Jharkhand News: Finance Minister Radha Krishna Kishore Presents ₹11,697.45 Crore Supplementary Budget for Welfare Schemes

Ranchi,December 11, 2024: During the third day of the special session of the Jharkhand Assembly, Finance Minister Radha Krishna Kishore presented a supplementary budget worth ₹11,697.45 crore. The budget focuses on bolstering welfare schemes, including significant allocations for women, children and social security, underscoring the government’s commitment to inclusive development.

Major Allocations in the Supplementary Budget

The supplementary budget outlines specific allocations for various key departments:

1. Women, Child Development and Social Security:
   • A significant portion of ₹6,390.55 crore has been allocated to ensure the implementation of welfare schemes under this department.Proposals include:
     • Monthly installments of ₹2,500 for beneficiaries under the Maiya Samman Yojana.₹1,000 monthly pension for beneficiaries of the Sarvajan Pension Yojana.
   While these benefits aim to support vulnerable populations, the government has clarified that December’s installment may face minor delays.
2. Energy Department:
   • ₹2,577.92 crore has been allocated to offset expenses under the electricity bill waiver scheme, ensuring smoother implementation and relief for consumers.
3. Home, Prison and Disaster Management Department:
   • ₹445.96 crore is earmarked for strengthening infrastructure and disaster preparedness.
4. School Education and Literacy Department:
   • An additional ₹301.89 crore and ₹245 crore have been sought to enhance educational initiatives and infrastructure.

Government’s Commitment to Welfare

Finance Minister Radha Krishna Kishore emphasized the supplementary budget as a strategic move to address the financial requirements of ongoing and proposed welfare schemes. The government is focused on fulfilling promises made to the people of Jharkhand and ensuring that developmental programs are executed efficiently.

Key Welfare Programs Highlighted

• Maiya Samman Yojana:
  Targeted at women beneficiaries, this scheme aims to provide financial independence and security through monthly disbursements of ₹2,500.
• Sarvajan Pension Yojana:
  Designed to support the elderly, widows and differently-abled individuals, this scheme ensures ₹1,000 as a monthly pension to eligible recipients.
• Electricity Bill Waiver Scheme:
  Aimed at providing relief to consumers, this allocation ensures the financial sustainability of the initiative, benefiting households across the state.

A Progressive Budget for Inclusive Development

This supplementary budget showcases the Jharkhand government’s intent to prioritize welfare and development. By allocating funds to critical areas like women empowerment, social security, energy and education, the administration is working towards creating a balanced approach to development.