Key Highlights from the 2024-25 Rajasthan Budget

In the upcoming Rajasthan budget, people can expect a strong focus on agriculture, rural development, healthcare, and education. Increased subsidies for farmers, expanded irrigation facilities, and rural infrastructure projects are likely. Healthcare might see enhanced funding for hospitals, free medicines, and rural health programs. Education could receive a boost with investments in smart classrooms, scholarships, and digital learning tools for students. Job creation may be prioritized through skill development programs, support for startups, and industrial growth. Renewable energy initiatives, urban infrastructure development, and tax reforms to promote businesses and tourism are also anticipated to drive economic and social progress.

In her budget speech for the fiscal year 2024-25, delivered on July 10, 2024, Rajasthan’s Deputy Chief Minister and Finance Minister, Diya Kumari, outlined several key initiatives aimed at the state’s development. Here are ten highlights from her address:

1. Economic Growth Target: The government set an ambitious goal to transform Rajasthan into a $350 billion economy, focusing on sustainable and inclusive growth.
   
2. Infrastructure Development: Plans were announced for the construction of nine greenfield expressways, spanning over 2,750 kilometers, to enhance connectivity and boost economic activities across the state.
   
3. Employment Generation: A commitment was made to create over 400,000 new jobs within the next five years, aiming to reduce unemployment and provide opportunities for the youth.
    
4. Healthcare Investment: The health sector received an allocation of ₹27,660 crore, representing 8.2% of the state’s total budget, to improve medical facilities and services.
   
5. Agricultural Support: Initiatives included the provision of 145,000 new agricultural electricity connections and the establishment of 500 new Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) to support farmers.
   
6. Women’s Empowerment: The “Lakhpati Didi” scheme’s target was increased from 500,000 to 1.5 million women, aiming to promote financial independence among women through self-help groups.
   
7. Environmental Initiatives: The “Hariyalo Rajasthan Mission” was launched with a budget of ₹4,000 crore to promote afforestation and environmental conservation across the state.
   
8. Educational Enhancements: Plans were made to distribute tablets with free internet access to students who excel in their 8th, 10th, and 12th-grade examinations, aiming to support digital learning.
   
9. Tax Reforms: The government announced a reduction in Value Added Tax (VAT) on Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) to 10%, aiming to promote cleaner energy usage.
    
10. Tourism Development: An allocation of ₹30 crore was made for the development of key tourist sites, including the Ramgarh crater in Baran, Sambhar Lake in Jaipur, and the fossil park in Jaisalmer, to boost tourism.

These initiatives reflect the government’s comprehensive approach to fostering economic growth, infrastructure development, social welfare, and environmental sustainability in Rajasthan.