Patna

Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Tuesday described the state Budget for 2026–27 as “inclusive and growth-oriented”, asserting that it was rooted in the principle of development with justice and aimed at taking Bihar towards faster economic growth.

State Finance Minister Bijendra Prasad Yadav earlier presented a Rs 3.47 lakh crore budget in the legislature, projecting an estimated growth rate of 14.9 per cent for the current fiscal.

In a post on X, Kumar said the budget was aligned with the government’s vision of a developed Bihar.

“The budget for the financial year 2026–27 is committed to fulfilling the resolve of a developed Bihar. Based on the principle of development with justice, it takes care of all sectors and all sections of society, including farmers, entrepreneurs, youth and women. It is comprehensive, inclusive and growth-oriented,” he wrote.

The budget size of Rs 3.47 lakh crore marks an increase of over Rs 30,000 crore compared to the previous year.

Kumar said the budget would help achieve the goals under the government’s Saat Nishchay–3 (Seven Resolves) programme, including its target of providing jobs and employment to one crore youth by 2030.

“Work has already begun to provide jobs and employment to youth through proper management of the state’s financial resources,” the chief minister said.

He said special emphasis had been placed on women’s empowerment and industrial growth. Under the Chief Minister Women Employment Scheme, a provision has been made to provide financial assistance of Rs 2 lakh for employment to one woman from every household.

“Industries are being promoted in the state. This budget will fulfil the objectives of providing opportunities to every family, skill development for every youth, and empowerment of women,” Kumar said.

The chief minister added that the budget would play a key role in accelerating Bihar’s economic growth.

“With proper management of the state government’s own fiscal resources, Bihar’s development will further accelerate. The central government is also providing full support. In the coming years, Bihar will be counted among the most developed states of the country,” he said.

Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary echoed Kumar’s views, saying the budget fulfilled the hopes and aspirations of the people and presented a clear roadmap for a developed Bihar.

“The budget has been prepared keeping in mind the interests of 14 crore people of Bihar. It reflects the NDA government’s unwavering commitment to social justice, economic progress and inclusive development,” he said.

Bihar BJP president Sanjay Saraogi said the budget would strengthen the state’s basic infrastructure and take development forward.

“It focuses on every section of society, including students, farmers, entrepreneurs, youth and women. The size of the budget itself shows that Bihar is moving rapidly towards development,” he said.

However, the opposition RJD criticised the budget. Senior RJD leader Bhai Virendra alleged that the NDA government had merely repackaged old schemes introduced during the Mahagathbandhan regime.

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“There is nothing new in the budget for the people of the state. It ignores key issues such as inflation, unemployment and social security,” he said.