By Neeraj Kumar
Patna: In a significant development for Bihar, the Central Government has released the first installment of funds under the special assistance scheme for capital investment for the financial year 2024-25. The initial phase has seen the release of Rs 3,651.12 crore against the total approved amount of Rs 5,532 crore for various state schemes.
This financial aid is provided to states without interest for a period of 50 years. Among the allocations, Rs 462 crore has been granted to the Energy Department for various projects. Additionally, the Center has allocated Rs 566 crore for the Energy Department under the Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme, bringing the total special assistance for the department to Rs 1,048 crore.
In addition to this, the following allocations have been made as part of the first installment:
- Road Construction: Rs 990 crore
- Rural Works: Rs 990 crore
- Health: Rs 462 crore
- Education: Rs 330 crore
- Water Resources: Rs 219.12 crore
- Public Health and Engineering: Rs 198 crore
The total approved amount for the Energy Department stands at Rs 700 crore, with Rs 462 crore already released in the first installment. Bihar’s Energy and Planning Development Minister, Bijendra Prasad Yadav, stated that this financial assistance would significantly boost Bihar’s development in the energy sector.
It’s noteworthy that the Nitish Kumar-led Bihar government has consistently demanded special state status or a special assistance package from the Central Government. This issue has been a point of contention recently. Following the release of the first installment, BJP leader and Union Minister Giriraj Singh shared his reaction on social media, informing the public about the disbursement of funds.
