In its Revised Budget for 2024-25, the Rajasthan Government has unveiled a wide range of social welfare initiatives designed to promote inclusive development and improve the overall quality of life for its citizens. This detailed article explores these schemes, outlining their key objectives, financial allocations, and the anticipated outcomes.
Rajasthan Budget 2024-25 – Overview
The key fiscal indicators of the Rajasthan Budget for 2024-25 are as follows:
- Estimated Revenue Receipts: ₹2,64,461.29 crore
- Estimated Revenue Expenditure: ₹2,90,219.40 crore
- Estimated Revenue Deficit: ₹25,758.11 crore
- Estimated Fiscal Deficit: ₹70,009.47 crore (3.93% of GSDP)
Key Social Welfare Schemes
- Jal Jeevan Mission (Drinking Water Initiatives)
- Objective: To ensure access to clean drinking water for rural households and urban areas.
- Allocations:
- ₹15,000 crores for providing drinking water to 25 lakh rural households.
- ₹20,370 crores for the development of six major drinking water projects.
- ₹5,180 crores for improving drinking water infrastructure in 183 cities/towns under the AMRUT 2.0 Scheme.
- Energy Sector Initiatives
- Objective: To ensure sustainable energy production and meet the growing electricity demands.
- Allocations:
- ₹2,25,000 crores allocated for meeting energy requirements up to 2031-32.
- Development of solar parks and renewable energy projects.
- Provision of solar-based electricity for government offices.
- Infrastructure Development
- Objective: To improve road connectivity and enhance urban infrastructure.
- Allocations:
- ₹60,000 crores for expanding and upgrading a 53,000 km road network.
- ₹9,000 crores for the development of state highways, flyovers, and bridges.
- Investment in the construction and maintenance of greenfield expressways and urban amenities.
- Industrial Development
- Objective: To drive industrial growth and create new employment opportunities.
- Policies and Allocations:
- Introduction of the Industrial Policy-2024, Export Promotion Policy, and Garment & Apparel Policy.
- Development of the Rajasthan Petro Zone (RPZ) and the Defense Manufacturing Hub.
- Establishment of various industrial parks and centers of excellence to foster innovation and growth.
- Tourism, Art, and Culture
- Objective: To promote tourism and preserve Rajasthan’s rich cultural heritage.
- Allocations:
- Establishment of the Rajasthan Tourism Development Board and the Rajasthan Tourism Infrastructure and Capacity Building Fund.
- ₹200 crores allocated for the development of major tourist destinations.
- Focus on the growth of eco-tourism sites and heritage conservation projects across the state.
- Youth Development and Welfare
- Objective: To empower the youth through enhanced education and employment opportunities.
- Allocations:
- Recruitment of 4 lakh individuals over the next five years.
- Introduction of the Youth Policy-2024, along with various apprenticeship programs.
- Establishment of new ITIs, polytechnic colleges, and the Rajasthan Institute of Technology to boost skill development.
- Medical and Health Initiatives
- Objective: To enhance healthcare infrastructure and improve service delivery.
- Allocations:
- ₹125 crores for the development of Ayushman Model Community Health Centres (CHCs).
- ₹15,000 crores allocated for health infrastructure under the MAA Health Infrastructure Mission.
- Establishment of super-specialty healthcare facilities and Spinal Injury Centres to provide advanced medical care.
- Social Security
- Objective: To provide financial support and improve the quality of life for marginalized communities.
- Allocations:
- ₹1,500 crores allocated for Scheduled Caste Sub-Plan (SCSP) and Tribal Sub-Plan (TSP) funds.
- ₹200 crores for the Babasaheb Ambedkar Integrated Village Development Scheme.
- Financial assistance and concessional loans for SC, ST, OBC, and Minority Development Corporations to promote socio-economic empowerment.
- Agricultural Development
- Objective: To support farmers and boost agricultural productivity.
- Allocations:
- ₹650 crores for the Rajasthan Krishi Vikas Yojana (Raj KVY) to promote sustainable farming practices.
- Subsidies for agricultural machinery and the establishment of Custom Hiring Centres to improve access to equipment.
- Investment in the development of agricultural mandis and initiatives to promote organic farming across the state.
- Animal Husbandry and Dairy Development
- Objective: To improve livestock management and enhance dairy production.
- Allocations:
- ₹250 crores for the Chief Minister’s Livestock Development Scheme to support animal husbandry.
- Upgradation of veterinary services and expansion of milk processing plants to improve dairy productivity.
- Launch of the Camel Protection and Development Mission to preserve and promote camel farming.
Tax Proposals and Economic Relief Measures
The budget also includes several tax proposals and relief measures designed to support both the general public and businesses:
- Reduction in VAT rates on petrol and diesel to ease the financial burden on consumers.
