Rajasthan Budget; State Aims For Nine Greenfield Express Ways, 4 Lakh Jobs

Making a series of announcement, Rajasthan Deputy Chief Minister and Finance Minister Diya Kumari presented the Rajasthan Budget. The announcement included four lakh recruitments in five years, construction of nine greenfield expressways, new tourism policy and reduction in VAT on cooking gas and CNG from 14.5 per cent to 10 per cent.

The Budget speech lasted for 2 hour and 51 minutes.

creation of more than 1 lakh job opportunities this year through various recruitment drives was main among the other announcements. Deputy CM Kumari also proposed a pioneering ‘Youth Policy-2024’, designed to empower young people with apprenticeship and internship programs, as well as AI-based counseling.

Recognizing the potential of emerging sectors, she revealed plans to develop an integrated system for enhanced resource mobilization in online gaming, e-commerce, and OTT platforms.

Also Read: Jalandhar West Assembly Seat Registers 55 Pc Voter Turnout In Bypolls

Infrastructure development took center stage with the proposal for nine greenfield expressways spanning over 2,750 km. Additionally, she introduced a new ‘Industrial Policy 2024’ focused on Ease of Doing Business, alongside Export Promotion and Garment and Apparel Policies to stimulate economic growth.

Investments in specialized industrial parks were also outlined, including Textile, Ceramic, Industrial and Logistical, Solar Panel Manufacturing, Biomass Pellet and Chemical Manufacturing, Tiles Manufacturing, and Handicraft Parks across various regions of Rajasthan.

In a significant environmental initiative, Deputy CM Kumari committed to connecting all government offices to solar energy and ensuring domestic electricity connections for over two lakh households currently without power.

Women and self-help groups were focus points in Rajasthan Budget

Addressing basic amenities, she announced a substantial budget allocation of Rs 15,000 crore to provide tap water to 25 lakh rural homes and pledged low-interest loans for women in self-help groups. Finance Minister announced free tablets and internet access for meritorious students.

The budget further earmarked funds for establishing a defense manufacturing hub and developing tourism infrastructure, including the Rajasthan Mandapam and a corridor for the Khatu Shyam Ji temple.

Educational reforms included transforming engineering colleges into Rajasthan Institute of Technology campuses and improving facilities in schools.

To support entrepreneurship, Deputy CM Kumari unveiled the Atal Udyam Yojana and allocated Rs 25 crore for startups.

Financial projections included revenue receipts of Rs 2.64 lakh crore, revenue expenditures of Rs 2.90 lakh crore, and a revenue deficit of Rs 25,758 crore. The government estimated the fiscal deficit at 3.93% of the Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP).

This budget reflects Rajasthan’s commitment to inclusive growth, environmental sustainability, and economic resilience in the face of evolving global challenges.