Patna: Bihar Government’s Finance Department, in collaboration with the Bihar Institute of Public Finance and Policy (BIPFP), organised a one-day workshop on “R&D Budget in Bihar” at Bapu Tower in Gardanibagh on August 14, 2026.
The workshop focused on shifting Bihar from a traditional expenditure-driven development model towards a knowledge, technology and innovation-led development model.
R&D to Become Part of Public Finance and Policy
The workshop highlighted that research and development should not be restricted to science, technology or IT departments. Its scope extends across several key sectors, including:
- Agriculture
- Health
- Education
- Disaster management
- Industry
- Social welfare
Speakers emphasised that achieving the vision of a developed Bihar will require R&D to become an integral part of public policy and public finance.
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R&D Budget to Be Treated as an Investment
Finance Department Secretary (Expenditure)-cum-Director, BIPFP, Rachna Patil (IAS), in her presidential address, reiterated the state’s commitment to institutionalising research and innovation within Bihar’s financial framework.
The workshop discussed the need to view R&D expenditure not merely as a cost but as an investment in improving future productivity and development outcomes.
Bihar Working on Separate R&D Budget Framework
During the technical sessions, successful R&D budgeting models adopted by other states were discussed.
Officials highlighted that:
- Kerala began preparing its R&D budget from FY 2023-24.
- Punjab started the process from FY 2025-26.
- Bihar is developing a clear classification framework based on these experiences.
- Existing R&D components hidden within departmental schemes will be identified.
- These components will be assessed on a pro-rata basis.
With this initiative, Bihar is set to become the third state in India to prepare a separate R&D budget.
Officials and Experts Attend Workshop
The workshop was attended by senior officials and experts, including Finance Department Secretary (Expenditure) Rachna Patil, Additional Secretary Sanjeev Mittal, and BIPFP faculty members Dr. Barna Ganguly and Dr. Bakshi Amit Kumar Sinha.
The discussions focused on creating a systematic approach to identifying, classifying and budgeting research and development activities across government departments.
Bihar’s Focus on Innovation-Led Growth
The initiative marks an effort by Bihar to integrate research, technology and innovation into its development planning and financial system. A dedicated R&D budgeting framework could help the state identify existing research-related spending and direct resources towards areas with greater potential for productivity, innovation and long-term economic development.
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