A Vision for Growth Highlights from Diya Kumari’s Rajasthan Budget 2026 Reply

On Wednesday, February 18, 2026, Rajasthan’s Deputy Chief Minister and Finance Minister Diya Kumari delivered a powerful reply to the budget debate in the State Assembly. Building on the initial budget presentation, she unveiled a series of new, high-impact announcements aimed at transforming the state’s infrastructure, empowering women, and boosting the rural economy.

Terming it a budget for "Aapno Rajasthan," Kumari emphasized that the state is moving away from "temporary fixes" toward "permanent prosperity."

1. Empowering the 'Lado': The Lado Protsahan Yojana

One of the most emotional and significant updates was the expansion of the Lado Protsahan Yojana.

The Promise: The government has committed to providing ₹2 lakh in savings certificates to every girl child born in a poor family.

The Goal: This scheme aims to ensure that every girl in Rajasthan has a financial safety net for her education and future, tackling the issue of child marriage and school dropouts at the root.

2. The 'Lakhpati Didi' Revolution

Building on the Prime Minister’s vision, Diya Kumari announced an ambitious target to turn 15 lakh women in the state into 'Lakhpati Didis'. By providing training, low-interest loans, and market access to Self-Help Groups (SHGs), the government aims to ensure these women earn at least ₹1 lakh annually.

3. Infrastructure: Connecting the Heartland

A massive chunk of the new announcements focused on roads and transport:

Roadways Expansion: The state will add 500 new electric buses to the Rajasthan Roadways fleet to improve rural-urban connectivity while reducing carbon footprints.

Village Roads: An additional ₹1,500 crore has been allocated for the 'Mukhya Mantri Rural Road Scheme' to connect remote hamlets with all-weather roads.

4. Agriculture and Water: Solving the Crisis

Recognizing Rajasthan’s perennial water struggle, the budget reply reinforced the commitment to the ERCP (Eastern Rajasthan Canal Project).

Solar Pumps: The government will provide subsidies for 50,000 new solar pump sets, helping farmers shift away from expensive diesel and erratic grid power.

Gopal Credit Card: A new credit card scheme for cattle rearers was announced, providing interest-free loans up to ₹1 lakh for purchasing fodder and equipment.

5. Youth and Jobs: The 4-Lakh Goal

Addressing the concerns of the youth, Diya Kumari reiterated the government's promise to provide 4 lakh government jobs over the next five years. For 2026 alone, the recruitment process for over 70,000 positions across various departments has been fast-tracked.

The Verdict

The 2026 Budget Reply by Diya Kumari is a balancing act. It manages to be fiscally ambitious while staying grounded in the realities of rural Rajasthan. By focusing on infrastructure, women, and water, the Bhajanlal Sharma government is clearly betting on long-term structural changes to win the hearts of the electorate.

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