Jaipur: Deputy CM and finance minister Diya Kumari Wednesday presented the state Budget for 2026-27, anchoring the vision of ‘Viksit Rajasthan’ through announcements that channeled investments in civic infrastructure, water security, energy systems, healthcare, and tourism, with fresh emphasis on artificial intelligence (AI) and startup-driven innovation.Though she desisted from announcing large capital intensive projects given the state’s stressed fiscal condition, procedural reforms and capacity building underlined the theme of the Budget.
With capital expenditure pegged at Rs 53,978.41 crore, marking a 36.9% rise over the previous year, the Budget placed strong focus on infrastructure building while also extending welfare measures such as enhanced pensions for senior citizens. The finance minister sought to address civic infrastructure in urban areas, introducing procedural reforms with emphasis on technology interventions. Urban development emerged as a priority, as major cities continue to face congestion due to tourist inflows, rising vehicle density, and inadequate storm water drainage. To tackle these challenges, Rs 12,050 crore has been earmarked for urban areas, including Rs 1,000 crore for Jaipur, targeting improvements in sewerage, drainage, waste disposal, civic amenities, and mobility.Healthcare infrastructure received a boost, with allocations for hospital upgradation, critical care blocks, and expansion of district-level facilities. Investment in medical education institutions will create 750 more doctors and 1,500 paramedical personnel, supported by Rs 500 crore for the Rajasthan Institute of Medical Sciences.The Budget underscored school education and youth empowerment, announcing digital learning initiatives, skill development programmes, and new techno hubs. Around 40 lakh students will receive free uniforms, while meritorious students will be supported with Rs 20,000 e-vouchers. After the tragedy at a school in Jhalawar where seven children died after its roof collapsed, the FM trained her focus on the renovation of 2,500 schools with an expenditure of Rs 550 crore. For basic amenities, Rs 6,800 crore has been proposed to provide tap water to rural and urban populations, alongside Rs 3,000 crore for solar parks in Bikaner and Jaisalmer.Highlighting structural reforms and prudent financial management, the FM proposed a ‘Once-Only Principle’, enabling departments to share data internally so citizens and entrepreneurs submit documents only once.She emphasized, “To realize the vision of a developed Rajasthan by 2047, our government, under the able leadership of Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma, has prioritized service, dedication, and good governance, keeping in mind the important role of the poor, youth, farmers, and women in this development journey.”Instead of offering incentives, the Budget leaned on structural reforms aimed at reducing compliance burdens, digitizing approvals, improving transparency, and rejuvenating both traditional and emerging industries. For investors, a ‘One Application, One Digital Track’ system will streamline approvals, while physical inspections will be waived for low-risk projects.Tourism received a major push with the announcement of the Thar Cultural Circuit, backed by Rs 5,000 crore, designed to transform the desert region into a global hub. Plans include developing Khuri as an ultra-luxury Special Tourism Zone, reviving heritage sites like Khatu Shyamji and Pushkar, conserving 660 Shekhawati havelis, and establishing new cultural and convention centers such as the Braj Convention Centre in Bharatpur. Special measures will also enhance spiritual tourism.Under the CM Jal Jeevan Mission, villages will be connected to tap water at a cost of Rs 4,500 crore, while drinking water in cities will be ensured with Rs 2,300 crore.To encourage entrepreneurship, she announced interest-free loans and grants up to Rs 10 lakh, benefiting 30,000 youth.Farmers too received major relief, with Rs 25,000 crore in interest-free short-term loans planned for 3.5 million farmers, supported by Rs 800 crore interest subsidy. The Mission Raj Gift initiative will ensure better prices for produce, alongside mandi infrastructure upgrades. Modern facilities such as greenhouses, polyhouses, and shade nets will be subsidised with Rs 200 crore for 4,000 farmers, while Rs 350 crore will be spent on mandi sheds. Cooperative consumer stores will expand in new districts, and the non-farming sector will benefit from Rs 590 crore with 5% interest subsidy, reaching 25,000 people.
