Union Budget 2025: Major Allocations for Bihar

• 04 Feb 2025

Why in News? 

Recently, the Union Finance Minister announced a series of projects for Bihar in Budget speech 2025. 

 Key Points 

• Boost for Foxnut Farmers: 
  • The newly announced Makhana Board will enhance production, processing, value addition, and marketing of foxnuts. 
  • Mithila Makhana received a Geographical Indication (GI) tag in 2022, with Bihar contributing 80% of India’s total production. 
  • The initiative is expected to benefit over five lakh farmers, particularly in Darbhanga, Madhubani, Sitamarhi, Saharsa, Katihar, Purnia, Kishanganj, Araria, Supaul, and Madhepura. 
• Expansion of Aviation Infrastructure: 
  • New greenfield airports in Bihar to meet future demands. 
  • Capacity expansion of Patna airport and the development of a brownfield airport at Bihta are also planned. 
• Investment in Education and Infrastructure: 
  • Additional funds will be allocated for capital investments, and Bihar’s requests for external assistance from multilateral development banks will be fast-tracked. 
  • A National Institute of Food Technology, Entrepreneurship, and Management will be set up under the Purvodaya initiative to develop eastern India. 
  • Infrastructure expansion, including hostels, is planned for the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Patna. 
• Temple and Tourism Development: 
  • The Budget pledges support for the comprehensive development of the Vishnupad and Mahabodhi temple corridors, modeled after the Kashi Vishwanath temple corridor. 
  • Nalanda will be developed as a major tourist center, with efforts to restore Nalanda University to its historical prominence. 

 Vishnupad Temple and the Mahabodhi Temple 

• Vishnupad Temple at Gaya:  
  • It is situated on the banks of the Phalgu/Falgu river in Gaya district of  Bihar. The temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. 
  • Legend:  
    • According to local mythology, a demon named Gayasur requested the gods to grant him the power to help others attain moksha (liberation from the cycle of rebirth).  
    • However, after misusing this power, Lord Vishnu subdued him, leaving a footprint in the temple, believed to be a mark of that event. 
  • Architectural Features:  
    • The temple stands about 100 feet tall and features 44 pillars constructed from large gray granite blocks (Munger Black stone) joined with iron clamps.  
    • The octagonal shrine is oriented towards the east. 
  • Construction:  
    • It was constructed in 1787 under the orders of Queen Ahilyabai Holkar. 
  • Cultural Practices:  
    • The temple is particularly significant during Pitra Paksha, a period dedicated to honoring ancestors, attracting many devotees. 
    • The Brahma Kalpit Brahmins, also referred to as Gayawal Brahmins, have been the traditional priests of the temple since ancient times. 
• Mahabodhi Temple at Bodh Gaya:  
  • It is believed to be the site where Gautam Buddha attained enlightenment under the Mahabodhi Tree. 
  • Construction of Temple:  
    • The original temple was built by Emperor Ashoka in the 3^rd century BC, with the current structure dating back to the 5^th–6^th centuries. 
  • Architectural Features:  
    • It comprises the 50 m high grand temple (the Vajrasana), sacred Bodhi Tree and other 6 sacred sites of Buddha's enlightenment. 
    • It is surrounded by numerous ancient Votive stupas, well maintained and protected by inner, middle and outer circular boundaries. 
    • It is one of the earliest brick temples from the Gupta period, influencing later brick architecture. 
    • The  Vajrasana (the Diamond Throne) was originally installed by Emperor Asoka to mark the spot where Buddha sat and meditated.