CM Bhajanlal Sharma Presents Rajasthan’s Development Vision at Kolkata NRI Meet

Chief Minister’s Kolkata Visit — CM Bhajanlal Sharma Highlights Role of Overseas Rajasthanis in Achieving the Vision of a Developed Rajasthan; Invites Them to Participate in Pravasi Rajasthani Divas on December 10

Jaipur, Oct 2025: Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma said that despite being away from their homeland, overseas Rajasthanis have preserved the state’s traditions, customs, and cultural values. He announced that the Rajasthan government will organize Pravasi Rajasthani Divas on December 10 in Jaipur to strengthen the bond between Rajasthanis’ karma-bhoomi (workplace) and janma-bhoomi (birthplace). The event will serve as a platform to celebrate the achievements of overseas Rajasthanis and deepen their connection with their native state. The Chief Minister extended an invitation to all Rajasthanis living across the world to participate in large numbers.

Speaking at the Pravasi Rajasthani Meet in Kolkata on Tuesday, Mr. Sharma said that overseas Rajasthanis have made a significant contribution to West Bengal’s economic development. He lauded the community for preserving Rajasthan’s culture across generations and said their accomplishments are a source of inspiration for the youth and future generations. Currently, 26 chapters of the Rajasthan Foundation (RF) are active across various Indian states and abroad.

Investment and Industrial Growth

The Chief Minister stated that Rajasthan has created a dynamic, investor-friendly environment, leading to continuous growth in industry, trade, and infrastructure. He urged overseas Rajasthanis to invest in education, healthcare, tourism, and other emerging sectors to become partners in the state’s development journey.

Rajasthan: A Leading Textile Hub

Mr. Sharma said Rajasthan has emerged as one of India’s leading textile centers, housing over 1,500 factories. The state is the largest producer of polyester viscose yarn, cotton, and wool, and ranks fourth in cotton production nationally. The new Textile and Apparel Policy encourages innovation and job creation. He added that Rajasthan possesses about 85 types of minerals, and leads in zinc, lead, silver, marble, and sandstone production. “From the Parliament building to Rashtrapati Bhavan, Rajasthan’s stone heritage stands unmatched,” he said. The government has introduced the Rajasthan Mineral Policy 2024 and M-Sand Policy 2024 to expedite mineral block auctions.

Rajasthan Leads in Solar Energy

The CM said the HPCL refinery in Rajasthan will soon commence operations, while the Rajasthan Petro Zone is being developed to promote downstream industries, turning the state into India’s new hydrocarbon and petrochemical hub. Rajasthan currently ranks first in India for solar power generation, with an installed capacity of 34,555 MW. Recently, land has been allocated for 17 GW of renewable energy projects, underscoring the state’s leadership in sustainable development.

Tourism: Backbone of the State Economy

Mr. Sharma emphasized that tourism is a key pillar of Rajasthan’s economy, attracting around 23 million tourists in 2024. The state government has granted industry status to the tourism and hospitality sectors. The minimum investment requirement for land allotment in tourism projects has been reduced from ₹100 crore to ₹50 crore. The government is also developing a religious tourism circuit connecting major pilgrimage sites such as Khatu Shyamji, Nathdwara, Pushkar, Salasar Balaji, Ranakpur, and Mount Abu.

Commitment to Investment and Ease of Doing Business

Mr. Sharma said that during the Rising Rajasthan Global Investment Summit held last December, the state government signed investment agreements worth ₹35 lakh crore, with projects worth ₹7 lakh crore already underway. Rajasthan has introduced 22 new policies in a short span to promote investment and ease of business. In line with the Vision of Developed Rajasthan 2047, the government is fostering an inclusive industrial ecosystem with upcoming policies such as Semiconductor Policy, Space and Aero-Defense Policy, Global Capacity Center Policy, and Trade Promotion Policy.

RIICO Land Allotment and New Incentives

Under the Rajasthan Investment Promotion Scheme (RIPS) 2024, investors are being offered one of the most attractive financial incentive packages, focusing on green development, exports, and skill enhancement. The scheme also covers emerging sectors like aerospace, defense, drones, semiconductors, agri-tech, and waste recycling. Through the RIICO Direct Land Allotment Policy, investors who signed MoUs during Rising Rajasthan are being allotted industrial plots at reserved rates without auction. So far, over 1,200 investors have benefited from the policy.

Minister of Urban Development and Local Self-Government (Independent Charge) Jhavar Singh Khara said that the government is promoting sustainable and affordable housing through initiatives like the Township Policy, which will further encourage the participation of overseas Rajasthanis in the state’s growth.

During the event, Chief Minister Sharma honored overseas Rajasthanis for their outstanding contributions to social service and released the Rajasthan Foundation Coffee Table Book.

The event was attended by Chairman of the State Sainik Welfare Advisory Committee Prem Singh Bajaur, Principal Secretary, Industries Department, Alok Gupta, CII Eastern Region Chairman Shashwat Goenka, Rajasthan Foundation Kolkata Chapter President Santosh Kumar Purohit, and several public representatives and overseas Rajasthanis.