THE JHARKHAND STORY NETWORK
Ranchi, March 3: The Jharkhand government today unveiled its ₹1,45,400 crore annual budget for the financial year 2025-26, emphasizing women empowerment, rural development, education, healthcare, and employment generation.
Finance Minister Radhakrishna Kishore presented the budget in the state assembly, outlining major allocations for welfare schemes, infrastructure, and economic growth.
A key highlight of the budget is the ₹13,363.35 crore allocation for the Mukhyamantri Maiyaan Samman Yojana, which aims to strengthen women’s economic and social empowerment.
Under this initiative, women will receive ₹2,500 per month to promote economic self-reliance, education, and health awareness.
The Finance Minister stated: “To build a strong and capable society, our government is committed to empowering women financially, socially, and mentally. This scheme will provide direct financial support, ensuring their independence and development.”
Boost for Farmers: Loan Waivers, Irrigation, and Agricultural Machinery
The government has placed a strong emphasis on farmers’ welfare, aiming to reduce debt burdens, improve irrigation, and modernize agriculture.
Key Allocations for Agriculture:
- ₹500 crore subsidy scheme for farmers.
- ₹3,200 crore for expanding irrigation facilities in rural areas.
- ₹203.40 crore under the Jal Nidhi Scheme for deepening ponds and improving irrigation.
- ₹140 crore to distribute modern farming equipment to 8,400 beneficiaries.
- ₹255 crore allocated for 79,000 beneficiaries in the animal husbandry sector.
- 38.01 lakh metric tonnes of milk production proposed to boost daily per capita availability.
The finance minister emphasized that these measures will increase farmers’ incomes, curb migration, and promote self-sufficiency in food production.
Education Sector: ₹15,198 crore to Strengthen Schools
A significant fund has been earmarked to enhance government school infrastructure, promote digital education, and establish new universities.
Education Highlights:
- Expansion of government school infrastructure.
- Free educational materials for students.
- New universities and technical institutes to be established.
The government also plans to introduce skill development programs to bridge the gap between education and employment opportunities.
Healthcare Transformation: ₹7,,470 Crore for Hospitals and Medical Colleges
In a bid to improve healthcare access and quality, the government has allocated ₹4,000 crore to modernize district hospitals and establish new medical colleges.
Major Health Announcements:
- Expansion of Ayushman Bharat Yojana to cover more beneficiaries.
- Establishment of new super-specialty hospitals across the state.
- Strengthening primary healthcare centers in rural areas.
These initiatives aim to ensure better healthcare services, reduce dependency on other states for treatment, and create a robust medical infrastructure in Jharkhand.
Infrastructure and Connectivity: Over Rs 10,000 Crore for Road Development
To enhance connectivity and boost economic growth, the government has proposed ₹7,800 crore for road construction and repairs.
Key Infrastructure Developments:
- ₹4,500 crore for the rural road development scheme.
- Improvement of metro and public transport systems in urban areas.
The finance minister highlighted that better road connectivity will strengthen trade, boost tourism, and facilitate access to essential services.
Employment and Industry: 30 Lakh Jobs Targeted Under ‘Mission Employment’
The government has set an ambitious goal of creating 30 lakh jobs in the next financial year under Mission Employment.
Key Announcements for Employment and Industry:
- Special package to encourage startups and entrepreneurship.
- Support for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) under the new industrial policy.
The finance minister emphasized that these measures will increase job opportunities, particularly for the youth, and drive economic growth.
Women and Child Development: ₹2,500 Crore for Child Education and Safety
Jharkhand has made significant allocations for women and child welfare, with a focus on education, nutrition, and safety.
Major Initiatives:
- ₹2,500 crore for child education and safety programs.
- Expansion of Poshan Yojana to tackle malnutrition.
- New schemes to promote women’s self-employment and entrepreneurship.
These schemes aim to improve the well-being of women and children and ensure their active participation in economic and social development.
Jharkhand to Demand Pending Dues from the Centre
During the budget session, Finance Minister Radha Krishna Kishore asserted that the Jharkhand government will firmly demand its outstanding dues from the Central government.
Addressing the assembly, he stated: “If the Central government can charge us interest, why can’t we recover our dues?”
The finance minister was responding to JD(U) MLA Saryu Roy, who questioned the state’s ₹1,36,000 crore pending dues from coal companies. He pointed out that the matter is stuck in the High Court and Tribunal, and urged for a faster resolution.
Revenue and Expenditure Balance: Focus on Tax Collection and Cost-Cutting
The government is taking steps to maintain a balance between revenue and expenditure.
- New measures will be introduced to increase tax collection.
- Non-essential expenses will be reduced.
The finance minister emphasized that fiscal discipline will be a key priority, ensuring economic stability and sustainable growth for Jharkhand.
