CM Says Union Budget Balances New India’s Aspirations with Needs of the Last Person

Jaipur, February 2026 : Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma said that under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the country has been progressing on the path of development with financial discipline and stability for the past 12 years. Referring to the Union Budget presented on Sunday by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, he described it as a budget that takes India from self-reliance to a developed nation, from potential to achievement, and from resolve to success. He said the budget not only fulfils the ambitions of New India but also gives equal importance to uplifting the last person in society.

Addressing media persons at the Chief Minister’s Office on Monday during a press briefing on the Union Budget, Sharma said the youth-centric budget includes provisions to promote employment, skill development, startups, and a stronger focus on the services sector, which will expand opportunities for jobs and self-employment. He noted that skill training for one lakh allied health professionals, 1.5 lakh caregivers, and tourist guides will significantly benefit young people. He added that Rajasthan has already implemented the AVGCXR policy, and the establishment of content creator labs in secondary schools and colleges will provide dual benefits to the state’s youth.

The Chief Minister said the budget also contains important provisions to strengthen women’s empowerment, safety, and economic participation, as well as to enhance agricultural infrastructure, improve farmers’ access to markets, and reduce risks faced by them.

Call for Investment in Heavy Machinery Manufacturing

Sharma said that following the historic agreement with Europe, the budget has opened new avenues for small and large industries, manufacturers, artisans, and workers to establish a global presence. Several initiatives have been introduced to boost manufacturing in sectors such as biopharma, chemicals, textiles, handloom, and handicrafts. He urged industry leaders to take advantage of special schemes introduced in the budget to promote heavy machinery manufacturing for construction and infrastructure by setting up units in Rajasthan’s industrial corridors. He added that the budget will also create new export growth opportunities for the state’s exporters in emerging global markets.

New Momentum for Rajasthan’s Solar Sector

The Chief Minister said the budget has given due importance to Rajasthan’s potential and requirements. An allocation of around Rs 32,914 crore—nearly 30 per cent higher—has been made for renewable energy. Similarly, Rs 22,000 crore has been allocated for the PM Surya Ghar Scheme. Customs duty exemptions have been granted on sodium antimonate used in solar glass manufacturing and on capital goods used in lithium-ion cell battery manufacturing for BESS. Already a leader in solar energy, Rajasthan’s renewable sector will gain fresh momentum from these measures, he said.

Benefits from Semiconductor and Data Centre Provisions

Sharma noted that the state government has recently implemented semiconductor, AI-ML, and data centre policies. With incentives under the India Semiconductor Mission 2.0, AI Mission, National Quantum Mission, electronic component manufacturing schemes, and data centre and cloud services, Rajasthan is fully prepared to emerge as a semiconductor and data centre hub. He said the SME Development Fund and Aatmanirbhar Bharat Top-Up are major boosts for small industries, while initiatives like the Mahatma Gandhi Swaraj Scheme and the Champion MSME programme will pave the way for Rajasthan’s small enterprises to become global business houses. Announcements related to mega textile parks, textile labour incentive schemes, and the strengthening of 200 industrial clusters nationwide are also significant for the state.

The Chief Minister said special emphasis has been laid on infrastructure development with a provision of Rs 12.20 lakh crore, which will help strengthen urban infrastructure in the state. Financial support through InvIT bonds, REITs, and municipal bonds will bring large-scale benefits to Rajasthan’s cities.

Senior state government officials, including Chief Secretary V. Srinivas, were present during the briefing.