Lagatar24 Desk
Ranchi: The CPI(ML) has welcomed the presentation of the Jharkhand Budget 2026-27 but termed it structurally weak, stating that it fails to adequately address the state’s core economic challenges. The party argued that while the budget size has increased by 9 percent, the expansion alone does not indicate meaningful development.
Concerns Over Welfare and Employment
The party pointed out that the budget lacks concrete initiatives to tackle unemployment and does not indicate any substantial measures for job creation. CPI(ML) also raised concerns over the ‘Maiyan Samman Yojana,’ noting that there is no mention of a significant increase in allocation. According to the party, this could lead to a reduction in the number of beneficiary women and create hurdles in enrolling new applicants.
It further stated that without a clear roadmap for improving honorariums for sahiyas, cooks, and sevika workers, the government’s claims of promoting gender justice would remain symbolic rather than substantive.
Fiscal Stress and Centre-State Issues
CPI(ML) highlighted that replacing MGNREGA with the ‘Vibigramji’ scheme may impose an additional burden of ₹5,640 crore on the state. The party also claimed that due to central policies on GST and other taxes, Jharkhand is facing a shortfall of around ₹16,000 crore in combined tax and grant allocations.
While acknowledging that the Finance Minister raised the issue of reduced central funding, CPI(ML) criticised the state government for not firmly demanding ₹1.5 lakh crore in compensation from the Centre, instead adopting what it described as a “younger brother” stance.
The party expressed hope that Chief Minister Hemant Soren would intervene during the budget session to ensure that the ‘Abua Budget’ genuinely addresses Jharkhand’s economic concerns. It also urged the government to present concrete plans for reviving public sector industries and strengthening public transport infrastructure in the state.
