Business

After ‘Special Status’ Rejection, Centre Announces Major Infrastructure Boost for Bihar in Union Budget 2024

During the presentation of the Union Budget 2024 on Tuesday, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman declared that the central government will work with multilateral development agencies to organize financial support for Bihar. In Bihar, the finance minister stated, “The government proposes ₹26,000 crore for various road projects.”

In Bihar, the Center would establish sports facilities, medical schools, and airports, Nirmala Sitharaman continued. She went on, “We will create Plan Purvodaya for the comprehensive development of West Bengal, Odisha, Bihar, Jharkhand, and Andhra Pradesh.”

Nirmala Sitharaman went on to say that the government would encourage the construction of an industrial corridor in the eastern region. The finance minister added that e-vouchers with an interest waiver of 3% of the loan amount would be sent directly to one lakh students annually by the government.

The statement was made one day after the Centre on Monday turned down the JD(U)’s proposal during the all-party meeting for Bihar to be placed in a “special category.” Since the Indian Constitution does not permit such classification, no new states are currently being granted “special category” status.

Also Read: Budget 2024: List of Cheaper and Costlier Items Expected in Nirmala Sitharaman’s Speech

Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leader Manoj Kumar Jha stated on Sunday that Bihar was asking for both special state status and a unique financial package. He said that ever since the state was divided into Bihar and Jharkhand, there has been a persistent demand for Bihar to be granted special status.