The finance ministry said Bihar is in line to receive Rs 9,640 crore, or 17%, of funds, with Madhya Pradesh next. Opposition-ruled states have cornered Rs 41,566 crore, almost three-fourth so far, with West Bengal, Rajasthan and Odisha among top beneficiaries (see graphic).
“Capital investment projects in diverse sectors havebeen approved, including health, education, irrigation, water supply, power, roads, bridges and railways. Funds for meeting the state’s share of Jal Jeevan Mission and Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana have also been provided to enhance pace of the projects in these sectors,” the official release said. Bihar is seen to be ahead of the pack in implementing the water supply scheme to households.
Under the scheme, in 2023-24, special assistance is being provided to the states through 50-year interest-free loans up to Rs 1. 3 lakh crore. While there are eight components, the biggest, of Rs 1 lakh, is linked to the share of taxes and duties as prescribed by the 15th Finance Commission, along with compliance with the reforms proposed by the Centre.