Lagatar24 Desk
New Delhi: In the wake of denying Bihar’s long-standing demand for Special Category Status, the Modi 3.0 government has allocated significant development projects to the state in Budget 2024, making up for the decision and strengthening ties with ally Nitish Kumar’s JD(U). Andhra Pradesh, another state governed by a BJP ally, also received substantial infrastructure investments.
Key Projects for Bihar
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced several development initiatives for Bihar aimed at enhancing connectivity and infrastructure:
- Expressways: New expressways will connect Patna to Purnea, Buxar to Bhagalpur, and another will link Bodhgaya, Rajgir, Vaishali, and Darbhanga. The project is allocated Rs 2,600 crore.
- Ganga Bridge: A two-lane bridge over the Ganga in Buxar district.
- Power Plant: A 2,400 MW power plant at Pirpainti in Bhagalpur.
- Financial Support: Expedite bank funding for Bihar’s development projects.
- Temple Corridors: Development of temple corridors in Gaya and Rajgir to boost tourism.
- Flood Control: A flood control structure with a financial support of Rs 11,500 crore to protect the state from floods.
Additionally, Bihar is included in the Purvodaya initiative, aimed at comprehensive development in the eastern part of the country. This initiative focuses on human resources development, infrastructure enhancement, and economic opportunities in Bihar, Jharkhand, West Bengal, Odisha, and Andhra Pradesh. The goal is to transform this region into a driving force for achieving the vision of a developed India (Viksit Bharat).
Major Investments in Andhra Pradesh
Following a sweeping victory in the recent Assembly polls, Andhra Pradesh is set to receive priority in infrastructure projects:
- Railways and Roadways: Significant investments in the development of railways and roadways.
- Capital Development: Rs 15,000 crore allocated to support the state’s capital development through multilateral development agencies.
- Reorganisation Act: Expedited resolution of concerns under the Andhra Pradesh Re-organisation Act.
Political Context and Reactions
The budget’s substantial outlay for Bihar and Andhra Pradesh comes after the JD(U) and TDP played crucial roles in helping the BJP secure a majority in the Lok Sabha after falling short initially. The denial of Bihar’s Special Category Status had drawn criticism from the main opposition in Bihar, RJD, which accused Nitish Kumar of political opportunism.
However, Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar expressed satisfaction with the budget, acknowledging the developmental assistance provided. “We protested for special status, kept talking about it. We said either give us special status or any assistance. Giving out special status has stopped, so there should be assistance for development. And that is happening,” he said.
Historical Context of Special Status
Special Category Status ensures increased central support to expedite the growth of backward states. Although the Constitution does not provide for it, the status was introduced based on recommendations from the Fifth Finance Commission in 1969. States that have received this status include Jammu and Kashmir (now a Union Territory), Northeastern states, and hill states such as Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand.
