- By Aditya Pratap Singh
- Wed, 10 Jul 2024 02:48 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
Rajasthan budget 2024-25: Rajasthan's Deputy Chief Minister Diya Kumari, who also holds the finance portfolio, presented the state budget in the assembly after the Bharatiya Janata Party formed the government in the last Assembly elections. This is the first full budget of the new BJP government in the state. Earlier, she presented an interim budget in February. She announced four lakh new recruitments in the budget and free tables for students in her budget speech.
Below are the key announcements in Rajasthan Budget 2024-25
Free tablets For students
One of the most prominent features of the budget is the government's focus on education and youth empowerment. Kumari announced the setting up of 20 new Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) across the state. To support students, the government will provide free tablets and internet connections to those who excel in the eighth, tenth, and twelfth grades. In addition, new training programs will be introduced to enhance employment opportunities. To promote innovation and entrepreneurship, Rs 25 lakh has been allocated for start-up programs, with a major sum of Rs 20 lakh allocated for business innovation programs in colleges.
Rs. 250 crore for Maharana Pratap Sports University
The budget allocates Rs. 250 crore for setting up the Maharana Pratap Sports University. New departmental-level sports colleges will be built with an investment of Rs. 50 crore. Under the 'One District - One Sport' scheme, grassroots sports academies will be established in each district, in addition to the mission of modernizing sports. Athletes who win medals will benefit from the new sports life insurance plan, which offers a coverage of Rs. 25 lakh.
Infrastructure and water supply
The budget specifies significant investments in infrastructure and water supply. This year, Rs. 15,000 crore will be spent to provide tap water to 25,000 rural families. Six major projects, worth more than Rs. 20,000 crore, aim to deliver drinking water to an additional 5,846 villages. The government also plans to rejuvenate 32 water bodies under the Amrit 2.0 scheme, improving water availability in 183 cities.
Transportation and roads
Rajasthan's transport sector will see major improvements with the procurement of 500 new buses, including 300 electric buses. In addition, the government will lease 800 buses and hire 1,650 employees to enhance public transportation. Modern bus stands will be built in 10 districts, including Ajmer, Kota, Bharatpur, and Udaipur. The electric buses will serve major cities like Bikaner and Bharatpur.
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Rs. 5,000 crore for tourism development
Recognizing the vital role of tourism in the state's economy, with 20,000 families depending on it, the government has allocated Rs. 5,000 crore for tourism development over the next five years. A new tourism policy and tourism development council will be established. The investments will promote heritage, religious, and eco-tourism, with Rs. 200 crore allocated to enhance 20 tourism sites. The Rajasthan Heritage Conservation Board will develop archaeological and heritage sites.
Library and Internet connection
To address the digital divide, Rs. 150 crore has been allocated for libraries and Wi-Fi connectivity in urban areas. In addition, Dr. Shyama Prasad Mukherjee's District Upliftment Plan will be launched with a budget of Rs. 500 crore to address basic needs and issues in each district.
Two new solar parks are to be set up
The budget also focuses on green energy, with plans to set up two new solar parks in Jaisalmer and Bhogal. All government offices will gradually convert to solar energy. Over the next two years, 208,000 households will get local electricity connections and an ideal solar village will be developed under the Prime Minister's Surya Ghar Yojana. To reduce electricity leakage, 25,000 smart meters will be installed this year.
Khatu Shyam Corridor
In a nod to cultural heritage, a corridor will be built for the Khatu Shyam Ji Temple, on the lines of the Kashi Vishwanath corridor, at a cost of Rs. 100 crore. Electric cars will be offered to visitors at Bandopul, Alwar, and Trintra Ganesh, Ranthambore.