Key highlights of the CAG report:

* Revenue Surplus: Uttarakhand recorded a surplus of ₹5,310 crore in fiscal year 2022-23.
* Overall Progress: This achievement indicates a remarkable improvement in the state’s financial position.
* Evidence of Economic Strength: Once associated with the ‘Bimaru’ category, Uttarakhand has now demonstrated sound financial management.
* Positive Economic Transformation: Despite previous challenges in financial discipline, the state achieved this feat through prudent management and transparent policies.

Chaudhary emphasized that this is a significant step towards boosting industrial investment. He highlighted the NDA government’s efforts to promote industries, create employment opportunities, and strengthen the state’s economy under the leadership of Nitish Kumar. The government recently approved the New Industrial Policy 2025 and the financial incentive clearance for the readymade garments unit. He added that such investments would generate new employment opportunities in Bihar and give a new direction to the industrial development of the state.

The Deputy Chief Minister also addressed the Bihar Idea Festival held at Bapu Auditorium in Patna. He stated that Bihar is rapidly progressing towards industrial development. He mentioned that Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman have provided industrial corridors for the development of Bihar. An industrial corridor is under construction in Gaya, spanning 1700 acres, with the Bihar government providing an additional 1300 acres of land. The Deputy CM requested Union Minister Piyush Goyal for at least four more industrial corridors, citing the needs of Bihar’s 14 crore population. Goyal responded by immediately acknowledging the request and announced the construction of four industrial corridors in different areas of Bihar. Goyal also praised the New Bihar Industrial Investment Promotion Package-2025, calling it the simplest and most generous package in the country.

Chaudhary thanked Union Minister Goyal, stating that it is a historic time when, under the leadership of Nitish Kumar, they are moving forward to establish industries that will provide employment to not just thousands, but lakhs of people. He noted Bihar’s progress under the guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the leadership of Nitish Kumar.

The Deputy Chief Minister highlighted the state’s improved infrastructure, including a network of world-class roads, allowing travel from Patna to any corner of the state within four to five hours. Bihar is also advancing in rail expansion, with 13 Vande Bharat trains in operation. Marine drives are being constructed along the Ganga River from Digha to Koilwar and Munger to Bhagalpur. Five major expressway projects have been approved.

Chaudhary also noted that 17 ethanol plants have been established in the state. Corn, wheat, and even rice husk are being processed to produce ethanol. Bihar has provided employment to approximately 40 lakh people in the last five years. The target for 2025-30 is to provide one crore government jobs and employment.

He added that Prime Minister Modi has given Bihar schemes worth 1.65 lakh crore rupees. On September 15th, he will inaugurate and lay the foundation for projects worth approximately 50,000 crore rupees in Purnia. Following the Darbhanga Airport, the Purnia Airport will be inaugurated on September 15th. This will be Bihar’s largest runway airport.

Chaudhary stated that Bihar is currently producing and consuming 9,000 megawatts of electricity. The state has created a conducive environment for industries with roads, electricity, and the New Industrial Policy 2025. He predicted that industrialists would come to Bihar without invitation in the next two years. He concluded by saying that Bihar’s progress is essential for the nation’s progress, emphasizing the importance of industries becoming Bihar’s identity, and that the prosperity of Bihar will lead to the prosperity of the nation.

Shinde stated that his government had provided 10% reservation, which the Maratha community continues to benefit from. He highlighted initiatives through ‘Sarathi,’ providing interest-free loans, and hostels, which have aided the community’s progress in UPSC and MPSC exams. He also pointed out that the previous government led by Devendra Fadnavis had also granted reservation, but the Maha Vikas Aghadi government failed to maintain it.

Shinde emphasized the government’s commitment to ensuring the Maratha community’s economic backwardness is addressed and the granted reservation is sustained. He questioned Thackeray’s actions during his time in office, asking why meetings weren’t convened and why the opposition is now criticizing their efforts. Shinde asserted that those critical of the current administration should clarify their stance and address the lack of action during their own tenure.

