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Bihar monsoon session begins; Rs 57,946 cr supplementary budget tabled

Bihar Assembly's Monsoon Session Kicks Off with Rs 57,946 Crore Supplementary Budget Tabled Amid Political Tensions

Patna: The monsoon session of the Bihar Legislative Assembly commenced on a bustling note on Monday, with Finance Minister Vijay Kumar Choudhary tabling a supplementary budget worth Rs 57,946 crore. This significant financial proposal aims to address additional expenditures across various sectors, reflecting the state government's priorities in the face of ongoing developmental challenges and economic pressures. The session, expected to run for several days, is already shaping up to be a battleground for political discourse, with the opposition poised to scrutinize the government's fiscal strategies and governance record.

The supplementary budget, formally known as the first supplementary statement of expenditure for the financial year 2024-25, was presented amid the customary pomp of the assembly's proceedings. Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, along with his cabinet colleagues, attended the session, underscoring the importance of this fiscal adjustment. The budget seeks to bolster funding for key areas such as education, health, rural development, and infrastructure, which have been identified as critical for Bihar's growth trajectory. According to the details outlined in the proposal, a substantial portion of the funds—approximately Rs 15,000 crore—has been earmarked for the education sector. This allocation is intended to enhance school infrastructure, teacher training programs, and digital learning initiatives, addressing long-standing issues like high dropout rates and inadequate facilities in rural areas.

Health services, another priority area, are set to receive around Rs 10,000 crore. This infusion is aimed at strengthening primary healthcare centers, expanding vaccination drives, and improving hospital equipment, especially in the wake of recent health crises that have exposed vulnerabilities in Bihar's medical infrastructure. The government has emphasized that these funds will help in achieving universal health coverage goals and reducing maternal and infant mortality rates, which remain higher than the national average in the state.

Infrastructure development forms a core component of the supplementary budget, with allocations exceeding Rs 12,000 crore. This includes investments in road construction, bridge building, and urban renewal projects. Bihar, with its vast rural expanse and flood-prone regions, has long grappled with connectivity issues. The proposed funds are expected to accelerate ongoing projects under schemes like the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana and state-specific initiatives for flood control and irrigation. Finance Minister Choudhary, while presenting the budget, highlighted how these investments would create employment opportunities and stimulate economic activity in underdeveloped districts.

Rural development and agriculture, pivotal to Bihar's economy where a majority of the population depends on farming, have been allocated about Rs 8,000 crore. This includes subsidies for fertilizers, irrigation enhancements, and support for farmer cooperatives. The government claims this will help mitigate the impacts of erratic monsoons and climate change, ensuring food security and boosting agricultural productivity. Additionally, social welfare schemes, including those for women and child development, pensions for the elderly, and support for marginalized communities, have been provisioned with Rs 5,000 crore. These measures are designed to address poverty alleviation and social equity, aligning with the state's broader vision of inclusive growth.

The tabling of the budget was not without its share of drama. Opposition leaders, particularly from the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) led by Tejashwi Yadav, raised immediate concerns about the timing and necessity of such a large supplementary allocation. Yadav, the Leader of the Opposition, accused the ruling Janata Dal (United)-Bharatiya Janata Party (JD(U)-BJP) alliance of fiscal mismanagement, arguing that the supplementary budget indicates poor planning in the original annual budget. "This is nothing but an admission of failure," Yadav remarked during the session, pointing out that the government had already presented a Rs 2.79 lakh crore budget earlier in the year. He demanded a detailed breakdown of expenditures and transparency on how previous funds were utilized, alleging that corruption and inefficiency have plagued implementation.

In response, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar defended the supplementary budget, stating that it was essential to meet unforeseen demands arising from natural calamities, inflationary pressures, and central government directives. Kumar emphasized his administration's track record in development, citing improvements in law and order, electricity supply, and women's empowerment as evidence of effective governance. "Bihar is on the path of progress, and this budget will accelerate our efforts," he asserted, urging the opposition to engage constructively rather than resorting to disruptions.

The session's agenda extends beyond the budget, with several bills slated for discussion and passage. Among them is the Bihar Public Examination (Prevention of Unfair Means) Bill, aimed at curbing malpractices in competitive exams following recent paper leak scandals that have rocked the state. Another key item is the amendment to the Bihar Prohibition and Excise Act, which seeks to refine the implementation of the liquor ban introduced in 2016. Debates on these bills are expected to be heated, given the opposition's criticism of the government's handling of prohibition-related issues, including enforcement lapses and revenue losses.

Political analysts view this monsoon session as a litmus test for the Nitish Kumar-led government, especially with assembly elections looming on the horizon. The JD(U)-BJP coalition, which returned to power after a brief stint with the RJD in 2022, is keen to project stability and progress. However, the opposition, buoyed by recent national election results where the INDIA bloc performed strongly in Bihar, is determined to corner the government on issues like unemployment, migration, and caste-based reservations.

The supplementary budget's implications are far-reaching. Economists note that while the additional spending could spur short-term growth, it also raises concerns about Bihar's fiscal deficit, which stands at around 3% of the Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP). The state relies heavily on central transfers, and any mismatch in revenue generation could strain finances. Proponents argue that targeted investments in human capital and infrastructure will yield long-term dividends, potentially reducing Bihar's dependence on agriculture and fostering industrialization.

As the session progresses, all eyes will be on the debates and potential amendments to the budget. The assembly has scheduled question hours, adjournment motions, and discussions on public grievances, providing a platform for MLAs to voice constituency concerns. With monsoon rains already causing floods in several districts, disaster management is likely to feature prominently, possibly leading to further budgetary adjustments.

In a state where politics is often intertwined with caste dynamics and regional aspirations, this session could influence public perception ahead of future polls. The government's ability to navigate opposition challenges while pushing through its agenda will be crucial. For now, the tabling of the Rs 57,946 crore supplementary budget marks a decisive step in Bihar's fiscal calendar, setting the tone for what promises to be an eventful legislative period.

The session also saw tributes paid to departed leaders and discussions on national issues, reflecting the assembly's role in broader democratic discourse. As proceedings continue, stakeholders from various sectors—farmers, educators, healthcare workers, and business owners—will be watching closely to see how these funds translate into tangible benefits on the ground.

Bihar's journey from being labeled a 'BIMARU' state to aspiring for double-digit growth hinges on such fiscal maneuvers. The supplementary budget, if implemented effectively, could bridge gaps in development, but it will require bipartisan cooperation and vigilant oversight to ensure accountability. As the monsoon session unfolds, it encapsulates the hopes and hurdles of a state striving for transformation amidst perennial challenges. (Word count: 1,028)

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