Nirmala Sitharaman announced 7 major projects for Bihar to boost infrastructure.

Patna February 1, 2025: Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman presented the General Budget 2025 in the Lok Sabha on Saturday, making seven key announcements for Bihar.

These measures are widely seen as an effort by the central government to strengthen its position in the state ahead of the upcoming Bihar assembly elections.

To bolster Chief Minister Nitish Kumar’s projects in the elections, the government has announced several development initiatives covering different regions of Bihar including Magadh, Mithila, and Seemanchal.

Nirmala Sitharaman announced Makana board and food processing institute:

Nirmala Sitharaman has announced the formation of the Makhana and marketing of Makhana (Fox nuts), a significant crop in Bihar.

She also announced the expansion of IIT Patna by enhancing the infrastructure and academic programs of the premier institute to foster higher education and research.

She also announced the establishment of the National Food Technology Institute in Bihar. It will be dedicated to food technology, aiming to boost the food processing industry and create employment opportunities.

A separate budget has been allocated for the development of the Western Kosi Canal, which is expected to improve irrigation facilities and benefit the agricultural sector.

Nirmala Sitharaman also mentioned plans to upgrade Bihta airport to enhance regional connectivity and support economic growth.

Apart from that, Nirmala Sitharaman also pointed out the expansion of Patna Airport to handle increased passenger traffic and improve infrastructure and the construction of three new Greenfield airports in Bihar to improve air connectivity and support regional development.

It’s noteworthy that Bihar has long-standing demands for special state status, a topic that has been a point of contention among political parties. The opposition has criticized the government for not addressing this issue in the budget.

Nirmala Sitharaman had announced over Rs 60 thousand crore for Bihar in 2024:

In the previous year’s budget, presented in July 2024, the government allocated significant funds for infrastructure projects in allied states, including Bihar.

This included over Rs. 60 thousand crore for infrastructure projects in Bihar, aiming to strengthen the coalition and promote regional development.

These announcements are being viewed in the political context of the upcoming Bihar assembly elections.

The opposition has long demanded special state status for Bihar, arguing that it would accelerate the state’s economic growth. Critics point out that Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, who once vocally supported this demand while in the opposition, has remained silent on the issue since aligning with the ruling government.

With these new budgetary provisions, the central government appears to be making a strategic move to boost development in Bihar while also addressing electoral considerations.

Also Read: Central government proposal of 3 E-ways that boost 21 districts.

EOM.