Jharkhand Presents ₹1.58 Lakh Crore Budget for 2026-27, Focus on Social Welfare and Development

Ranchi, Jharkhand: Jharkhand Finance Minister Radhakrishna Kishore on Tuesday presented the state’s budget for the financial year 2026-27, totaling ₹1,58,560 crore. Dubbed the “Abua Dishom Budget”, the minister described it as a people-centric plan aimed at uplifting the poor and bringing smiles to citizens’ faces, while marking a significant step toward the state’s holistic development.

Key Highlights of the Budget

• Housing for the Underprivileged: Emphasis on the “Abua Awas Yojana” for homeless families and those living in makeshift homes.
• Women’s Empowerment: Allocation for the “Mukhyamantri Manaiya Samman Yojana” to strengthen women economically.
• Agricultural Support: Focus on effective implementation of the “Jharkhand Krishi Rin Mafi Yojana” to provide relief to farmers.
• Education: Proposal to operate 100 new “CM Schools of Excellence” and establish new “Jharkhand Residential Schools for Girls” in districts including Palamu, Latehar, Garhwa, and Dhanbad.
• Youth Employment: Expansion of the “Mukhyamantri Rojgar Srijan Yojana” to promote self-employment opportunities for youth.
• Women in Agriculture: ₹25 crore allocated to connect women farmers with modern farming techniques and markets.
• Local Governance & PESA: Implementation of PESA rules empowering Gram Sabhas in managing local resources and development projects.

Transparency and Outcome-Based Approach

To ensure accountability, the government presented alongside the main budget an Outcome Budget, Gender Budget, and Child Budget, detailing department-wise targets, social impact, and performance metrics. The aim is to maximize the effectiveness of public spending and ensure benefits reach the last citizen.

Financial Context

This year’s budget of ₹1.58 lakh crore marks an increase of approximately 7–10% over last year’s ₹1.45 lakh crore budget. The Finance Minister highlighted that the budget prioritizes education, health, agriculture, infrastructure, energy, and youth empowerment, with special emphasis on employment generation and skill development initiatives.

The budget presentation began with tributes to Disho Guru Shibu Soren and the state’s martyrs. Minister Kishore also noted that the central government has not provided ₹11,000 crore in grants, reflecting challenges in fund allocation.

The “Abua Dishom Budget” is seen as a roadmap for Jharkhand’s comprehensive socio-economic transformation, balancing rural and urban development while promoting welfare, transparency, and accountability.