How is Rajasthan CM Bhajan Lal Sharma Enhancing Urban Development in Jaipur?

Jaipur, April 29 (NationPress) Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma stated on Tuesday that the state government is fully committed to achieving the vision of a developed Rajasthan, with the Energy and Urban Development Department playing a crucial role in this endeavor.

The Chief Minister emphasized that the state government is receiving comprehensive support from the Central government to enhance the power infrastructure and urban facilities within the state.

"Our double-engine government is effectively executing public welfare initiatives, benefiting eight crore residents of the state," he remarked.

On Tuesday, the Chief Minister convened a state-level review meeting regarding the Energy and Urban Development Department, alongside Union Housing, Urban Affairs and Power Minister Manohar Lal, at his residence.

He instructed officials to ensure the prompt completion of joint projects between the Central and state governments through effective collaboration.

During discussions concerning the Energy Department, CM Sharma stated: "Our goal is to provide daytime electricity to farmers in the state by 2027. The PM Kusum Yojana is pivotal in this initiative."

He informed that approximately 800 MW of decentralized solar power plants have already been established in the state under this scheme.

CM Sharma directed officials to maintain production units and transmission systems adequately to ensure reliable power supply for consumers.

He noted the ongoing support from the Central government to bolster the state's power infrastructure.

"Previous policies from the Congress government led to coal supply crises for our thermal units, but with the Central government’s assistance, our thermal plants now have sufficient coal supply," he mentioned.

He acknowledged that during the Rabi season, the state government has ensured uninterrupted power supply to farmers.

The peak demand of 19,165 MW has been successfully met from February to date, he added.

He expressed gratitude to the Central government for allocating temporary power quotas from the collective pool of central power generation facilities.

CM Sharma urged Union Minister Manohar Lal to increase power allocation in line with peak demand, to which the latter gave a positive response.

The Union Minister remarked that Rajasthan is achieving remarkable progress under CM Sharma's leadership.

He highlighted the state's excellent performance in the energy sector, particularly regarding renewable energy.

The government has made significant strides in the PM Kusum Yojana and PM Surya Ghar Free Electricity Scheme, he noted.

The Union Minister expressed satisfaction over Rajasthan Vidyut Prasaran Nigam recording profits exceeding Rs 355 crore until December of the financial year 2024-25.

He stressed the necessity to expedite the development of pump storage and battery storage capacity to ensure uninterrupted power during peak hours.

Union Minister Manohar Lal stated that Rajasthan is among the top states in the PM Surya Ghar Free Electricity Scheme.

He underlined that this initiative provides pollution-free and affordable energy.

In the meeting, the Union Minister announced that the State Budget for 2025-26 will include provisions for 150 units of free electricity for families enrolled in the Chief Minister Free Electricity Scheme, linking them with the PM Surya Ghar Free Electricity Scheme.

Manohar Lal directed officials to accelerate implementation of the scheme and maximize family enrollments.

He insisted that priority should be given to the installation of smart pre-paid meters for consumers, including government departments.

The Central government will also support this initiative.

During the Urban Development Department review, the Union Minister stated that sewerage systems should be implemented in every municipal body and that efforts should be made to replace outdated and damaged sewerage systems.

He commended the Chief Minister's initiative, Sadbhavna Kendra, aimed at assisting the underprivileged and recycling unused items, calling it a commendable project.

In the context of the PM e-Bus Seva Yojana, it was reported that an initial allocation of 675 buses was designated for Rajasthan.

Upon the state government's request, an additional 125 buses will also be provided by the Centre, which will enhance public services in urban regions.

During the meeting, topics such as the Jaipur Metro Project, Amrit 2.0, and Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana were also discussed.