Rajasthan Assembly Approves 2024-25 Budget with Major Initiatives

The Rajasthan legislative assembly approved the state budget on Monday. Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma announced a Rs 2 crore concessional rate loan for youth to establish industries. He also declared reservations for Agniveers in police, forest guards, and jail guards.

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Sharma revealed that LPG cylinders would be provided to all National Food Security Act (NFSA) beneficiary families at Rs 450. Additionally, eligibility norms for the Common Entrance Test for state government services were relaxed.

Key Budget Announcements

The budget includes the purchase of 1,000 electric buses and Rs 750 crore for setting up the Rajasthan Institute of Medical Sciences, modelled after AIIMS. There will also be an annual increase in the salary, allowances, and pensions of MLAs.

During his speech on the Appropriation Bill-2024 and Finance Bill-2024, which were later passed by voice vote, Sharma stated that villages with populations over 10,000 would be connected to Atal Pragati Path. He also announced the creation of development authorities for Bikaner and Bharatpur UIT.

Support for Women and Youth

The Chief Minister emphasised support for women from needy families by providing LPG cylinders at Rs 450 to Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana and BPL category families. He extended this benefit to all NFSA wheat ration beneficiaries.

Sharma criticised the previous Congress government for its policies and financial mismanagement. He proposed changes to the Common Eligibility Test (CET) provisions to offer more opportunities to the state's youth in government recruitments.

Infrastructure and Development Plans

A new plan was announced for beautifying Jaipur's Dravyavati river. Sharma stated, "We do what we say. We have announced 1 lakh recruitments and we will fulfil it. Unlike the Congress, we do not make announcements in the air."

The Chief Minister assured that Agniveer youth would receive appointments in Police, RAC, Jail Prahari, and Forest Guard positions within the state. This aligns with similar provisions made for their appointment in Central Armed Forces.

Opposition's Reaction

Leader of Opposition Tikaram Jully criticised the budget as directionless and disappointing. He said, "This budget is directionless, disappointing, full of hollow claims and will take the state backward. I and my entire opposition, our party, strongly condemns it."

Deputy Chief Minister and Finance Minister Diya Kumari presented the budget in the Assembly on July 10. The House was adjourned until Tuesday following the budget session.

The Chief Minister highlighted that this year's budget aims to benefit all needy sections of society. He mentioned that the state government is progressing with a vision of Developed Rajasthan-2047.

Sharma concluded by stating that this budget reflects Sarvajan Hitaay's thinking and supports various societal segments including youth, farmers, labourers, women, poor, helpless individuals, and those most in need of government schemes.