Before this, Uddhav Thackeray stated that justice had to be sought in Mumbai. He referenced Fadnavis’s previous comments, implying that he would have granted justice if he were in power. Thackeray also questioned why the Marathas, who were allegedly used and discarded, now don’t receive the reservation that is needed.

He highlighted that the state has a government of the people, unlike in many other states, where the situation of tribals and minorities is concerning. He cited the example of Ladakh, where despite Somon Wangchu not receiving a Padma Shri, the central government seemed intent on undermining his work.

The CM also discussed new amendment laws, questioning the rationale behind a provision that could remove a legislator after 30 days in jail, implying a hidden agenda. He asserted that every vote holds equal value in the electoral process. He pointed to instances of vote deletions in Bihar and questioned why no action was taken against election commissioners, while judges face impeachment for mistakes.

He accused the opposition of engaging in superficial actions and event management to mislead people. The CM also mentioned that the invitation to the President for Birsa Munda’s birth anniversary was withdrawn at the last moment and questioned the progress of the PM’s announced work plan, suggesting a return to empty promises.

Soren further stated that the state’s mineral resources have enriched many, creating billionaires and millionaires, and that the state has suffered as a result. He noted that the Prime Minister’s Office monitors the auctioning of coal, iron ore, and bauxite mines, which he fears will lead to an overemphasis on mining at the expense of other development. He also criticized the political exploitation of the ‘RIMS Two’ project, alleging the use of funds to create opposition.

The CM accused the opposition of manipulating constitutional institutions with money and of forming fraudulent political parties in Gujarat. He concluded by saying that Jharkhand has overcome many challenges and is being viewed as a model. He urged the opposition to consider the interests of Jharkhand and cooperate with the government with a positive approach. Finally, he questioned whether the opposition aims to make the country a ‘Vishwaguru’ or simply enrich themselves and their business partners and mentioned the proposal to award Bharat Ratna to Dishom Guru Shibu Soren by the Jharkhand Assembly.

The cabinet has decided that the necessary 2 kg of chickpeas distributed monthly under the PDS to Antyodaya and priority category families residing in the scheduled areas and MADA pocket areas of the state will be procured by the Civil Supplies Corporation through the NeML e-auction platform. This procurement will be done at a transaction/service charge of 0.25% or less, as approved for the financial year 2024-25.

Furthermore, the cabinet has directed that beneficiaries who did not collect chickpeas from July 2025 to November 2025, be provided with their entitlement by December 2025.

Another key decision involves the development of Nava Raipur as an IT hub. The cabinet decided to allocate a 90-acre land plot at a discounted premium rate to encourage the establishment of Information Technology (IT/IITS) industries in Nava Raipur. This move aims to attract investment in the IT sector and boost industrial development. The availability of land at a concessional rate will facilitate private sector participation and create new employment opportunities. This initiative is expected to promote not only technical and economic activities in Nava Raipur, but also strengthen the settlement and urbanization processes. The establishment of IT companies will lead to the development of infrastructure in the area, which will directly and indirectly benefit local residents.

The decisions were made during a cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai. Two key bills were approved: the Chhattisgarh Goods and Services Tax (Amendment) Bill 2025 and the Chhattisgarh Arrears Tax, Interest and Penalty Settlement (Amendment) Bill 2025. These bills will be presented in the monsoon session of the assembly. Their implementation will facilitate business for small traders and promote ease of doing business.

The cabinet also approved several changes to the GST provisions. Input Service Distributors can now distribute the reverse charge mechanism (RCM) of IGST in their branch offices. Additionally, the requirement for a 20% deposit for appeals, where tax demands are not involved, has been reduced to 10%. The provisions for ‘time of supply’ have also been removed. The government is also implementing a track and trace mechanism for demerit goods like tobacco. Furthermore, purchases and sales of goods held in Special Economic Zones (SEZs) have been excluded from GST.