The Blueprint for a New Rajasthan 5 Major Highlights from Diya Kumari’s Budget

In a move that signals a massive shift for Rajasthan’s infrastructure and social welfare, Deputy Chief Minister and Finance Minister Diya Kumari has presented a budget that focuses on long-term growth over short-term "freebies." The Rajasthan Budget 2026 is being viewed as a blueprint for "Viksit Rajasthan," balancing ambitious urban development with rural upliftment.

The Big Focus: Infrastructure and Connectivity

The highlight of Diya Kumari’s budget is the unprecedented push for infrastructure. The government has announced several new Expressways and elevated roads to decongest major cities like Jaipur, Jodhpur, and Kota.

A significant portion of the budget has been allocated to the "Rajasthan State Highway Authority," with the aim of connecting remote villages to main economic hubs. This is expected to boost the state's logistics sector and make Rajasthan a more attractive destination for industrial investment.

"Lado Protsahan" and Women’s Empowerment

Following the theme of her previous announcements, Diya Kumari has doubled down on women-centric schemes. The budget introduces expanded benefits under the Lado Protsahan Yojana, providing financial assistance to girls from underprivileged backgrounds for education and marriage.

Additionally, the government has announced the setting up of "Mahila Shakti Kendras" in every district to provide vocational training and legal aid to women, aiming to increase their participation in the state's workforce.

Water Security: The ERCP Push

With Rajasthan being a water-scarce state, the budget provides a massive financial boost to the Eastern Rajasthan Canal Project (ERCP). Diya Kumari emphasized that the government is committed to providing drinking and irrigation water to 13 districts, which has been a long-standing political and social demand in the state.

Religious Tourism and Heritage

As a member of the erstwhile royal family and a champion of heritage, Diya Kumari has allocated special funds for the rejuvenation of ancient temples and heritage sites. The goal is to create a "Religious Tourism Circuit" that connects major spiritual hubs, potentially creating thousands of local jobs.

Key Takeaways for the Common Man:

Agriculture: Subsidies for solar pumps and the establishment of new "Mandis."

Health: Expansion of state health insurance coverage and new medical colleges in underserved districts.

Youth: A focus on "Skill Rajasthan" to make the youth more employable in the private sector rather than just relying on government jobs.

The Challenge: Fiscal Deficit

While the budget is ambitious, critics point toward the rising debt of the state. Diya Kumari’s biggest challenge will be executing these mega-projects without letting the fiscal deficit spiral out of control.

Read More: The Blueprint for a New Rajasthan 5 Major Highlights from Diya Kumari’s Budget