Jaipur, Feb 2 (NationPress) Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma stated on Monday that under the progressive leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the nation has been advancing consistently on the path of growth with fiscal responsibility and economic stability over the past 12 years.

He characterized the Union Budget unveiled by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman as one that will guide the country from self-reliance to development, transforming potential into achievement and determination into success.

While addressing the press at the Chief Minister's Office, Sharma remarked that the budget thoroughly meets the aspirations of a New India, reaffirming the Union government's commitment to uplift every individual in society.

The Chief Minister highlighted that this youth-focused budget incorporates crucial provisions for job creation, skill enhancement, promotion of startups, and expansion of the service sector, which will significantly enhance employment and self-employment opportunities.

“Skill training programs for one lakh allied health professionals, 1.5 lakh caregivers, and tourist guides will directly benefit the youth,” he mentioned.

He pointed out that the AVGC-XR Policy (Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming, and Comics + Extended Reality) has already been put into action in Rajasthan, and the establishment of content creator labs in secondary schools and colleges will offer further opportunities for the youth in the state.

Moreover, the budget emphasizes women empowerment, enhancing their safety and economic engagement, bolstering agricultural infrastructure, improving farmers’ access to markets, and mitigating risks within the agricultural sector.

Sharma noted that following the historic free trade agreement with Europe, the budget has unveiled new prospects for small and large enterprises, manufacturers, artisans, and workers to gain a foothold in the global market.

“Multiple initiatives have been introduced to foster manufacturing in sectors like biopharmaceuticals, chemicals, textiles, handlooms, and handicrafts,” he stated.

He encouraged industries to set up operations in Rajasthan's industrial corridors, taking advantage of the new scheme introduced in the budget to promote heavy machinery manufacturing for construction and infrastructure.

These initiatives will also empower Rajasthan's exporters to explore emerging global markets.

The Chief Minister affirmed that the budget has duly acknowledged Rajasthan's potential and needs.

“A 30 percent increase in allocation—nearly Rs 32,914 crore—has been made for renewable energy. An allocation of Rs 22,000 crore has been earmarked for the PM Surya Ghar Yojana. Customs duty exemptions have been granted on imports of sodium antimonate used in solar glass manufacturing, along with capital goods for manufacturing lithium-ion cell batteries for Battery Energy Storage Systems. As a leading state in solar energy, Rajasthan will gain fresh momentum from these provisions,” he elaborated.

Sharma mentioned that Rajasthan has recently adopted the Semiconductor Policy, Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning (AI-ML) Policy, and Data Centre Policy, positioning the state to become a hub for semiconductors and data centres.

Additionally, he indicated that Rajasthan is thoroughly prepared to take advantage of incentives under the India Semiconductor Mission 2.0, AI Mission, National Quantum Mission, and the Electronic Component Manufacturing Scheme, as well as initiatives concerning data centres and cloud services.

He described the Small and Medium Enterprise Development Fund and the Atmanirbhar Bharat Top-up as significant boosts for small industries.

Initiatives like the Mahatma Gandhi Swaraj Yojana and the establishment of Champion MSMEs will enable small enterprises in Rajasthan to evolve into global business entities, he asserted.

Sharma noted that announcements related to the Mega Textile Park, Textile Labour Incentive Scheme, and the strengthening of 200 industrial clusters nationwide are also crucial for the state.

He stated that the allocation of Rs 12.20 lakh crore with a strong emphasis on infrastructure development will further enhance Rajasthan's urban infrastructure.

Financial backing through Infrastructure Investment Trust bonds, Real Estate Investment Trusts, and municipal bonds will provide considerable benefits to cities across the state, he added.

On this occasion, Rajasthan Chief Secretary V. Srinivas and other senior state government officials were also present.