- Abolition of land and mandi taxes on certain commodities to benefit farmers and traders.
- Reduction in registration and stamp duties for various categories, making property transactions more affordable.
- Introduction of incentives for electric vehicles and the promotion of energy-efficient practices to encourage sustainable development.
The Modified Budget 2024-25 for Rajasthan is a comprehensive approach aimed at fostering inclusive development. It focuses on critical sectors such as water supply, energy, infrastructure, industrial growth, youth empowerment, healthcare, social security, agriculture, and animal husbandry. The proposed financial allocations and policies underscore the government’s commitment to sustainable development and the welfare of its citizens, with the overarching goal of building a prosperous, resilient Rajasthan.
1. Jal Jeevan Mission
Objective: To ensure access to drinking water for both rural households and urban areas.
- ₹15,000 crores for providing drinking water to 25 lakh rural households.
- ₹20,370 crores allocated for six major drinking water projects across the state.
2. AMRUT 2.0 Scheme
Objective: To enhance urban water supply and sewage systems.
- ₹5,180 crores allocated for drinking water projects across 183 cities and towns.
- ₹127 crores earmarked for the repair and restoration of 32 urban water bodies.
3. Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS)
Objective: To improve the reliability and quality of power supply across the state.
- Over 25 lakh smart meters to be installed in this fiscal year, aiming for better monitoring and management of electricity distribution.
4. Rajasthan Regional and Urban Planning Bill-2024
Objective: To facilitate the planned development of cities and peri-urban areas.
- The bill aims to streamline urban and regional planning to ensure sustainable growth and efficient land use in both urban and surrounding rural regions.
5. Dang, Magra, Mewat, and Brij Regional Development Schemes
Objective: To promote targeted development in specific regions.
- ₹50 crores allocated for each of the regions: Dang, Magra, Mewat, and Brij to support localized development initiatives.
6. Rajasthan Petro Zone (RPZ)
Objective: To create a central hub for petrochemical industries in the state.
- Focus on attracting investments and creating a conducive environment for the growth of the petrochemical sector.
7. Rajasthan-One District, One Product Policy 2024
Objective: To promote unique, locally produced products from each district.
- ₹100 crores allocated annually to support the marketing, development, and promotion of district-specific products.
8. PM-Unity Mall
Objective: To promote and showcase local products.
- Location: Jaipur.
- Estimated Cost: ₹200 crores for the establishment of a state-of-the-art facility to support local artisans, entrepreneurs, and products.
9. MSME Policy-2024
Objective: To provide comprehensive support to micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in Rajasthan.
- Focus on providing financial assistance, infrastructure, and capacity-building initiatives for MSMEs.
10. Rajasthan Tourism Infrastructure and Capacity Building Fund (RTICF)
Objective: To enhance tourism infrastructure and capacity across the state.
- Over ₹5,000 crores allocated for the development of key tourism infrastructure, including facilities, services, and attractions, to boost Rajasthan’s tourism sector.
11. Rajasthan Heritage Conservation and Development Authority
Objective: To preserve and enhance Rajasthan’s rich cultural heritage sites.
- The authority will focus on the conservation, restoration, and development of historical monuments and landmarks across the state.
12. Jaipur Walled City Heritage Development Plan
Objective: To develop and preserve the heritage area of Jaipur.
- Allocated Budget: ₹100 crore to support the restoration, infrastructure improvement, and promotion of the iconic Walled City of Jaipur.
13. Rajasthan Tourism Development Board
Objective: To promote and expand the tourism sector in Rajasthan.
- The board will work on developing tourism infrastructure, marketing the state’s attractions, and boosting the overall tourism experience.
14. Youth Policy-2024
Objective: To empower the youth of Rajasthan through education, skill development, and employment opportunities.
- Initiatives include the introduction of apprenticeship and internship programs, along with AI-based career counseling to guide youth in their professional development.
15. Atal Entrepreneurship Programme
Objective: To support startups and foster entrepreneurship across Rajasthan.
- Funding: Up to ₹10 crore available through the i-Start Fund for promising startups.
- A Fund of Funds with ₹100 crore to provide financial backing to innovative startups and promote a vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem.
16. Learn, Earn and Progress (LEAP) Programme
Objective: To upskill startup founders and young entrepreneurs.
- The program will focus on providing training, mentorship, and resources to help youth and founders enhance their skills and grow their businesses.
17. Business Innovation Programme
Objective: To foster innovation among students in schools and colleges.
- Budget: ₹20 crore allocated, aiming to benefit over 1 lakh students through workshops, competitions, and innovation-driven initiatives.
