Bihar Budget 2026 highlights higher spending and social schemes
Bihar presents Rs 3.47 lakh crore budget with focus on welfare and growth
Bihar Finance Minister Bijendra Prasad Yadav on Monday presented the state Budget for the financial year 2026–27 in the Bihar Legislative Assembly. The total size of the budget is Rs 3.47 lakh crore, which is higher than last year’s budget of Rs 3.17 lakh crore. The government said the increased allocation reflects its aim to boost development while ensuring social justice.
While tabling the budget, the Finance Minister said it has been prepared in line with the state government’s guiding principle of “nyay ke saath vikas,” which means development with justice. He added that the budget focuses on inclusive growth and welfare, especially for women, weaker sections, and those in need of government support.
The Finance Minister also said that the state’s tax revenue for the 2026–27 financial year is expected to reach around Rs 65,800 crore. This projection shows the government’s confidence in improved revenue collection and economic activity in the state.
Focus on social welfare and inclusive growth
A major highlight of the Bihar Budget 2026 is the strong focus on social welfare. The Finance Minister announced that Rs 7,724 crore has been allocated for social welfare schemes. These schemes are aimed at supporting women, children, senior citizens, and economically weaker sections of society.
Bijendra Yadav said the budget has been prepared keeping in mind values like “imaan, gyaan, vigyaan, armaan aur samman,” which translate to faith, knowledge, science, aspiration, and respect. According to him, these values guide the government’s approach towards long-term development and human welfare.
The social welfare allocation includes funding for ongoing schemes as well as support for new initiatives planned by the state government. The aim is to reduce inequality, improve living standards, and ensure that the benefits of development reach all sections of society.
The Finance Minister said the government remains committed to improving education, healthcare, and social security. Although detailed sector-wise figures were not discussed in depth during the initial presentation, officials indicated that welfare-related spending will continue to remain a priority area in the coming year.
The increased budget size also suggests that the state government plans to invest more in public services and infrastructure while maintaining its focus on social justice. The Finance Minister said that growth without fairness is incomplete, and therefore welfare spending has been kept at the centre of the budget.
Women-centric schemes and economic plans
One of the most talked-about schemes mentioned during the budget speech was the Mukhyamantri Mahila Rozgar Yojana. This scheme was launched ahead of the Assembly elections held in November last year and is believed to have played a key role in strengthening support for the ruling NDA government.
Under this scheme, Rs 10,000 was transferred directly into the bank accounts of 1.56 crore women across the state. The Finance Minister said this step was taken to provide immediate financial support and encourage women to become economically independent.
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He further announced that women who have used this money to start small businesses or income-generating activities will soon be eligible to receive an additional amount of up to Rs 2 lakh. This support is expected to help women expand their businesses and become self-reliant.
According to the government, the scheme aims to promote entrepreneurship among women and increase their participation in the state’s economy. By offering financial assistance and incentives, the government hopes to create more employment opportunities at the grassroots level.
The Finance Minister said empowering women is essential for the overall progress of the state. He added that when women earn and grow, families and communities also benefit. The government sees women-led development as a key pillar of Bihar’s growth story.
Apart from women-focused schemes, the budget also reflects the government’s intent to strengthen economic stability. With an expected tax revenue of Rs 65,800 crore, the state plans to fund welfare schemes and development projects without putting excessive pressure on borrowing.
The Finance Minister said the government will continue efforts to improve tax administration and compliance. Better revenue collection will help Bihar invest more in development while keeping fiscal discipline in check.
Overall, the Bihar Budget 2026 presents a picture of higher spending, increased welfare support, and a strong push for inclusive growth. By raising the total budget size and focusing on social schemes, especially for women, the government has signalled its priorities clearly.
As the budget discussions continue in the Assembly, more details are expected to emerge about sector-wise allocations and implementation plans. For now, the focus remains on balancing development with justice, as the government aims to take Bihar forward on a path of growth that includes everyone.
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