Jaipur, Jan 22 (NationPress) Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma stated on Thursday that farmers are the lifeblood of India, asserting that empowering farmers leads to the progress of villages, states, and the nation as a whole. He emphasized the government's ongoing commitment to fulfilling the promises outlined in its manifesto and ensuring the welfare and prosperity of farmers.

On the occasion of Basant Panchami, starting January 23, the Chief Minister announced the launch of Gram Utthan Camps in every Girdawar circle throughout the state. He encouraged farmers and livestock owners to participate actively and benefit from various government welfare schemes.

During an event in Sirohi for the distribution of Kisan Samman Nidhi and the inauguration of Gram Utthan Camps, CM Sharma reminisced that two years ago, Prime Minister Narendra Modi consecrated Ramlala in Ayodhya, marking a significant cultural moment awaited for decades. He also highlighted that on this day, the Prime Minister launched the Beti Bachao-Beti Padhao initiative from Panipat, Haryana, a key milestone for women's empowerment.

CM Sharma reiterated that the state government is dedicated to the welfare of all societal segments, including the underprivileged, women, youth, and farmers. The Gram Utthan Camps aim to ensure that government schemes are accessible at the grassroots level. Approvals for welfare initiatives such as fencing, water tanks, pipelines, farm ponds, sprinkler and drip irrigation systems, plastic mulch, and solar pumps will be processed at these camps.

Applications for the Chief Minister Kisan Sathi Sahayata Yojana will also be facilitated. The camps will assist with applications for solar pumps, Kisan Credit Cards, new custom hiring centres, animal registration under the Chief Minister Mangala Pashu Bima Yojana, and animal vaccination services. Additional support will include the registration of primary dairy cooperative societies, distribution of ownership cards, canal repairs, enrollment under the PM Surya Ghar Yojana, and water conservation initiatives under the Vande Ganga Jal Sanrakshan Jan Abhiyan.

At the event, the Chief Minister transferred over Rs 1,590 crore directly to the bank accounts of more than one crore farmers, women, and laborers statewide. This included more than Rs 653 crore to over 65 lakh farmers as the fifth installment of the Chief Minister Kisan Samman Nidhi Yojana through DBT, alongside Rs 327 crore in crop damage compensation to five lakh farmers. An additional Rs 240 crore was allocated to over 10,000 farmers for procurement at the Minimum Support Price (MSP), while Rs 50 crore was disbursed to four lakh livestock farmers under the Chief Minister Milk Producer Support Scheme. Furthermore, Rs 75 crore was allocated to 30 lakh beneficiaries of the Chief Minister LPG Subsidy Scheme, and Rs 100 crore was granted to 20,000 beneficiaries under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana. The Chief Minister also transferred Rs 100 crore to one lakh construction workers via DBT.

On this occasion, agricultural equipment valued at Rs 40 crore was distributed. The Chief Minister emphasized that the economic empowerment of farmers is a top priority for the state government. Under the double-engine government, an additional Rs 3,000 has been added to the Rs 6,000 provided under the PM Kisan Samman Nidhi, bringing the total annual assistance to Rs 9,000. He noted that bonuses of Rs 125 and Rs 150 per quintal have been awarded on wheat procurement in the last two years, and interest-free crop loans totaling Rs 50,000 crore were provided during the same period. To boost energy self-reliance, a subsidy of Rs 822 crore has been allocated for the installation of 52,000 solar pump sets under the PM KUSUM scheme.

Farmers in 22 districts are now receiving electricity during daytime hours. The Chief Minister also highlighted welfare measures for livestock owners, such as a 25 percent increase in grants for cow shelters, interest-free loans amounting to Rs 653 crore, and veterinary treatment through mobile units. “While the previous government organized an investment summit in its last year, we held a Rising Summit right after assuming office,” the Chief Minister remarked.

He emphasized that MoUs worth Rs 8 lakh crore have already been executed. Stating the importance of employment generation, he noted that over one lakh government positions have been filled so far, with recruitment ongoing for 1.43 lakh posts and a recruitment calendar for an additional one lakh positions has been released.

Minister of State for Cooperatives (Independent Charge) Gautam Kumar Dak stated that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has bolstered farmers' financial status, with Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma further enhancing farmers’ honorarium in accordance with manifesto commitments.

He reaffirmed that the state government is actively working to guarantee daytime electricity supply for farmers. Minister of State for Panchayati Raj and Rural Development Ota Ram Dewasi remarked that the state government has introduced numerous development initiatives in the Sirohi district over the last two years.