Patna, March 3 (NationPress) Bihar's Deputy Chief Minister and Finance Minister Samrat Choudhary on Monday unveiled a budget amounting to ₹3.16 lakh crore for the fiscal year 2025-26 in the Legislative Assembly.

The budget emphasizes economic growth, infrastructure, welfare programs, and education, with considerable funding directed towards rural development, healthcare, and women's empowerment.

Choudhary mentioned that this budget is ₹38,000 crore more than last year's allocation. He highlighted that the fiscal deficit is maintained below the mandated 3 percent cap, while projected government revenue is set at ₹2.60 lakh crore — an increase of ₹34,000 crore compared to the previous year.

Significant allocations include ₹25,262 crore for economic services and ₹1,000 crore for the Bihar Student Credit Card scheme.

The state will also settle ₹2,819 crore in loans this year, with the Centre covering ₹1,600 crore.

A Pink Bus Service will be introduced in major urban areas, dedicated to women, operated by female drivers and conductors.

A Mahila Hut will be established in Patna to aid women entrepreneurs. Additionally, scholarships for SC/ST and backward students will see a twofold increase.

A new Cancer Hospital is to be constructed in Begusarai, which reports the highest count of cancer patients in Bihar.

New degree colleges will be set up in every block, along with hostels for working women and dental colleges under the PPP (Public-Private Partnership) initiative.

The government has set the Minimum Support Price (MSP) for Tur, Moong, and Urad dal. ₹4,012 crore has been earmarked for Panchayati Raj institutions, and ₹2,160 crore for municipal bodies to promote balanced growth in rural and urban areas.

Flights from Purnea Airport are set to commence within three months, according to the Finance Minister.

Before delivering the budget, Choudhary performed a religious ceremony at the Devsthal (prayer space) at his residence.

With assembly elections on the horizon, this pre-election budget appears designed to enhance Nitish Kumar's governance image and demonstrate Bihar’s collaboration with the Centre under PM Narendra Modi. The focus on women, farmers, youth, and infrastructure indicates a strategy to attract a diverse voter base.

Following the budget presentation, CM Nitish Kumar showed visible approval, applauding Choudhary and giving him a pat on the back. Members of the ruling party were seen cheering in the House after the budget announcements.