New Delhi: In her seventh consecutive Union Budget for 2024–25, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman emphasised the government’s key priorities, including providing financial assistance to flood-prone states such as Bihar, Assam, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and Sikkim. These states have experienced significant losses due to floods and other natural calamities.
During the Monsoon Session of Parliament, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman presented the first Union Budget of the Modi 3.0 government and her seventh consecutive one. The budget session began on July 22 and is scheduled to conclude on August 12. In her budget speech, Sitharaman announced an allocation of Rs 11,500 crore for flood control measures in Bihar. Bihar, which often suffers from floods, will receive some relief as plans to construct flood control structures in Nepal are set to advance.
“Bihar has frequently suffered from floods, many of which originate outside the country. Plans to build flood control structures in Nepal are yet to progress. Through the accelerated irrigation benefit programme and other sources, our government will provide financial support for projects estimated at Rs 11,500 ore. These include the Kosi-Mechi intra-state link and 20 other ongoing and new schemes, such as barrages, river pollution abatement, and irrigation projects,” Sitharaman said in her Budget speech in the Lok Sabha.
Sitharaman stated that the central government will support Assam in flood management and related projects. “Assam struggles with widespread flooding, primarily from the Brahmaputra river and its tributaries that originate outside India. We will provide assistance for flood management and related projects in Assam,” said the Finance Minister.
Similar to Assam, the Finance Minister announced assistance for Himachal Pradesh’s reconstruction and rehabilitation. “Himachal Pradesh suffered extensive losses due to floods last year. Our government will support the state through multilateral development assistance,” Sitharaman said.
Sitharaman also announced aid for Uttarakhand, which suffered losses from cloudbursts and massive landslides. “Recently, Sikkim witnessed devastating flash floods and landslides that wreaked havoc across the state. Our government will provide assistance to Sikkim,” she added.
Former Bihar Chief Minister and RJD leader Rabri Devi expressed her dissatisfaction with the Union Budget, calling it a “jhunjhuna.” She emphasised that the flood situation had displaced many people, causing them to lose their homes and valuable belongings due to the heavy rains.