Wed Feb 19 14:08:31 UTC 2025: ## Rajasthan Unveils Green-Focused Budget 2025-26, Aiming for $350 Billion Economy

**Jaipur, Feb 19, 2025** – Rajasthan’s Finance Minister, Diya Kumari, presented a ₹[Rupees amount needed] budget for the fiscal year 2025-26 today, highlighting a vision to transform the state into a $350 billion economy. Dubbed a “green budget,” the presentation focused heavily on renewable energy, rural development, and infrastructure improvements.

The budget, described by Kumari as “visionary” and “future-ready,” includes numerous initiatives targeting women, farmers, the elderly, and youth. Key announcements include:

* **Infrastructure:** Construction of nine greenfield expressways, ring roads in 15 cities to alleviate traffic congestion, and allocation of ₹10 crore (₹100 million) to each assembly constituency for road repairs. The state also plans to purchase 1,000 new buses.
* **Green Initiatives:** A substantial allocation (11.34% of the budget) towards green initiatives, including planting 10 million trees and promoting solar energy with free electricity up to 150 units per household (an increase from 100 units). Subsidies for establishing biogas plants are also included. A dedicated ₹900 crore fund has been earmarked to develop 14 cities as “Clean and Green Cities”. The government also aims to create zero-accident zones.
* **Social Welfare:** Increased social security pensions (to ₹1250 per month), free eye exams and spectacles for the poor, free religious trips for senior citizens via train or plane, and free home delivery of medicines for those over 70. A “Maa Kosh” (Mother Fund) of ₹3500 crore has been established to provide free medical treatment, including in other states. The Chief Minister Amrit Aahar Yojana will provide milk to children aged 3-6 five days a week.
* **Agriculture:** A ₹25,000 crore loan scheme for 3 million farmers, an increase in the bonus on wheat MSP to ₹150 per quintal, and a 15% increase in grants for Gaushalas (cow shelters). Expansion of livestock feed centers is also planned.
* **Employment:** Creation of 125,000 government and 150,000 private sector jobs, with a focus on providing reservation for Agniveers (soldiers who complete the Agnipath scheme). The budget also aims to create 2 million “Lakhpati Didis” (women millionaires) through loan schemes. Increased honorariums for Panchayati Raj representatives and priests are also included.

The budget’s emphasis on green growth and social welfare has been welcomed by some, while concerns remain about the scale of job creation in relation to the state’s unemployment numbers. Opposition parties have raised concerns about the implementation of previous budgetary announcements. The budget’s passage will be closely watched, particularly in light of ongoing political tensions surrounding phone-tapping allegations.

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