Jharkhand Budget 2025-26: CM Hemant Soren Praised; Opposition Labels It Uninspiring
Click to start listening
Synopsis
Jharkhand's CM Hemant Soren and ruling party leaders commend the 2025-26 budget for its balance and focus on development. In stark contrast, the Opposition criticizes it as uninspired and lacking direction, calling for a clearer roadmap to address pressing issues like poverty and unemployment.
Key Takeaways
- CM Hemant Soren praises the budget as balanced and inclusive.
- Opposition leaders criticize it as boring and directionless.
- Focus on increased capital expenditure and social sector investment.
- Former CM Babulal Marandi questions the budget's engagement.
- Education Minister highlights the budget's support for students and laborers.
Ranchi, March 3 (NationPress) The Chief Minister of Jharkhand, Hemant Soren, along with leaders from the ruling party, have praised the 2025-26 state budget as "well-balanced", "forward-thinking", and "focused on development". In contrast, the Opposition has characterized it as "dull" and "lacking direction".
During the budget unveiling in the state Assembly on Monday, the government underscored enhanced capital expenditure and a robust emphasis on the social sector.
After the budget presentation, CM Soren stated, “Our government is committed to effective economic management without placing a burden on anyone. There is a noticeable increase in capital expenditure, with allocations of ₹60,000-₹62,000 crore dedicated to the social sector. This budget aims to be inclusive and reach those who have been marginalized.”
Despite being a less developed state, Jharkhand is making commendable financial progress, he noted. Referring to a report, CM Soren declared, “Our state has achieved commendable results at the national level.”
However, former CM and BJP state President Babulal Marandi mocked the budget, stating, “It was so dull that even the Finance Minister did not read it in its entirety. We endured the session, but he seemed uninterested and concluded his speech with a poem in a heavy tone.”
Marandi criticized the budget for its absence of a clear strategy to address poverty and unemployment.
Former CM and BJP MLA Champai Soren echoed similar views, labeling it as lacking direction. “It does not represent the interests of tribals and indigenous communities. There is no visionary plan for the reasons Jharkhand was established. This budget misleads all sections of society,” he remarked.
Minister Sudivya Kumar Sonu defended the budget by asserting that key financial goals would be attained in the upcoming year. “We have fostered a more favorable financial atmosphere. Over the past five years, we have secured the lowest borrowing,” he added.
Education Minister Ramdas Soren assured that the budget addresses the needs of students, laborers, and the disadvantaged.
JD(U) MLA Saryu Rai accused the government of exaggerating figures to give the impression of a larger budget. “Upon closer examination, it becomes evident that despite substantial allocations, actual expenditures are significantly lower,” he stated.
BJP MLA Neera Yadav dismissed the budget as uninspiring, claiming it was filled with empty promises. “The government is blaming the Centre to mask its shortcomings. In the previous budget, they pledged 19 model degree colleges, yet not a single one has been constructed,” she said.
Earlier on Monday, the Jharkhand government presented a budget of ₹1.45 lakh crore for the financial year 2025-26 in the state Assembly. During his budget address, Finance Minister Radha Krishna Kishore reiterated the state's assertion that the Centre owes Jharkhand ₹1.36 lakh crore.
He emphasized that Chief Minister Hemant Soren has consistently demanded the outstanding dues from the Centre. "If the state’s rightful funds are not received, we will pursue legal action," Kishore declared.
