The Bihar Assembly Budget Session commenced on February 28, 2025, with Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar addressing both houses of the legislature. In his speech, Bihar Assembly Budget the Governor praised Chief Minister Nitish Kumar’s governance, highlighting the state’s progress in infrastructure, education, healthcare, law and order, and economic development.
The session is expected to be highly significant, as Finance Minister Vijay Kumar Choudhary will present the state budget for 2025-26, focusing on development, employment generation, and welfare schemes. The opposition, led by the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) and Congress, Bihar Assembly Budget is also expected to raise concerns on unemployment, inflation, and governance issues.
This article explores the key highlights of the Governor’s address, major expectations from the budget, political reactions, and challenges Bihar faces in the coming year.
Governor’s Address: Praise for Nitish Kumar’s Leadership
Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar, in his address to the Bihar Legislative Assembly and Legislative Council, commended Chief Minister Nitish Kumar for his leadership and governance. He emphasized Bihar’s steady progress in multiple sectors, Bihar Assembly Budget particularly in law and order, infrastructure, education, and social welfare.
Key Highlights of the Governor’s Address
1. Economic Growth and Development
- Bihar has achieved a consistent growth rate over the past few years, Bihar Assembly Budget despite challenges such as the COVID-19 pandemic and economic slowdown.
- The state government’s focus on industrialization, agriculture, Bihar Assembly Budget and infrastructure has led to higher GDP growth rates.
2. Law and Order Improvements
- The Governor highlighted Bihar’s success in maintaining law and order, attributing it to efficient policing, quick justice delivery, and crime control measures.
- Crime rates, especially organized crime and communal violence, have declined significantly.
- The prohibition policy has also contributed to reducing alcohol-related crimes.
3. Infrastructure Development
- Bihar has witnessed major improvements in road networks, bridges, and rural connectivity.
- The Ganga Expressway and Patna Metro project are expected to boost transportation and ease traffic congestion in the capital.
- Several new highways, flyovers, and railway projects are in progress to improve connectivity across the state.
4. Focus on Education and Skill Development
- The Nitish Kumar government’s focus on education has led to an increase in school enrollment rates and improved literacy levels.
- The government has introduced new scholarship schemes, Bihar Assembly Budget smart classrooms, and vocational training programs.
- The Mukhyamantri Balika Cycle Yojana and free education programs have helped reduce dropout rates among girls and students from weaker sections.
5. Agriculture and Rural Development
- The Jal-Jeevan-Hariyali Mission has led to improved water conservation, afforestation, and irrigation facilities for farmers.
- Bihar’s organic farming initiatives and improved procurement system have benefited thousands of farmers.
- New agriculture technology centers have been set up to support modern farming methods.
6. Welfare Schemes for Marginalized Communities
- The government has expanded social security schemes, Bihar Assembly Budget including pensions for elderly citizens, free healthcare for the poor, and financial aid for women entrepreneurs.
- The Bihar Start-up Policy has encouraged young entrepreneurs to set up businesses.
Budget 2025-26: Expectations and Key Focus Areas
Finance Minister Vijay Kumar Choudhary will present the Bihar Budget 2025-26, which is expected to focus on:
1. Employment Generation and Youth Welfare
- Given the high unemployment rate, Bihar Assembly Budget the government is likely to announce:
- Skill development programs to make youth job-ready.
- New industrial zones to attract private investments and create jobs.
- Expansion of the Bihar Rozgar Mission, which provides employment opportunities to the youth.
2. Healthcare Sector Strengthening
- More funds for government hospitals and rural healthcare centers.
- Expansion of Ayushman Bharat and state healthcare schemes.
- Free health check-ups and insurance coverage for low-income families.
3. Infrastructure and Urban Development
- Completion of Patna Metro, new railway stations, and smart city projects.
- Expansion of rural electrification and drinking water projects under the Har Ghar Nal Ka Jal Yojana.
- Development of new industrial corridors to boost manufacturing and exports.
4. Women Empowerment and Social Welfare
- More financial aid for self-help groups (SHGs).
- Expansion of women’s entrepreneurship programs.
- Additional support for widows, single mothers, and working women.
Political Reactions to the Governor’s Address
As expected, the Governor’s praise for Nitish Kumar’s governance received mixed reactions from different political parties.
1. NDA (BJP-JD(U)) Welcomes the Address
- BJP and JD(U) leaders hailed the Governor’s speech, stating that it reflects Bihar’s development-oriented governance.
- BJP State President Samrat Choudhary said, “Nitish Kumar’s leadership has transformed Bihar into a developing state, with better infrastructure, security, and education.”
- JD(U) leaders claimed that Bihar’s pro-poor policies have improved people’s lives significantly.
2. RJD and Congress Criticize the Government
- RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav countered the Governor’s claims, stating:
- “Unemployment is at an all-time high, and lakhs of youth are migrating for jobs. The government is only making announcements but not delivering results.”
- Congress also criticized Bihar’s handling of inflation and rising poverty, arguing that more direct financial support should be provided to struggling families.
3. Left Parties and Other Regional Leaders
- Left parties accused the government of failing to provide stable jobs to contract workers.
- AIMIM leaders demanded more investment in minority education and healthcare.
Challenges Bihar Still Faces
Despite the government’s efforts, Bihar still faces significant challenges:
1. High Unemployment Rate
- Bihar continues to have one of the highest unemployment rates in India.
- Migration of youth to other states for jobs remains a serious issue.
2. Slow Industrialization
- Bihar still lacks major industries and private sector investments.
- Poor ease of doing business rankings discourage investors.
3. Agricultural Distress
- Farmers face issues like low procurement prices, floods, and droughts.
- Lack of cold storage facilities and modern farming infrastructure remains a problem.
4. Crime and Corruption
- Though law and order have improved, cases of corruption and political interference continue to surface.
- Land mafia and illegal sand mining issues still exist.
5. Education System Issues
- Government schools still lack basic facilities, Bihar Assembly Budget and teacher absenteeism is a concern.
- Bihar’s higher education system needs major reforms to attract students to local colleges and universities.
Conclusion: A Crucial Year for Bihar’s Development
The Bihar Assembly Budget Session 2025 marks an important phase in the state’s political and economic journey. While the Governor’s praise for Nitish Kumar highlights Bihar’s progress, the opposition’s concerns about unemployment and governance issues cannot be ignored.
The 2025-26 Budget will be closely watched to see whether the government effectively addresses employment, education, healthcare, Bihar Assembly Budget and infrastructure development. If the Nitish Kumar administration successfully delivers on its promises, Bihar could witness significant economic growth and social transformation in the coming years. ALSO READ:- New Zealand: From ‘Perennial Dark Horses’ to ‘Unshakable Contenders’ 2025