Ranchi: The Jharkhand Assembly passed the state’s budget for the financial year 2025-26, totalling Rs 1,45,400 crore, through a voice vote on Monday.
Presenting the budget on March 3, Finance Minister Radhakrishna Kishore outlined the allocation for the upcoming fiscal year. On Monday, Sudivya Kumar Sonu, in his speech, highlighted key aspects of the budget. The proposed budget includes Rs 1,10,636 crore for revenue expenditure, with specific provisions for various sectors: Rs 37,884.36 crore for the general sector, Rs 62,840.45 crore for the social sector, and Rs 44,675.19 crore for the economic sector. Additionally, Rs 13,363.35 crore has been allocated for the Mainya Samman Yojana.
While discussing the budget, Minister Sudivya Kumar Sonu took the opportunity to criticize the BJP, particularly their governance in Ranchi. He remarked that under the BJP’s rule, Ranchi was considered “like Paris” for 17 years, but now, under the Hemant Soren-led government, it’s simply “Ranchi.” He also pointed out that proposed budget cuts were limited to the Hatia and Ranchi areas.
Sonu further questioned the previous government’s actions, referencing the Khel Gaon project and the role of the consulting agency “Manhart.” He accused the BJP of misleading the people of Jharkhand.
In response, BJP leader CP Singh highlighted the 27% reservation for OBCs, emphasizing that the decision had been passed with unanimous consent.
Sudivya Kumar Sonu also addressed the issue of rising electricity costs, stating that the Jharkhand Power Distribution Corporation has proposed a new tariff due to the need to purchase expensive electricity during peak hours. The Godda Power Plant contributes 25% of the supply. This proposed tariff hike is currently under review by the Jharkhand Electricity Regulatory Commission.
Sonu also mentioned that 200 units of electricity are now free for consumers. Additionally, he criticized the previous government for installing 44,000 streetlights, of which 18,000 were found to be untraceable after a physical verification.
He concluded by praising the previous administration for imposing a ban on cattle slaughter, suggesting that such a policy should be implemented nationwide.