18. AVGC-XR Policy (Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming, Comics-Extended Reality Policy)
Objective: To promote the growth of the AVGC-XR (Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming, Comics, and Extended Reality) industry.
- The policy aims to support the development of the AVGC-XR sector, positioning Rajasthan as a hub for digital entertainment and immersive media.
19. Rajasthan Digital Health Mission
Objective: To digitize healthcare services and improve access to medical care.
- The mission will focus on implementing digital health solutions, including telemedicine, electronic health records, and online healthcare services, for improved patient care and healthcare delivery.
20. MAA Yojana
Objective: To provide enhanced pediatric healthcare services.
- The scheme introduces new pediatric healthcare packages and offers relaxations in empanelment norms for private medical institutions, ensuring better access to quality healthcare for children across the state.
21. Ayushman Model Community Health Center (CHC)
Objective: To establish model community health centers for better healthcare delivery.
- Budget: ₹125 crore for the development and enhancement of CHCs across the state.
22. MAA Health Infrastructure Mission
Objective: To enhance and expand the state’s healthcare infrastructure.
- Budget: ₹15,000 crore allocated over the next three years to upgrade hospitals, healthcare facilities, and medical services statewide.
23. Rajasthan Irrigation Water Grid Mission
Objective: To create a comprehensive water grid for improved irrigation across the state.
- Works: Investment of over ₹50,000 crore in the construction of irrigation infrastructure and water management projects to ensure efficient water use for agriculture.
24. Voluntary Load Disclosure Scheme
Objective: To regulate and support agricultural electricity connections.
- This scheme aims to provide better management of power supply to agricultural users through transparent and efficient load disclosure.
25. Rajasthan Krishi Vikas Yojana (Raj KVY)
Objective: To support the development and modernization of agriculture in Rajasthan.
- Budget: ₹650 crore allocated for improving agricultural practices, providing subsidies, and supporting farmers with modern tools and technologies.
26. MGNREGA – Govardhan Projects
Objective: To provide rural employment while enhancing agricultural infrastructure.
- Works: Projects worth ₹197.86 crore aimed at boosting rural employment opportunities and agricultural productivity under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA).
27. Camel Protection and Development Mission
Objective: To protect and promote the camel population in Rajasthan.
- The mission will focus on safeguarding camels through conservation programs and supporting camel-based livelihoods in rural areas.
28. Sainik School for Girls
Objective: To establish military schools exclusively for girls.
- The initiative aims to provide quality military-style education and empower young women through leadership and defense training.
29. Rajasthan Sports Modernization Mission
Objective: To modernize and upgrade sports infrastructure across the state.
- Allocations:
- ₹250 crore for the development of Maharana Pratap Sports University.
- ₹50 crore for each sports college at the division level to improve training facilities and promote sports education.
30. One District, One Sport Scheme
Objective: To promote and develop sports at the district level.
- This scheme will establish sports academies in each district to encourage youth participation in sports and identify talent at the grassroots level.
31. Sports Life Insurance Scheme
Objective: To provide insurance coverage for athletes.
- Coverage of up to ₹25 lakh for international medal winners, ensuring financial security for high-performing athletes.
32. Maharana Pratap Sports University
Objective: To establish a premier sports university in Rajasthan.
- Budget: ₹250 crore allocated for the development of world-class facilities and sports education at the university.
33. Mission Harit Rajasthan (Green Rajasthan)
Objective: To promote environmental conservation and create a greener Rajasthan.
- Works: Investment of ₹4,000 crore over the next five years for large-scale afforestation and conservation projects.
34. One District, One Species Programme
Objective: To promote the conservation of biodiversity by focusing on specific species in each district.
- The program aims to protect endangered species and strengthen local conservation efforts through targeted initiatives.
35. Green Budget
Objective: To focus on environmental sustainability and enhance green cover.
- Initiative: A target of planting 7 crore trees across the state to improve air quality and create sustainable ecosystems.
36. Forest Carbon Credits Certification Mechanism
Objective: To certify and trade carbon credits generated from forest conservation.
- The mechanism will enable the state to capitalize on carbon credits, promoting sustainable forest management while generating revenue.
37. Agriculture Accelerator Mission
Objective: To support agricultural innovation and foster agritech startups.
- The mission will provide resources, mentorship, and funding to entrepreneurs and startups focused on transforming agriculture through technology and innovation.
38. Rajasthan Journalist Health Scheme (RJHS)
Objective: To provide health insurance coverage for journalists.
- The scheme aims to ensure the well-being of journalists by offering health insurance and medical benefits.
39. Rajasthan Warehousing and Logistics Policy
Objective: To develop and modernize warehousing and logistics infrastructure across the state.
- The policy focuses on building state-of-the-art facilities to improve supply chain efficiency, storage capacity, and logistics management.
