Ranchi: Finance minister Shri Radhakrishna Kishore stated that Chief minister Hemant Soren has named the upcoming 2025-26 budget as the “Abua Budget.” The budget will be designed with the welfare of Jharkhand’s forests, the poor living in remote areas, farmers, and people from all communities, castes, and religions in mind. The objective is to craft a budget that brings happiness to the faces of the people. He said that the workshop would help gather valuable suggestions from experts in various sectors such as agriculture, irrigation, forest & environment, rural development, livelihood mission, urban development, tourism, industry, mines & geology, and labour & skill development.
Radhakrishna Kishore said that this would be the 25th budget for the state, and it must address the many challenges faced by Jharkhand. The budget will focus on the state’s economic, social, and geographical development. He also emphasized the importance of monitoring the budget’s implementation to ensure that the plans are executed properly. Additionally, he stressed the need for increasing revenue and highlighted the importance of conserving surface water and rainwater harvesting for irrigation purposes to improve groundwater levels.
Kishore also discussed strengthening the rural economy, particularly through agriculture, and emphasized the need to support farmers with better irrigation facilities and multi-cropping. The budget would prioritize the agriculture department, as well as promote horticulture to bolster the rural economy.
He highlighted that while forest dwellers receive land pattas, they often lack adequate connectivity and infrastructure. The budget will focus on improving road access and providing basic needs through village councils. He also called for promoting the production of mahua-based liquor to strengthen the rural economy.
Rural development minister Deepika Pandey Singh stated that the upcoming budget would focus on empowering women in Jharkhand. Approximately 32 lakh women are currently associated with JSPLS. The focus will be on providing economic assistance through the Maaiyan Samman Yojana and promoting self-employment among women. Additionally, there will be an emphasis on financial training and linking rural women to urban markets. The budget will also prioritize solar energy in rural areas and small rural drinking water projects.
Agriculture minister Neha Shilpi Tirki emphasised that the budget would include provisions for improving the economic conditions of farmers in the state. As Jharkhand’s farmers traditionally depend on single cropping, the goal is to provide adequate irrigation and promote multi-cropping practices. She discussed the Birsa Pathshala programme, which will be expanded under the upcoming budget to provide training and capacity building for farmers to enhance agricultural practices. She also stressed the importance of strengthening the Chief minister’s Livestock Scheme, Jharkhand Milk Federation, and promoting fisheries.