Bihar’s Special Status Request Denied by Finance Minister Pankaj Chaudhary
New Delhi [India], July 22: Minister of State for Finance Pankaj Chaudhary has stated that Bihar cannot be granted special status according to the 2012 Inter-Ministerial Group (IMG) report. This announcement came in response to a demand from JD(U), a key ally in the National Democratic Alliance (NDA), for special status for Bihar.
In a written reply to JD(U) MP Ramprit Mandal, Chaudhary explained that the National Development Council (NDC) had previously granted special status to states with specific characteristics such as hilly terrain, low population density, strategic location, economic backwardness, and non-viable state finances. The IMG report concluded that Bihar does not meet these criteria.
Other states, including Andhra Pradesh and Odisha, have also requested special status. Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leader Manoj Kumar Jha emphasized that Bihar has been seeking special status and a special package since its division from Jharkhand. He called for changes in central government policies towards Bihar.
The Budget Session of Parliament, which began on Monday, will have 16 sittings over 22 days. Union Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Kiren Rijiju stated that the session will focus on financial business related to the Union Budget for 2024-25, which will be presented to Lok Sabha on July 23.
Doubts Revealed
Bihar -: Bihar is a state in eastern India. It is known for its rich history and cultural heritage.
Special Status -: Special status is a classification given to some states in India that allows them to receive extra financial help from the central government.
Finance Minister -: The Finance Minister is a government official responsible for managing the country’s money and economic policies.
Pankaj Chaudhary -: Pankaj Chaudhary is the Minister of State for Finance in India. He helps in managing the country’s finances.
2012 Inter-Ministerial Group report -: This is a report made by a group of ministers in 2012 to decide which states should get special status.
JD(U) -: JD(U) stands for Janata Dal (United), a political party in India, mainly active in Bihar.
National Development Council -: The National Development Council is a group that includes the Prime Minister and other important leaders who plan and approve development projects for India.
Andhra Pradesh -: Andhra Pradesh is a state in southern India, known for its technology industry and rich culture.
Odisha -: Odisha is a state in eastern India, famous for its ancient temples and beautiful beaches.
Budget Session of Parliament -: This is a special time when India’s Parliament meets to discuss and approve the country’s budget for the next year.
Union Budget for 2024-25 -: The Union Budget is a detailed plan of the government’s income and expenses for the year 2024-25.