India, Feb. 1 -- With an eye on the Bihar polls due later this year, Union finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Saturday announced measures for job creation and infrastructure development including green-field airports.

In her budget speech, she said airports in Patna and Bettiah will also be upgraded. Sitharaman, who draped a Madhubani sari designed by Padma awardee Dulari Devi, announced additional support for the Western Kosi Canal project and the setting up of a Makhana Board and the National Institute of Food Technology.

Sanjay Jha, the working president of Bihar's ruling Janata Dal (United) or JD(U), said the establishment of a Makhana Board in Bihar will unlock new opportunities for fox nut farmers and entrepreneurs. "This init...