THE JHARKHAND STORY NETWORK
Ranchi, January 15: Finance Minister Radhakrishna Kishore on Thursday said that the Abua Dishom Budget 2026-27 will be a strong, balanced, and public-interest-oriented budget, as it is being presented in Jharkhand’s Silver Jubilee year, marking 25 years of statehood. He said the government is committed to focusing on infrastructure, rural economy, irrigation, green development, tourism, and health while preparing the upcoming budget.
The Finance Minister was speaking at the two-day pre-budget workshop held at Project Bhawan, where suggestions from experts, senior officials, and stakeholders are being collected to shape the state budget.
Two-Day Pre-Budget Workshop Underway
The pre-budget workshop, being held on Thursday and Friday, is chaired by Finance Minister Radhakrishna Kishore and attended by Urban Development and Tourism Minister Sudivya Kumar, Agriculture Minister Shilpi Neha Tirkey, Water Resources Minister Hafizul Hassan, along with departmental secretaries, finance experts, and senior officials.
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On the first day, detailed discussions were held on agriculture and irrigation, forests and environment, rural development and livelihoods, urban development and housing, road construction, industry, mining, tourism, labour, and skill development.
Focus on Infrastructure and Rural Economy
The Finance Minister said that in line with Chief Minister Hemant Soren’s vision, strengthening basic infrastructure and the rural economy will be a key priority. He stressed the need to ensure basic amenities in villages and said the health sector will also receive special attention.
He added that a successful budget depends on consultation, constructive suggestions, and effective implementation, which ensures optimal use of public resources.
Irrigation and Water Conservation Key Areas
Water Resources Minister Hafizul Hassan said irrigation remains a major challenge for Jharkhand and called for serious focus on rainwater harvesting, check dams, restoration of ponds, lift irrigation, and minor irrigation projects to ensure year-round water availability.
Agriculture, Women Farmers and Innovation
Agriculture Minister Shilpi Neha Tirkey noted that 2026 is being observed as the International Year of Women Farmers and said the government is exploring all options to strengthen the rural economy. She highlighted the Millet Mission, renamed ‘Marua Kranti’, under which farmers receive Rs 3,000 per acre, and plans to provide 5 HP solar-powered irrigation pumps.
She also stressed the importance of bank and NGO participation in KCC loans, irrigation projects, and adequate budgetary support for Abua Awas Yojana.
Tourism, Urban Development and Green Growth
Urban Development and Tourism Minister Sudivya Kumar said the budget will focus on promoting tourism to increase employment and strengthen urban infrastructure.
Officials and experts suggested prioritising medium-sized, practical projects, green investments, and livelihood-based development. The Rural Development Department proposed setting up ‘Palash Marts’ in all blocks to promote rural products.
Experts also highlighted that over 30 per cent of Jharkhand’s land is forest area, which offers scope for green and climate-friendly development.
Senior officials, including finance expert Harishwar Dayal, participated in the workshop.
The pre-budget deliberations are expected to help shape a people-oriented, livelihood-driven, and environmentally balanced Abua Dishom Budget 2026-27.
