In a landmark move, Rajasthan Finance Minister Diya Kumari unveiled a dynamic interim budget for the state, placing a strong emphasis on holistic development and addressing long-standing disparities. The budget, presented on Thursday, outlined key initiatives totaling Rs 1,000 crore, aimed at establishing and upgrading essential infrastructure such as schools, colleges, hospitals, and administrative buildings across assembly constituencies.
One of the flagship programs announced is the "Mukhyamantri Jal Swavlamban Abhiyan," a visionary initiative to create 5 lakh water harvesting structures in 20,000 villages over the next four years. This ambitious project, backed by a substantial provision of Rs 11,200 crore, reflects the government's commitment to sustainable water management and rural development.
Finance Minister Diya Kumari highlighted the neglect of certain constituencies by the previous administration, citing areas like Ladpura, Nasirabad, Siwana, Ahor, Dag, and Malpura. To rectify this imbalance, the budget allocates funds to set up and upgrade additional educational institutions, healthcare facilities, and administrative buildings in these overlooked regions.
Addressing the pressing issue of traffic congestion in Jaipur city, Kumari announced the preparation of a Detailed Project Report for the expansion of the Jaipur Metro from Sitapura to Ambabari. This strategic move aims to enhance transportation infrastructure and alleviate the challenges posed by increasing urban traffic.
Furthermore, the budget revealed plans for the second phase of the "Mukhyamantri Jal Swavlamban Abhiyan," which seeks to amplify its impact by creating additional water harvesting structures in villages, fostering sustainability and resilience in rural communities.
In a bid to address unemployment, the budget unveiled a recruitment drive to fill 70,000 positions, providing a significant boost to the state's workforce. This initiative aligns with the government's commitment to fostering economic growth and creating opportunities for its citizens.
As per constitutional provisions, this interim budget, presented under Article 116, serves as a vote on account to meet essential government expenditure for a limited period until the full budget for 2024-25 is presented in July. The forward-looking policies and strategic allocations outlined in this interim budget set the stage for a transformative year ahead, promising a more equitable and prosperous Rajasthan.
