Patna: The Bihar Assembly on Tuesday witnessed the presentation of the state budget for the financial year 2026–27, marking the first budget of the current NDA government led by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar. Finance Minister Vijay Prasad Yadav presented a budget of ₹3,47,589 crore.
However, amid discussions on the new budget, attention once again turned to a record in Bihar’s budgetary history that remains difficult to surpass. The late Sushil Kumar Modi, former Deputy Chief Minister and Finance Minister, holds the record for presenting the highest number of budgets in the state—an unprecedented 11 times. He is also credited with presenting India’s first-ever ‘Green Budget’, a milestone that continues to be seen as both historic and inspirational.
India’s First Green Budget During the Pandemic
In the financial year 2020–21, at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, Sushil Kumar Modi presented Bihar’s first Green Budget, making the state a national pioneer in integrating environmental concerns into fiscal planning. Introduced under the Jal-Jeevan-Hariyali campaign, the budget prioritized environmental conservation, climate change mitigation, biodiversity protection, and pollution control.
The Green Budget aimed to ensure that development projects in Bihar adhered to principles of environmental sustainability. Presented in the Assembly on March 15, 2020, it marked the first time any Indian state formally incorporated environmental accountability into government expenditure.
Paperless Governance: A Lasting Impact
The Green Budget also laid the foundation for paperless governance. As part of this vision, Bihar gradually transitioned to digital administration. From February 1, 2025, all government offices in the state began functioning under the e-Office system, making Bihar a paperless administration—a direct continuation of Sushil Modi’s environmental initiatives.
A Record of 11 Budgets
Sushil Kumar Modi served as Bihar’s Deputy Chief Minister and Finance Minister from 2005 to 2020 during the NDA government. He presented his first budget in 2006 and went on to present eight consecutive budgets between 2006 and 2013.
Following a change in political alignment between 2013 and 2017, the BJP returned to power in alliance with JD(U) in 2017, largely due to Modi’s efforts. He again assumed charge as Finance Minister and presented three more budgets until 2020, completing a total of 11—an unmatched record in Bihar’s political history.
Breaking Old Traditions, Strengthening the Economy
Sushil Modi also played a crucial role in reforming Bihar’s budgetary process. During the Lalu Prasad Yadav and Rabri Devi regimes, the practice of presenting a full budget was often avoided. Modi put an end to this tradition and ensured the regular presentation of complete budgets.
His disciplined and structured financial planning significantly improved Bihar’s economic health, enabling Chief Minister Nitish Kumar to implement ambitious development schemes across sectors.
An Enduring Legacy
Even years after his tenure, Sushil Kumar Modi’s contributions—particularly the Green Budget and his record-breaking stewardship of Bihar’s finances—continue to serve as a benchmark. His legacy remains a source of inspiration for policymakers and a rare chapter in India’s fiscal history that is not easy to replicate.
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