Rajasthan Chief Minister Announces Major Employment and Welfare Initiatives
In a significant announcement during the debate on the Finance & Appropriation Bill in the Rajasthan Assembly on Friday, Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma unveiled a comprehensive package of measures aimed at boosting employment, enhancing social security, and improving infrastructure across the state.
Enhanced Government Recruitment Target
Chief Minister Sharma declared that the state government will release a recruitment calendar for 1.25 lakh government posts in the upcoming financial year. This marks a substantial increase from the earlier target of 1 lakh positions. Sharma emphasized that the administration is currently in the process of conducting recruitment for over 1.43 lakh posts and has already successfully provided more than 1 lakh government appointments to eligible candidates.
Furthermore, the Chief Minister highlighted the creation of employment opportunities in the private sector, claiming that more than 2 lakh jobs have been generated, showcasing a holistic approach to tackling unemployment in Rajasthan.
Social Security Pension Hike
In a move to support vulnerable sections of society, Sharma announced a Rs 150 increase in social security pensions. This hike will benefit a wide range of beneficiaries, including specially abled persons, single women, elderly citizens, and small and marginal farmers. With this enhancement, the monthly pension amount will rise to Rs 1,450, providing much-needed financial relief to these groups.
Infrastructure and Development Projects
To address the persistent traffic congestion in Jaipur, the Chief Minister revealed plans for a 36-kilometre elevated road along the Dravyavati river. A detailed project report will be prepared to facilitate this major infrastructure initiative, which aims to improve urban mobility and reduce commute times in the state capital.
Additionally, Sharma announced the renaming of several locations: Mount Abu to Abu Raj, Jahazpur to Yagyapur, and Kaman to Kam Van. These changes are part of broader cultural and administrative reforms.
Support for Journalists and Legislators
Under the Rajasthan Senior Accredited Journalist Honour Scheme, pensions for accredited journalists above 60 years will be increased from Rs 15,000 to Rs 18,000 per month. Similarly, widows of deceased accredited journalists will see their pensions rise from Rs 7,500 to Rs 9,000. Sharma also proposed a Rajasthan Housing Board residential scheme specifically for journalists in Jaipur and introduced a Vidhayak Awas Yojana for MLAs.
For legislators, it was announced that MLAs' salaries will be linked to dearness allowance starting from the next financial year. Additionally, all MLAs will be provided with mobile tablets to enhance their efficiency and connectivity.
Additional Welfare and Skilling Initiatives
The Chief Minister outlined several other key initiatives, including:
- Establishment of the Atal Bihari Vajpayee Global Centre for Advanced Skilling in Jaipur at a cost of Rs 450 crore.
- Allocation of Rs 4,000 crore for the Viksit Bharat–Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin).
- Wheat procurement at Rs 2,735 per quintal, which includes a Rs 150 bonus over the Minimum Support Price (MSP).
- A 10% honorarium increase for Anganwadi workers, helpers, Mid-Day Meal cooks, and local body representatives.
- Introduction of a Cow Service Policy, 2026.
- Construction of 3,000 government employee flats on the NBCC pattern.
- Additional funding for road projects, more transport permits and buses, new skilling hubs, and tribal welfare measures.
- Establishment of 1,000 Atal Gyan Kendras.
- Launch of an AI and Quantum Computing Mission.
- Implementation of retrospective promotion reservation for divyang employees from June 30, 2016.
These announcements reflect the state government's commitment to fostering economic growth, social welfare, and technological advancement in Rajasthan, with a clear focus on creating sustainable employment opportunities and improving the quality of life for its residents.
