Chief Minister’s Reply to the Debate on the Governor’s Address in the Assembly

Welfare of 8 Crore People is Our Top Priority – Ensuring the Benefits of Schemes Reach the Last Person is Our Goal – Rajasthan’s Interests Come First

Jaipur : Chief Minister Shri Bhajanlal Sharma, while responding to the debate on the Governor’s address in the Assembly, emphasized that the primary objective of his government is to make Rajasthan prosperous and developed by ensuring that public welfare schemes reach the most marginalized sections of society. The state government is committed to uplifting the poor, youth, farmers, women, and other underprivileged communities. He reiterated that the government is working in line with Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s vision for a “Developed India 2047.”

Extension of the Jal Jeevan Mission Until March 2028

The Chief Minister highlighted that under the previous government, Rajasthan ranked last in the country in implementing the Jal Jeevan Mission due to slow progress. As a result, millions of households would have been deprived of the scheme’s benefits by March 2025. However, Prime Minister Modi has extended the scheme until March 2028 in the Union Budget, demonstrating the effectiveness of the “double-engine government.”

Shri Sharma also pointed out corruption and irregularities in the implementation of the Jal Jeevan Mission under the previous administration. His government has initiated investigations, curbed excessive premiums in tenders, and ensured more efficient use of funds. He noted that similar mismanagement had occurred in the accident and life insurance schemes under the Cooperative Department, where the premium amount had ballooned to over ₹450 crore. The current government has reduced it to ₹269 crore.

Increased Central Tax Share for Rajasthan

The Chief Minister stated that the Centre has approved additional assistance for capital investment and energy sector improvements under the Fifteenth Finance Commission. Rajasthan’s share in central taxes has been increased by over 14%, from ₹75,156 crore to ₹85,716 crore for the financial year 2025-26.

Key Announcements in the Union Budget

Shri Sharma lauded the Central Government’s historic announcements in the 2025-26 Union Budget, calling them a major step toward a self-reliant India. He noted that India is on track to becoming the world’s third-largest economy.

Among the budget’s major benefits for Rajasthan:

• No Income Tax for the Middle Class – Individuals earning up to ₹12 lakh annually in Rajasthan will no longer have to pay income tax, increasing disposable income and boosting economic activity.
• Support for Farmers – The Kisan Credit Card (KCC) limit has been raised from ₹3 lakh to ₹5 lakh, benefiting over 77 lakh farmers in the state.
• Gig Workers’ Welfare – Six lakh gig workers will be registered and linked to the PM Jan Arogya Yojana, ensuring access to healthcare.
• Repo Rate Reduction – The RBI has lowered the repo rate by 0.25%, providing relief to farmers, entrepreneurs, and the general public.

Doubling Kisan Samman Nidhi

Highlighting his connection to farming families, Shri Sharma said the government is committed to fulfilling its promise under the Aapno Agrani Rajasthan Sankalp Patra. The Kisan Samman Nidhi amount has been increased from ₹6,000 to ₹8,000 in the first phase, with a long-term goal of doubling it.

Incomplete Announcements by the Previous Government

Shri Sharma criticized the previous administration for failing to deliver on its promises. Out of 4,148 announcements made during the last government’s tenure, 1,921 remained incomplete. Many projects worth over ₹50,000 crore never even began.

In contrast, his government has already made over 1,000 new announcements with a structured five-year action plan. In the first budget alone, 1,272 budget proposals were announced, of which 297 have been completed and work is ongoing for 488 others.

Expedited Support for the Poor and Farmers

Within just one year, the government has significantly scaled up welfare initiatives:

• Scooty Distribution – 24,517 scooties were distributed in one year, compared to 4,232 in the last year of the previous government.
• Tablets for Students – 88,800 tablets were provided, while the previous government distributed none in its final year.
• Solar Pumps – 28,884 solar pumps were installed, compared to 10,884 under the last administration.
• Irrigation Expansion – 22,000 hectares were brought under irrigation through canals in one year, compared to 12,492 hectares in the last year of the previous government.
• Financial Aid to Gaushalas – ₹1,148 crore was allocated for cow shelters, while the previous government only provided ₹733 crore.

Expansion of the Ramjal Setu Link Project

The Chief Minister criticized the previous government for delaying and mismanaging the Eastern Rajasthan Canal Project (ERCP). His administration has expanded its scope, renaming it the Ramjal Setu Link Project.

Key developments include:

• Completion of the Navnera Barrage – Inaugurated by the Prime Minister.
• Increased Water Allocation – The project now aims to supply 4,102 MCM water, up from the previously proposed 3,510 MCM.
• Rapid Progress – Work orders worth ₹9,416 crore have been issued, and tenders worth ₹12,064 crore have been finalized.

Bringing Yamuna Water to Shekhawati

The government is investing ₹19,136 crore to provide drinking and irrigation water to Churu, Sikar, and Jhunjhunu districts. 1,917 cusecs of Yamuna water will be redirected to benefit 1.05 lakh hectares of land.

Resolving the State’s Coal Crisis

Due to the previous government’s mismanagement, coal supply had stopped in September 2023. The current administration has resolved the issue, securing 40,000 metric tonnes of coal per day since January 2024.

Transparent Recruitment and Youth Employment

To eliminate irregularities in recruitment exams, the government has:

• Introduced biometric verification.
• Extended the validity of the Common Eligibility Test (CET).
• Implemented strict anti-paper leak measures, leading to 264 arrests.

Additionally, the government has:

• Announced 4 lakh government jobs over five years.
• Already filled 59,236 positions, including 19,033 teachers, 22,310 paramedics, 4,748 junior accountants, 2,563 forest workers, and 3,100 police constables.
• Started the recruitment process for 1.72 lakh posts, with exam schedules released for 81,000 positions.

Economic Growth Target: $350 Billion

Shri Sharma reaffirmed the government’s goal of making Rajasthan a $350 billion economy. The Rising Rajasthan 2024 event laid the foundation for investment-driven growth, attracting ₹35 lakh crore in MoUs, with projects worth ₹10,000 crore already underway.

Refinery to Start Operations in 2025

Despite a five-year delay under the previous government, work on the refinery has been expedited. Operations are set to begin in 2025.

Strengthening Law and Order

Shri Sharma noted that the state faced severe law and order challenges under the previous government. His administration has taken corrective actions, including:

• Formation of an Anti-Gangster Task Force to combat organized crime.
• Strengthening cybercrime prevention efforts.
• Deployment of 250 Kalika patrolling units for women’s safety.
• Establishment of 19 new police stations.

As a result, crimes against women have decreased by 10.61%.

Improvements in English Medium Education

The Mahatma Gandhi English Medium Schools Scheme was mismanaged, with a lack of trained teachers and infrastructure. The current government has appointed 2,783 guest faculty for colleges, compared to 1,571 under the previous administration.