CM Bhajanlal calls for Jaipur to be developed as model city
Synopsis
Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma has called for Jaipur to be developed as a model city for the entire country, with the Rajasthan CMO sharing the directive on June 15, 2026, under the state's 'Aapno Agrani Rajasthan' campaign. The vision builds on Jaipur's existing inclusion in the Smart Cities Mission.
Key Takeaways
The Chief Minister's Office of Rajasthan posted on June 15, 2026 , conveying CM Bhajan Lal Sharma's call to develop Jaipur as a national model city.
Jaipur has been part of the Central government's Smart Cities Mission since 2015 , one of 100 cities selected for integrated urban development.
The announcement was made under the hashtag #आपणो_अग्रणी_राजस्थान , meaning 'Our Leading Rajasthan', reflecting the state government's broader branding campaign.
Bhajan Lal Sharma has led the BJP government in Rajasthan since December 2023 following the state assembly elections.
Urban local bodies, the Jaipur Development Authority , and residents are the primary stakeholders who will be affected by any resulting policy action.
A concrete roadmap with timelines and funding details is yet to be announced, with state budget presentations and project tenders the next indicators to watch.
The Chief Minister's Office of Rajasthan on Monday, June 15, 2026, conveyed Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma's vision to develop Jaipur as a model city for the entire country, sharing the directive under the hashtag #आपणो_अग्रणी_राजस्थान ('Our Leading Rajasthan').
Context
The post, attributed to @BhajanlalBjp, states in Hindi: 'जयपुर को, देश के मॉडल शहर के रूप में, विकसित किया जाए' — meaning 'Jaipur should be developed as a model city of the country.' The statement frames the Rajasthan capital not merely as a regional hub but as a national benchmark for urban governance and development. The hashtag references the state government's broader campaign positioning Rajasthan as a frontrunner among Indian states.Policy Backdrop
Jaipur has been part of the Central government's Smart Cities Mission since 2015, when it was among 100 cities selected for integrated urban development driven by technology and infrastructure upgrades. Area-based projects under that mission have focused on mobility, water supply and e-governance within the city. The Rajasthan Urban Development Policy of 2017 further outlined long-term planned growth targets for major urban centres, with Jaipur as a priority. CM Bhajan Lal Sharma, who has led the BJP government in the state since December 2023, now appears to be building on this foundation with an explicit model-city ambition.Stakeholders and Impact
The most immediate stakeholders are Jaipur's residents and the urban local bodies responsible for city administration. A model-city designation typically attracts increased central and state budgetary allocations, private investment, and priority access to infrastructure schemes. For a city that balances a UNESCO-recognised heritage core — the Walled City of Jaipur — with rapidly expanding peripheral zones, the challenge lies in reconciling preservation mandates with modern infrastructure demands. Urban planners and civic bodies will be expected to align their project pipelines with whatever roadmap the state government formalises around this vision. Broader patterns in BJP-ruled states since 2014 show that such model-city declarations are often linked to investment summits and central scheme convergence, suggesting similar exercises could follow in Rajasthan.What's Next
All eyes will now be on forthcoming state budget presentations and project tenders issued by the Jaipur Development Authority and the Rajasthan Urban Development Corporation for the current fiscal cycle. A concrete model-city roadmap — including timelines, funding envelopes and measurable targets — would be necessary to translate the Chief Minister's stated vision into verifiable policy. The government's ability to converge central schemes, state resources and private capital around Jaipur will determine whether the model-city label moves beyond aspiration into implementation.Point of View
Under the 'Aapno Agrani Rajasthan' campaign, suggests this is as much a political messaging exercise as a governance directive, aimed at consolidating the government's development narrative ahead of future electoral cycles. Jaipur's dual identity as a heritage city and a fast-growing metropolis makes the model-city goal complex, requiring careful policy calibration between conservation and modernisation. The real test will come when the government tables specific allocations and measurable targets, rather than aspirational framing.
NationPress
6 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What did CM Bhajan Lal Sharma say about Jaipur on June 15 2026?
CM Bhajan Lal Sharma called for Jaipur to be developed as a model city for the entire country, with the Rajasthan CMO sharing his directive on June 15, 2026, under the hashtag 'Aapno Agrani Rajasthan'.
Is Jaipur part of the Smart Cities Mission?
Yes, Jaipur has been part of the Central government's Smart Cities Mission since 2015, when it was selected as one of 100 cities for integrated urban development focusing on mobility, water and e-governance.
What is the Aapno Agrani Rajasthan campaign?
'Aapno Agrani Rajasthan' translates to 'Our Leading Rajasthan' and is a branding campaign used by the Bhajan Lal Sharma-led state government to position Rajasthan as a frontrunner in development among Indian states.
What does a model city designation mean for Jaipur residents?
A model-city focus typically brings increased budgetary allocations, priority access to central infrastructure schemes, and greater private investment, which can translate into improved public services, mobility and urban infrastructure for residents.
What should we watch for next regarding Jaipur's model city plan?
The next indicators will be state budget presentations and project tenders from the Jaipur Development Authority and Rajasthan Urban Development Corporation, which will reveal whether a concrete roadmap with timelines and funding is being formalised.
