Governor highlights Bihar’s development as Budget session begins

The Budget Session of the Bihar Legislative Assembly began on Monday amid heightened political activity at the Assembly premises. Addressing the House, Governor Arif Mohammad Khan highlighted the development achieved in Bihar in key sectors such as education, health, policing and infrastructure since Nitish Kumar assumed office in November 2005. He said the law and order situation in the state had improved significantly, pointing out that the number of police stations had increased from 814 to 1,380. The Governor also termed the establishment of medical and engineering colleges in all districts as a major milestone in expanding access to higher education.
Governor outlined five key points from his address: the rapid progress on law and order; the expansion of the police force; measures fostering communal harmony, including fencing sensitive Muslim cemeteries and Hindu temples; financial assistance to women under the Chief Minister’s Employment Scheme; and the growth of self-help groups, with 1.1 million now operating statewide and 14 million women members, known as Jeevika Didis.
Finance Minister Bijendra Yadav is scheduled to present the state budget for 2026–27 on February 3, followed by a discussion and vote on the Governor’s address on February 5. Sources indicate the budget will focus on the Chief Minister Women’s Employment Scheme, potentially offering Rs. 2 lakh to eligible women to start businesses, signalling the government’s continued emphasis on women’s economic empowerment.