‘No special package disappointing’

Patna: The state’s trade and industry bodies, as well as entrepreneurs, expressed mixed reactions to the Union Budget for the fiscal year 2022-2023. Certain associations expressed dissatisfaction, as they had anticipated a special package or special status for Bihar.
P K Agarwal, president of the Bihar Chamber of Commerce and Industries, told TOI on Tuesday, “We are quite disappointed that Bihar did not receive anything that we expected, whether it was special status or a special package.As a backward industrial and economic state, the Centre should have benefited the people of Bihar.”
He claimed that the Budget was acceptable from a national perspective. “There has been talk of connecting the Ganga with five rivers, which would benefit flood-ravaged Bihar,” Agarwal added.
Arun Agarwal, president of the Bihar Industries Association, pointed out, “As far as the nation is concerned, it is a balanced Budget that will boost the economy. Industries, urbanisation, and infrastructure will all benefit.”
He, however, added, “As this is a central Budget, there are no specific allocations for states, which is understandable, but we still hoped for something for Bihar.”
Subodh Kumar Goel, a chartered accountant, stated that the Budget focused on infrastructure, national highway expansion, clean climate and clean energy, among other things. “However, there is no mention of Bihar. Income tax and direct taxes remain unchanged. It is a somewhat depressing Budget for industries, commerce, and even Bihar,” he rued.
Abhishek Singh, secretary general of the Bihar Entrepreneur Association, said there were numerous job opportunities for youth in Bihar. “NABARD will establish a fund with blended capital to invest in agricultural start-ups and rural enterprises that contribute to the farm produce value chain. This is Bihar’s primary focus sector. Agriculture start-ups will benefit significantly,” he said.