The Aryavarth Express
Agency (Patna): Bihar Deputy Chief Minister and Finance Minister Samrat Choudhary presented the state budget for the first time in his capacity as Finance Minister, amidst tumultuous scenes in the Bihar Assembly. Opposition lawmakers created a ruckus during the budget speech, throwing chairs and smashing the reporting table, leading to significant disruptions.
Despite the chaotic atmosphere, with RJD, Left, and Congress MLAs continuously raising slogans, Choudhary unveiled a Rs 2,78,425 crore budget with special emphasis on education and employment. Deputy Speaker Maheshwar Hazari attempted to restore order by asking the opposition legislators to calm down, assuring them ample opportunity to speak. However, the opposition leaders eventually staged a walkout from the Assembly.
Choudhary, who has served as a cabinet minister several times in the past, expressed pride in presenting the budget as Finance Minister. He highlighted Bihar’s impressive growth rate of 10.4 percent, the highest in the country, and mentioned the significant reduction in poverty, with around 2 crore people rising above the poverty line in the state.
Key allocations in the budget include Rs 700 crore for the student credit card policy, Rs 540 crore for the ‘Saat Nischay’ part 2 initiative, and Rs 46,729 crore for transportation and communication. Choudhary also noted the implementation of a fourth agricultural road map and enhanced reservation policies in the state.
Additionally, Choudhary mentioned that 94 lakh families in Bihar have been identified as economically weak. The state government has decided to offer subsidies to investors in the tourism sector and aims to attract more industries to the state, promoting economic growth and development.