The Aryavarth Express Patna (Bihar): Bihar Minister Dilip Jaiswal on Monday praised the Union Budget 2026-27, saying it charts a roadmap for a self-reliant India through the “Vocal for Local” initiative and focuses on generating employment.
Jaiswal highlighted several key provisions benefiting Bihar, including the approval of a high-speed rail project, an increase in seats at premier institutions such as IITs and IIMs, and a reduction in prices of life-saving medicines.
“The Opposition has failed to grasp the seriousness of the Budget. It outlines a self-reliant India through Vocal for Local, aiming to create employment in every home. Seats in IITs and IIMs are being increased. Life-saving medicines are now more affordable, and a high-speed rail project in Bihar has been approved,” he said.
Janata Dal (United) MP Sanjay Jha also termed the Budget progressive, urging the Opposition to reflect on its past performance. “This is a forward-looking budget. The Opposition should speak about what they have done till now,” Jha told.
Earlier, Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar lauded the Budget, noting its potential to benefit the state. “This budget is presented with the vision of a developed India. The Varanasi-Siliguri high-speed rail corridor will bring significant advantages to Bihar. The creation of 20 new national waterways will enhance shipping, ship repair facilities in Patna and Varanasi, and boost trade and commerce across the state,” he said.
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman presented the Union Budget 2026-27 in Lok Sabha on Sunday, her ninth consecutive Budget. Key highlights include a rise in public capital expenditure to ₹12.2 lakh crore for FY 2026-27, seven high-speed rail corridors, new dedicated freight corridors, and operationalisation of 20 national waterways over the next five years to promote sustainable transport.
The Budget also introduced tax reforms, including the implementation of the New Income Tax Act, 2025 from April 2026, with simplified compliance procedures, and reduced Tax Collected at Source (TCS) rates for overseas tours, education, and medical expenses under the Liberalised Remittance Scheme.
