs 3.16 lakh crore budget for 2025-26, focusing on women's empowerment and economic growth. Political leaders praised the budget, highlighting initiatives like the Pink Bus Service aimed at enhancing women's safety and participation.
Key Takeaways
- Bihar's 2025-26 budget totals Rs 3.16 lakh crore.
- Focus on women's empowerment and social welfare.
- Introduction of the Pink Bus Service for women.
- Positive reactions from various political leaders.
- Maintained fiscal health within the 3% deficit limit.
Patna, March 3 (NationPress) Bihar’s Finance Minister and Deputy Chief Minister, Samrat Choudhary, unveiled an ambitious and inclusive budget of Rs 3.16 lakh crore for the financial year 2025-26 on Monday, earning accolades from leaders across the political spectrum.
The budget emphasizes economic growth, infrastructure, social welfare, and education, aiming to meet the aspirations of the state’s varied populace.
In a conversation with IANS, BJP MLA Haribhushan Thakur expressed optimism regarding the budget’s potential to improve lives, asserting, "This budget is crafted to realize the dreams of impoverished women and youth in rural areas. With an allocation of Rs 13 crore, it directly addresses the desires and needs of Bihar's citizens."
Transport Minister Sheela Kumari Mandal celebrated the budget as a remarkable advancement for women’s empowerment.
"Today is a momentous occasion for women. This budget surpasses what was provided 15 years ago. Women’s welfare, spanning healthcare to empowerment, is prioritized," she stated.
BJP MLA Shreyasi Singh, emphasizing the groundbreaking provisions for women, remarked, "This budget marks a pivotal moment for women in Bihar. With the introduction of the Pink Bus Service, women drivers and conductors will be present on the roads, illustrating the state’s commitment to women’s safety and leadership."
Conversely, Congress MLA Pratima Kumari Das criticized the budget, deeming it 'hollow' and accusing the government of leveraging women’s empowerment initiatives to influence voters prior to elections.
"This is merely a strategy to secure women’s votes," she claimed.
JD-U MLC Neeraj Kumar commended the budget’s inclusive approach, stating, "The enlarged budget signifies a focus on sectors like women’s welfare, education, and agriculture. It is an all-encompassing budget that benefits every segment of society."
The budget allocates Rs 25,262 crore for economic services, Rs 1,000 crore for the Bihar Student Credit Card scheme, and substantial investments in rural development and healthcare. With a fiscal deficit maintained within the mandated 3 percent limit and government revenue forecasted at Rs 2.60 lakh crore, the state’s financial condition remains strong.
In an unprecedented initiative, the Bihar government has announced the launch of a Pink Bus Service, intended to enhance women’s mobility and safety. Featuring female drivers and conductors, the buses will operate in major urban areas, further encouraging women’s involvement in the public domain.
