National

Jharkhand’s Abua Budget 2025-26: Aspirations, Critiques, and Upcoming Challenges

Published

1 year ago

March 4, 2025

The Jharkhand government’s Abua Budget 2025-26 is stirring debate, with the ruling party championing it as progressive while the opposition criticizes it as lacking foresight and riddled with electoral promises.

Key features include an emphasis on education, employment, pensions, agriculture, and industry, with a total allocation of ₹1,45,400 crore. The business community’s reactions have been mixed, as they appreciate the investment targets but call for improved execution.

Youths have voiced their discontent over the absence of concrete job creation initiatives. While the government asserts that the budget will bolster Jharkhand’s economy, its true effectiveness hinges on successful implementation in the months ahead.

Former Chief Minister and BJP state president Babulal Marandi characterized the budget as ambitious in scope but deficient in substance. He criticized it for lacking a clear strategy to address unemployment and poverty, and accused the government of not delivering on its pre-election promises.

Hazaribagh MP Manish Jaiswal also expressed dissatisfaction, labeling the budget as misleading and lacking direction. He highlighted the government’s previous commitment to creating one million jobs, which the budget fails to address, and criticized the shortage of industrial investment as well as the absence of major new projects for the state.

Concerns were raised regarding welfare programs for women, farmers, and pensioners. Jaiswal questioned the efficacy of the Maiyan Samman Yojana, suggesting it may not benefit many women. He also pointed out that, despite the government’s prior commitment to increasing pensions for widows, seniors, and the disabled to ₹2,500, the budget lacks a specific provision for this increase.

In contrast, Supriyo Bhattacharya, general secretary of the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM), defended the budget as visionary and inclusive. He described it as a roadmap for the state’s development, emphasizing education, employment, healthcare, agriculture, social security, and industrial growth. He dismissed the opposition’s criticisms, asserting that the budget lays the groundwork for a more robust and prosperous Jharkhand.

Highlights of the budget include the introduction of the Student Research and Innovation Policy 2025 to enhance higher education, support for MSMEs and tourism as vital sectors, and the revival of the Old Pension Scheme (OPS) through the establishment of a pension fund. It also prioritizes seed conservation and improved agricultural management.

While the business community has expressed both hope and caution, with Paresh Gattani, president of the Jharkhand Chamber of Commerce and Industries, welcoming the government’s attention to industrial concerns, he stressed the need for a more effective single-window clearance system. He also appreciated the ₹20,000 crore investment target. Chamber general secretary Aditya Malhotra praised the focus on infrastructure and tourism, yet called for extra measures to boost industrial growth.

Nevertheless, many young people remain disappointed by the lack of specific job creation strategies. Ranjan Chaudhary, a youth from Hazaribagh, expressed his hope for a robust employment policy, only to find the budget lacking in this regard. He noted that, without better job opportunities in Jharkhand, many young individuals might feel compelled to seek employment in other states.

Although the government is optimistic that this budget will render Jharkhand more self-reliant and economically stable, the opposition has raised questions about its efficacy. The business community has adopted a balanced perspective, recognizing both the potential benefits and challenges. Ultimately, the effectiveness of this budget will be determined by its implementation and will shape Jharkhand’s economy and its citizens in the coming years.

National

Man Allegedly Kills Wife, Children, Teen Girl and Her Family

Published

1 week ago

July 11, 2026

Namma Kudla

Hyderabad: A 35-year-old man, identified as Rajkumar, allegedly killed his wife, two young sons, a 17-year-old girl who had accused him of sexual harassment, and the girl’s mother and grandmother in Telangana’s Ranga Reddy district.

Police said Rajkumar first killed his wife, Parvathi Saritha (30), and their two sons at their home in Shabad on Friday night. He then allegedly kidnapped the teenage girl, murdered her, and later killed her mother and grandmother.

The accused had been arrested in May under the POCSO Act for allegedly stalking and sexually harassing the girl. He was granted anticipatory bail about a week before the murders.

After the crime, Rajkumar reportedly called his father and confessed before switching off his phone. He is currently absconding, and police have launched a manhunt. The investigation is underway.

National

Wedding celebration Dispute for Served Chicken promising Mutton

Published

1 week ago

July 11, 2026

Namma Kudla

Bihar: A wedding celebration in Bihar turned violent after a dispute over the food served at the reception. Around 12 people were injured in the clash.

The incident took place in Simri Bakhtiyarpur town of Saharsa district on Thursday.

According to officials, the nikah of Mohammad Abdullah alias Chand, son of Mohammad Anwar, was held with the daughter of Mohammad Javed alias Moto at around 3 pm. The wedding ceremony was completed peacefully.

The trouble began during the wedding feast. Members of the groom’s family claimed they had been promised mutton for the meal. However, they were served chicken instead.

The groom’s side objected to the change in the menu. This led to a heated argument between the two families. The argument soon turned into a physical fight.

Several people from both sides were involved in the clash. Some guests were allegedly beaten with sticks. Videos shared on social media also showed people waving swords during the violence.

Around 12 people suffered injuries in the incident. They were admitted to the Sub-Divisional Hospital in Simri Bakhtiyarpur for treatment.

Police reached the venue and brought the situation under control. A case has been registered, and an investigation is underway.

National

Daughter Held for Mother’s Murder; Father’s Death Also Under Scanner?

Published

1 week ago

July 11, 2026

Namma Kudla

Jaipur: A 23-year-old woman, Ayushi Sharma, who was arrested for allegedly plotting her mother’s murder to obtain a government job, is now facing fresh allegations linked to her father’s death.

Ayushi’s uncle has claimed that the death of her father, Vijay Sharma, may not have been natural. He has demanded a police investigation into the case. Police have started looking into the allegation.

According to the police, Ayushi planned the murder of her mother, Neeraj Sharma, with the help of her uncle Mohan Swaroop and her relative Balram alias Ravi. The motive was to gain control of family property and secure her mother’s government job.

Police said the accused paid Rs.7 lakh to contract killers to carry out the murder. The attackers allegedly rammed an SUV into Neeraj Sharma and tried to make it look like a road accident.

Neeraj Sharma, 45, was working as a Lower Division Clerk (LDC) in a court. On July 3, she was returning home after dropping her son at tuition when a speeding Scorpio SUV allegedly hit her near Pratap Nagar. She was thrown nearly 100 feet and died on the spot. The accused fled after the incident.

During the investigation, police examined CCTV footage from the area. They found that the incident was not an accident but a planned murder. The investigation later exposed the conspiracy.

Police have arrested seven people, including Ayushi Sharma, in connection with the case. One accused is still absconding, and efforts are underway to arrest him.

Police said Neeraj Sharma had received the government job on compassionate grounds after the death of her husband about a year ago. Investigators believe Ayushi wanted the job for herself. Police also said there had been a property dispute between the mother and daughter for the past two to three years.

During questioning, Ayushi allegedly told police that she wanted her late father’s government job. However, after his death, the job was given to her mother. She reportedly admitted that this disappointment, along with the property dispute, became the reason for planning the murder.