Jharkhand Budget to Boost Self Reliance, Reduce Dependence on Center – Finance Minister

Finance Department organized the Abua Dishom Budget Seminar at the Project Building. During the seminar, Finance Minister Radhakrishna Kishore strongly criticized the central government, accusing it of discriminating against Jharkhand. He said that because Jharkhand is a non-BJP-ruled state, the center is treating it unfairly. Finance Minister emphasized that since the central government is not cooperating, Jharkhand must now rely on its own resources to become strong and self-reliant. He added that the upcoming state budget will focus on the needs of the rural population and ordinary citizens.

Finance Minister Pushes for Self-Reliant Jharkhand Amid Central Cuts

He revealed that the central government has not provided Rs. 26,000 crore in grants to Jharkhand. Additionally, the state’s share in central taxes has fallen by about Rs. 79,000 crore, and this situation may continue in the future. “It is now essential for Jharkhand to stand on its own feet and not depend on the center,” he said. Finance Minister also highlighted that the state has not received around Rs. 6,000 crore due under the Jal Jeevan Mission. He pointed out that cuts in scholarships and old-age pensions are directly affecting poor and vulnerable sections of society.

He further explained that if schemes like land renewal are implemented properly, the state’s revenue could increase by 34 percent, adding around Rs. 10,000 crore to the budget. He also suggested that Jharkhand should raise its establishment expenditure from 34 percent to 50 percent, following the example of other states. At the seminar, State Finance Commission Chairman Amarendra Pratap Singh said that concrete steps are required to increase the state’s revenue. Development Commissioner Ajay Kumar Singh stressed the importance of linking education with skill development and employment to reduce economic inequality. He estimated that the size of Jharkhand’s upcoming budget would be around Rs. 1.70 lakh crore. Educationist Dr. Manisha Priyam, present at the seminar, said that women must be made the center of economic activities to strengthen the state’s economy. She added that increasing women’s participation would give new momentum to development.