RJD Revives Demand for Bihar's Special Category Status on Budget Eve
In Patna, the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) has reignited the long-standing issue of granting special category status to Bihar, just one day before the Union budget is set to be presented in Parliament. The party emphasized on Saturday that fulfilling this demand in this year's budget is crucial to address the state's persistent backwardness and lift it out of poverty.
Economic Survey Highlights Bihar's Dire Situation
The RJD pointed to the latest economic survey released by the Union government, which starkly portrays Bihar as the poorest state in India. According to the survey, Bihar has the lowest per capita income compared to other states, with districts like Sheohar, Sitamarhi, and Araria reporting a per capita monthly income of less than Rs 3,000. This economic disparity underscores the urgent need for intervention.
RJD spokesperson Chitranjan Gagan elaborated on the state's financial woes, stating, "Bihar currently carries a staggering debt of more than Rs 3.5 lakh crore, translating to over Rs 25,000 owed by each resident. In such a critical scenario, granting special category status is not just an option but a necessity to propel the state towards development and alleviate poverty."
Accusations of Injustice and Political Hypocrisy
The party has accused the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government at the Centre of consistently neglecting Bihar's demands. Gagan alleged that despite the RJD's persistent advocacy for special status, the central government has only delivered empty promises and injustices. He criticized previous budget announcements related to Bihar as mere lip service, failing to translate into tangible benefits for the state.
Furthermore, the RJD targeted Chief Minister Nitish Kumar and his party, the Janata Dal (United) [JD(U)], for their perceived inaction. The party recalled that Nitish Kumar had once pledged support to any alliance that would grant special status to Bihar. Gagan remarked, "Ironically, the current Union government operates with JD(U)'s backing, yet Bihar continues to face gross injustice. Both the BJP and JD(U) must answer to the people if the state is overlooked once again in the budget."
Historical Context and Recent Appeals
This demand is not new; the Bihar government, under Nitish Kumar, recently reiterated its plea for special category status during the three-day visit of the 16th Finance Commission in March last year. In a detailed memorandum, the state government urged the commission to implement separate financial provisions to tackle Bihar's developmental challenges, advocating for a formula-based approach to resource transfers.
The RJD's pre-budget push highlights the ongoing political and economic tensions surrounding Bihar's development. As the Union budget approaches, all eyes are on whether the central government will address this critical issue or leave the state's aspirations unfulfilled once more.
