With the results of the 2025 Bihar Assembly Elections coming out, the state's Finance Department is discussing fiscal calculations, as resources will need to be raised to fulfill the promises made in the NDA's manifesto after forming the government. Consequently, the issue of prohibition is once again being discussed.
According to the manifesto's promises, funds will be provided to 7.4 million farmers, Scheduled Caste students, and others. Capital expenditure will also be made for the construction of two greenfield cities (New Patna and Sitapuram) and for agricultural infrastructure.
Discussions are underway to review the prohibition.
With a projected fiscal deficit of 9.2% of the gross state domestic product (GSDP) last year and a budget of 5.3% of the state's GDP this year, there are discussions about reviewing the prohibition imposed by Nitish Kumar in 2016.
The NDA faces challenges.
Reversing or lifting the prohibition will not be easy for the NDA, as it enjoys a strong following among women voters who support prohibition. However, there is immense revenue potential, as the state government earned over ₹3,000 crore annually from liquor sales in 2015-16—more than enough to cover the ₹2,200 crore needed for additional direct transfers to farmers.
At current prices, this amount would be even higher. In any case, the pre-election announcement of ₹10,000 for the 15 million women currently enrolled under the Chief Minister's Women's Employment Scheme will cost ₹15,000 crore.
Furthermore, increasing the monthly pension for 11 million elderly, widows, and disabled people to ₹1,100 will result in an additional expenditure of approximately ₹8,500 crore. Approximately ₹4,000 crore is expected to be provided for free electricity up to 125 units.
The additional expenditure will exceed the ₹28,000 crore already spent on schemes. The NDA manifesto also promises a ₹2,000 aid to Scheduled Caste students studying in colleges and assistance to fishermen.
As a result, it is not possible for Bihar to end the financial year with a budgeted fiscal deficit of 3% of state GDP this year unless it can cut other expenditures or raise resources from new sources. After all, 60% of expenditure is already spent on interest payments, salaries and pensions, and other establishment-related expenses, so options are limited.
Icy winds intensify the chill: North India gripped by dense fog; Red alert issued for Haryana, Punjab, and Delhi.
Icy winds blowing from the high peaks of the Himalayas have gripped the entire North India in a severe cold wave. Temperatures have dropped significantly below normal in several states, including
Deepti Sharma: Deepti Sharma makes history, becomes the highest wicket-taker in women's T20 Internationals.
Indian women's team's experienced all-rounder Deepti Sharma has created history during the fifth T20 match against Sri Lanka. Deepti Sharma has become the highest wicket-taker in women's T20
In the Republic Day parade tableau, the Home Ministry showcased the new criminal laws, which Amit Shah described as a sign of a justice-oriented system.
Home Minister Amit Shah said on Monday that his ministry's tableau in the Republic Day parade showcased the three new criminal laws, symbolizing the historic legal reforms under Prime Minister
Indigo Crisis: The Indigo crisis continues for the ninth day, with hundreds of passengers still facing difficulties; know the situation at Delhi and Mumbai airports.
India's largest airline, IndiGo, is currently going through the most difficult phase in its history. The airline, which operates approximately 2300 flights daily and holds more than 60% of the
India and the EU have signed a free trade agreement; PM Modi made a major announcement.
A historic free trade agreement (FTA) has been signed between India and the European Union. After 18 years of negotiations, both sides have given their approval in New Delhi. A European Union
IND vs SA: "Everyone is playing scared..." Former cricketer lashed out at the team management after India were all out for 93.
Former Indian cricketer Mohammad Kaif said that Indian Test batsmen are struggling at home due to selection uncertainty.
Sunita Williams Retires: Meets Kalpana Chawla's mother and sister in India, shares 27 years of experience in space.
Indian-origin American astronaut Sunita Williams retired from NASA, the space agency, upon turning 60. Sunita is currently on a visit to India. During an event held in New Delhi, the national capital,
Delhi's air becomes a 'medical emergency', AIIMS experts issue strict alert on rising air pollution in the capital.
Describing the capital's rising air pollution as a medical emergency, experts from the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) said the crisis has become so widespread that government measures
45 sixes, 40 minutes of bowling: Is Abhishek Sharma eyeing a spot in the Indian ODI team? He's using the Vijay Hazare Trophy as his platform.
Abhishek Sharma, a rising star in the Indian T20 team, no longer wants to limit himself to the shorter formats. Having established himself with his explosive batting in T20 international cricket,
Kamal Death Case: The mobile phone kept ringing all night, police groped in the dark; the complete story of the Delhi incident.
"We searched for him all night. We went to every police station, his phone kept ringing, but the system remained silent." These are the words of the family of 25-year-old Kamal Dhyani. His family and
