On February 25, 2020, the government of Bihar led by Chief Minister (CM) Nitish Kumar presented Rs 2,11,761 crore state budget for 2020-21Â with a special emphasis on education, health and infrastructure. It was presented by the state’s finance minister and Deputy CM Sushil Kumar Modi, which was his 11th Budget speech. The proposed allocations were Rs 11,260.48 crore more than the FY 2019-20.
- Importantly, Bihar’s Budget has increased eight times to Rs 2,11,761.49 crore in 2020-21 from Rs 23,885 crore in 2004- 05. Except for 2012-13, the state has been presenting a revenue surplus budget since 2008-09.
Key Points from FY 20-21 Budget of Bihar:
–Gross State Domestic Product: The Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP) of Bihar for 2020-21 (at current prices) is projected to be Rs 6,85,797 crore. This is 11.1% higher than the revised estimate for 2019-20.
–Total receipts: Total receipts (excluding borrowings) are estimated to be Rs 1,84,352 crore
–Revenue surplus: It is targeted at Rs 19,173 crore or 2.8% of the GSDP.
–Fiscal deficit: It is targeted at Rs 20,374 crore (2.97% of GSDP).
–Capital expenditure: It is proposed to be Rs 47,010 crore
–Revenue expenditure: It is proposed to be Rs 1,64,751 crore.
–Highest increase/decrease in allocations: In 2020-21, the highest increase in allocations was observed in Water Supply, Sanitation, Housing and Urban Development (8%) while highest decrease observed in Energy (48%).
–Highest allocation: The state government has made the highest allocation of Rs 35,191.05 crore to the education department. Bihar has allocated 19.3% of its total budget for education in 2020-21.  Besides, Rs 17,345 crore was allocated for road building and Rs 10,937.68 crore was earmarked for healthcare.
–Rural development: Bihar has allocated 12.8% of its expenditure on rural development viz. Rs 15955.29 crore.
About Bihar:
Capital– Patna
Number of Districts– 38
