Finance Minister says development will reach the last person in Jharkhand
Ranchi: Finance Minister Radhakrishna Kishore on Tuesday presented the “Abua Dishom” Budget for the financial year 2026–27 in the Jharkhand Assembly, highlighting the Hemant Soren government’s commitment to inclusive development and social justice.
Addressing the House, the minister said the budget reflects the government’s development-oriented approach and aims to ensure that benefits reach every section of society. He said the vision of “Abua Jharkhand” is not merely a slogan but a concrete policy framework to take development to the last person in the state. According to him, the poor, farmers, labourers, women, youth, tribals, Dalits and other marginalised communities will directly benefit from government schemes.
He added that despite limited resources, the government has maintained the pace of development. Social security schemes, pensions, housing support, food security measures and livelihood programmes have been strengthened to provide a solid foundation for vulnerable groups.
Focus on Farmers and Rural Economy
The Finance Minister said capital expenditure has been increased to strengthen the state’s economy. Infrastructure development, including roads, irrigation, electricity and drinking water facilities, has been given priority.
Calling agriculture the backbone of Jharkhand’s economy, he said special provisions have been made to increase farmers’ income, expand modern irrigation facilities and promote agriculture-based industries. The government plans to improve agricultural production, processing and marketing systems to ensure farmers receive fair prices for their produce.
According to the Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS), employment in agriculture has increased from 44.3 per cent to 50.4 per cent. The allocation for the Birsa Seed Production Scheme has been increased from Rs 95 crore to Rs 145 crore. For soil and water conservation, Rs 475.50 crore has been earmarked under the Barren Land Rice Fellowship and Jal Nidhi schemes. Additionally, Rs 75 crore has been allocated for solar-powered irrigation and Rs 80 crore for distribution of agricultural equipment. Rs 25 crore has been set aside for the Jharkhand Millet Mission and Rs 19.88 crore for cash crop development.
Major Push to Allied Sectors
An allocation of Rs 245.80 crore has been made for horticulture, beekeeping, lac cultivation, high-tech parks and urban farming. Around Rs 481.35 crore has been earmarked for the Chief Minister’s Livestock Development Scheme, while Rs 400 crore has been allocated for the Crop Insurance Scheme. Nearly Rs 322 crore will be spent on constructing storage structures, cold rooms and warehouses. Fisheries development has received Rs 106 crore. In total, Rs 4,884.20 crore has been allocated for agriculture and allied sectors.
Women, Health and Education in Focus
The minister said women’s empowerment remains a top priority. Under the Maiyaan Samman Yojana, financial support is being provided to women. Self-help groups are being encouraged, and nutrition and self-employment schemes are being expanded.
In the health sector, provisions have been made to upgrade district hospitals, introduce new health schemes and strengthen the fight against serious diseases such as cancer. In education, the government aims to improve school infrastructure, promote digital education and strengthen higher education institutions.
The Finance Minister said the budget reflects a balanced approach, combining economic development with social justice and welfare.
