Jharkhand Finance Minister Presents Significant Supplementary Budget in Assembly
Finance Minister Radha Krishana Kishore tabled the third supplementary budget for the ongoing financial year in the Jharkhand state assembly on Friday, presenting a substantial outlay of Rs 6,540 crore. This budget includes major allocations aimed at bolstering rural infrastructure, social welfare programs, energy initiatives, healthcare services, and administrative operations.
Detailed Breakdown of Key Allocations
The supplementary budget outlines significant financial commitments across various departments. The rural works department received the largest allocation of Rs 1,717.58 crore, highlighting the government's focus on enhancing rural infrastructure and development projects.
Other notable allocations include:
- Women, Child Development and Social Security Department: Rs 779 crore
- Panchayati Raj Department: Rs 657.56 crore
- Rural Development Department: Rs 594.88 crore
Additionally, the budget addresses financial obligations with Rs 153.61 crore allocated for interest payments and Rs 92.21 crore for loan repayments. A sum of Rs 232.36 crore has been designated under the pension head to support retired government employees.
Legislative Focus on Migrant Worker Welfare
As the assembly convened, legislators shifted attention to pressing concerns regarding Jharkhand's migrant worker population. Dumri MLA Jairam Mahto raised critical questions about the government's efforts to register migrant workers, noting that only 2 lakh out of an estimated 16 lakh workers have been officially registered for emergency outreach purposes.
Mahto advocated for substantial improvements in migrant worker welfare, including:
- Increasing compensation for families of deceased migrant workers from Rs 50,000 to Rs 5 lakh
- Establishing a dedicated directorate specifically for migrant worker welfare
Nirsa MLA Arup Chatterjee supported the call for a separate directorate, while Leader of Opposition Babulal Marandi suggested appointing dedicated personnel to assist workers facing language barriers in southern states.
Government Response and Future Budget Plans
Labour Minister Sanjay Yadav responded to the concerns, assuring legislators that the government would examine the demands carefully. He revealed that the government has already spent Rs 2.25 crore in the current fiscal year to repatriate the remains of 148 workers who died abroad back to their families in Jharkhand.
Finance Minister Kishore announced that he will present the comprehensive budget for the 2026-27 financial year on February 24, indicating continued fiscal planning and resource allocation for the state's development priorities.
The supplementary budget reflects the state government's commitment to addressing both immediate financial requirements and long-term developmental needs, while legislative discussions underscore the ongoing challenges faced by Jharkhand's migrant workforce.
