Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma on Wednesday, 30 September 2026, inaugurated and laid foundation stones for more than 1,013 development projects worth over ₹2,824 crore across eight districts of the Jodhpur division, addressing a public programme at Bachhdau in Barmer. The push, framed around Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 'Nagrik Devo Bhava' vision, spans water security, roads, power, health, and rural infrastructure.

Scale of the Inaugurations

Of the total works, foundation stones were laid for 763 projects worth more than ₹2,046 crore, while 250 projects costing ₹778 crore were completed and formally dedicated to the public. The districts covered include Barmer, Balotra, Jaisalmer, Jalore, Jodhpur, Pali, Phalodi and Sirohi. Among the completed works are 63 power-sector projects worth ₹405 crore, 10 medical-sector projects worth ₹197 crore, and 87 road projects worth ₹125 crore. A Government Nursing College building in Pali, built at a cost of ₹21 crore, was also handed over to the public.

Drought Relief for Barmer Farmers and Residents

Citing below-normal rainfall in Barmer, Sharma announced several emergency measures. Drinking water supply through tankers will continue until 31 December, and district collectors have been empowered to approve emergency works costing up to ₹1 crore without higher-level clearance to speed up relief. Fodder depots will be opened in shortage-affected areas across Barmer, Balotra and Jaisalmer. Notably, the drought-relief announcements add an immediate welfare dimension to what is otherwise a long-term infrastructure event, signalling the government's awareness of farmer distress in the arid western belt.

Water Security and Power Transition

Sharma said water security remains a top government priority. The Ram Jal Setu Link Project, estimated at approximately ₹1 lakh crore, has already seen work orders issued for ₹41,000 crore worth of projects. The Yamuna Water Project, Narmada Project and Kishau Project are expected to contribute to long-term drinking water availability for a large share of Rajasthan's population. The Chief Minister also said Rajasthan was transitioning from a power-purchasing state to a power-supplying state, reflecting gains in the renewable energy sector.

Farm and Women Welfare Highlights

Sharma said the annual farmer assistance under the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi had been raised from ₹6,000 to ₹9,000 per year in Rajasthan. According to the government, more than ₹14,400 crore has been transferred to over 76 lakh farmers, and a subsidy of ₹61,583 crore has been provided on farmers' electricity bills. On women's empowerment, more than 18 lakh women have been identified as Lakhpati Didis and 25,000 as Solar Didis. Loans worth ₹928 crore have been extended to more than 57,000 self-help groups. Under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana-Gramin, 3.82 lakh houses have been completed and another 4.53 lakh are under construction in the state.

Tribute to 1971 War Hero Lt Gen Hanut Singh

In a moment that resonated with the Barmer audience, Sharma paid tribute to Lieutenant General Hanut Singh, a native of the district, recalling his leadership during the 1971 India-Pakistan war. The Chief Minister highlighted Singh's regiment's role in destroying Pakistani tanks and denting enemy morale — a reminder of Barmer's deep military heritage. Senior officials, elected representatives including MLAs Aadu Ram Meghwal, Priyanka Choudhary, Chhotu Singh, Pratap Puri and Hamir Singh Bhayal, former Union Minister Kailash Choudhary, and a large number of residents attended the event. All projects together represent one of the largest single-day infrastructure mobilisations in the Jodhpur division in recent years, and the state government is expected to hold similar events across other divisions ahead of the next election cycle.