The Nitish Kumar-led Bihar government presented its Rs 3.17 lakh-crore budget for the fiscal year 2025-26 on Monday, placing a strong emphasis on women’s empowerment, infrastructure, farmer support, and student welfare. The budget, which is Rs 38,169 crore higher than the previous fiscal year, was presented by Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary, who credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ‘margdarshan’ and the Chief Minister’s ‘netritva’ for the state’s development-focused financial plan.
Key Highlights of Bihar Budget 2025-26
Empowering Women: Special Schemes and Infrastructure
The Bihar government has rolled out several initiatives aimed at improving the lives of women across the state. Some of the key announcements include:
‘Kanya Vivah Mandaps’: These will be established in every panchayat to assist with marriage ceremonies for girls from economically weaker sections.
‘Mahila Haat’ in Patna: A dedicated marketplace exclusively for women entrepreneurs.
Pink Buses and Pink Toilets: Exclusive transport and sanitation facilities for women. Twenty pink toilets will be constructed in the first phase.
33% Job Reservation: Women will be given a 33% reservation in the Bihar State Road Transport Corporation.
E-Rickshaw Subsidy: Special incentives for women purchasing e-rickshaws.
Working Women’s Hostels: To be built in major cities to provide safe accommodation.
‘Gym-on-Wheels’ Initiative: To be launched in Patna with female trainers for women’s health and fitness.
Massive Boost to Education and Student Welfare
Education remains the top priority, with an allocation of Rs 60,964 crore, the highest in the budget.
The scholarship amount for students from Class 1 to 10 will be doubled from Rs 1,000 to Rs 2,000 per month.
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The government aims to establish at least one degree college in all 534 blocks of the state to improve higher education accessibility.
Healthcare and Law & Order Strengthened
Healthcare sector receives Rs 20,335 crore, with major investments in hospitals and medical infrastructure.
The Home Department has been allocated Rs 17,831 crore to enhance law and order across Bihar.
A dedicated cancer hospital in Begusarai has been proposed to provide specialized treatment to patients in the region.
Infrastructure Development: Greenfield Airports and Public Transport Expansion
Two new greenfield airports will be developed in Sultanganj (Bhagalpur) and Raxaul (East Champaran).
The much-anticipated Purnea Airport will be operational within three months, boosting connectivity in the region.
Farmer Support Initiatives
The government, in collaboration with NEFED and the National Cooperative Consumer Federation (NCCF), will work to fix a minimum support price (MSP) for pulses.
Rs 13,368.47 crore has been allocated for the welfare of SC/ST, OBC, minorities, and most backward classes.
Political and Economic Context
With the Bihar Assembly elections approaching, this budget is expected to shape the state’s political discourse. The government’s focus on women’s welfare, education, and infrastructure projects highlights its development agenda. The budget also aligns with the central government’s vision for economic growth and social welfare, ensuring Bihar continues on a path of progress.
As the fiscal year unfolds, all eyes will be on the implementation of these schemes and their impact on the lives of Bihar’s residents.
