Budget neglected interests of backward Bihar: Jitan Ram Manjhi

PATNA: Bihar Chief Minister Jitan Ram Manjhi on Thursday termed the Union Budget 'disappointing' as it neglected the interests of a backward state like Bihar.

Stating that the funds allocated for agriculture were like 'a drop in the ocean', Manjhi told reporters that there should have been arrangements for insurance and banking facilities for agricultural labourers.

The amount earmarked for power was meagre, while not much concern was expressed for promotion of education, he said.

Inadequate finance was announced for two central universities in Bihar, he said.

Stating that Bihar projects were ignored, he said announcement of special category status for Bihar, reimbursement of Rs 1000 crore spent by the state from its limited resources for upkeep of National Highways three year back were expected.