The Bihar government, under Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, presented the Bihar Budget 2025 on March 3, 2025, with a total outlay of ₹3.17 lakh crore. This marks a 13.6% increase from last year’s allocation of ₹2.79 lakh crore. The budget focuses on infrastructure development, education, healthcare, and women’s welfare, aiming to drive Bihar’s economic growth and improve living standards.
Economic Projections
The state’s Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP) at current prices is projected to grow from ₹5,67,880 crore in 2024-25 to ₹6,35,918 crore in 2025-26, indicating a 12% growth rate. Additionally, the per capita income is expected to reach ₹1,62,870 in the 2024-25 fiscal year, marking a 9.37% increase.
Major Sector-Wise Allocations in Bihar Budget 2025
- Education and Health: The budget allocates record funding to education and health sectors, underscoring the government’s commitment to human development.
- Infrastructure Development:
- Airports: A notable initiative is the plan to develop 15 airports across the state, a significant increase from the current three. This expansion aims to enhance air connectivity and is estimated to cost ₹11,500 lakh. The proposed airports include major developments at Rajgir (Nalanda district), Sultanganj (Bhagalpur), and Raxaul (Forbesganj), along with smaller airports at Bhagalpur, Valmikinagar (West Champaran), Birpur (Supaul), Madhubani, Munger, Saharsa, and Muzaffarpur.
- Roads: The government plans to invest over ₹15,000 crore in rural road development, aiming to improve connectivity and boost economic activities in rural areas.
- Bus Stands: All district bus stands are set to be modernized, with an allocation of ₹2,160 crore for urban local bodies to facilitate this development.
- Women-Centric Schemes: The budget introduces several schemes focused on women’s welfare, aiming to promote gender equality and empower women across the state.
Political Reactions
The budget has elicited mixed reactions. Union Minister Giriraj Singh praised it as a comprehensive plan for the development of all sections, highlighting provisions for sports, education, and medical facilities in every block, as well as increased scholarships for SC/ST children. Conversely, Leader of Opposition Tejashwi Prasad Yadav criticized the budget, labeling it as exaggerated and accusing the government of making false promises, particularly regarding infrastructure projects like stadiums.
