Bihar’s CM Nitish Kumar expressed his appreciation for the Union Budget on Saturday, noting its potential to enhance the state’s development. The JD(U) leader acknowledged the budget’s provisions for Bihar, including the establishment of a Makhana board and greenfield airports, as significant steps addressing the state’s requirements ahead of upcoming assembly elections.
“The budget is progressive (pragatisheel) and futuristic (bhavishyonmukhi).It will help accelerate the state’s growth… I thank Prime Minister Narendra Modi and finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman,” he stated in his official response.
Kumar highlighted that the Makhana board’s establishment would strengthen the foxnut cultivation sector, an area where Bihar holds global recognition.
Speaking about infrastructure development, Kumar noted that the planned greenfield airports would strengthen the state’s aviation connectivity, potentially increasing international flight operations. Providing the facility of greenfield airports in Bihar to meet the future needs of the state will increase the number of international flights, which will greatly benefit the people here and will also accelerate the economic development of the state,” he said.
Additionally, Nitish pointed out that expanding IIT-Patna’s capacity would strengthen technical education in the state. He also welcomed the revised income tax structure, stating it would benefit middle-class citizens.
The Union Budget 2025 brought significant benefits for Bihar. Finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman, wearing a Madhubani saree, announced major projects across agriculture, infrastructure, education, and aviation.
A Makhana Board will be set up to boost production, processing, and marketing of makhana, benefiting Bihar’s farmers. Additionally, four new greenfield airports will be developed alongside the expansion of Patna airport and a brownfield airport at Bihta to enhance connectivity.
The budget also includes a National Institute of Food Technology Entrepreneurship and Management to drive food processing and create employment opportunities. **IIT Patna** will see infrastructure and hostel expansion, reinforcing Bihar’s growing education sector.
To support irrigation, financial aid has been allocated for the Western Kosi Canal ERM Project, benefiting 50,000 hectares of farmland in the Mithilanchal region. This follows the Rs58,900 crore allocation in Budget 2024, which included roads, power projects, and flood management.
This comes ahead of the the Bihar elections due this year with Modi 3.0 relying on Nitish Kumar’s support.
