Indian Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman presented her eighth consecutive Union Budget on Saturday (Feb 1) with a special focus on the state of Bihar. Apart from the announcement of the Makhana board in the state to boost the production, processing, and marketing of foxnuts, the FM has promised expansion of IITs, a boost to food processing sector, greenfield airports, and much more.
Also read: Budget 2025: No tax up to Rs 12 lakh, focus on stability and long-term growth
A budget comparatively more focused on Bihar than the rest of the Indian states sparked a meme fest online.
Take a look:
Bihar after Union Budget 2025: pic.twitter.com/amld28Te51
— Xavier Uncle (@xavierunclelite) February 1, 2025
Bihar after Union Budget 2025: pic.twitter.com/HJndeD63MC
— priyA (@priyapalni) February 1, 2025
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Budget for Budget for
— Sober (@Soberhere_) February 1, 2025
other states Bihar pic.twitter.com/cpzGyznmkn
Bihar’s budget vs other states #BudgetSession2025 pic.twitter.com/StuU5uWnyk
— Tanu_🐼. (@tanu_sthetic) February 1, 2025
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Bihar to other states right now#Budget2025 pic.twitter.com/FYeALlZoCI
— No Context Humans (@weiredthings09) February 1, 2025
Indian Budget ❌
— Budhil Vyas (@BudhilVyas) February 1, 2025
Bihar Budget ✅ pic.twitter.com/iIitKZ2ZZM
Most repeated words. #Budget2025 pic.twitter.com/4pjtahNdks
— Sagar (@sagarcasm) February 1, 2025
Summary of #Budget2025 pic.twitter.com/yvQKMizqta
— Rajabets 🇮🇳👑 (@rajabetsindia) February 1, 2025
Apart from a number of schemes and plans for the state, the FM introduced a new and special plan for Bihar and other states of the Eastern region of India.
Also read: Union Budget 2025: Major sops for Bihar ahead of assembly polls. All you need to know
Purvodaya plan
The Centre announced the formulation of a plan, Purvodaya, which is dedicated to the overall development of the Eastern states of India. The states under the project include Bihar, Jharkhand, West Bengal, and Odisha. It also includes the south-eastern state of Andhra Pradesh.
On the Amritsar Kolkata Industrial Corridor, the Centre has planned to develop an industrial node at Gaya.
Also read: Opposition's rejection, Modi's applause: Union Budget 2025 evokes mixed reactions
The corridor will catalyse the industrial development of the state. The FM said the model would showcase “Vikas bhi Virasat bhi” (development as well as heritage) in the government's growth trajectory.
The government has further promised to develop road connectivity projects:
(1) Patna-Purnea Expressway
(2) Buxar-Bhagalpur Expressway
(3) Bodhgaya, Rajgir and Vaishali and Darbhanga spurs
(4) Additional 2-lane bridge
This will be done over the river Ganga at Buxar at a total cost of ₹26,000 crore ($2.990 million).
(With inputs from agencies)