Jaipur, Jan 12 (NationPress) Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma stated on Monday that the involvement of youth is essential for the realization of a 'Developed Rajasthan'. He emphasized that India is a youthful nation, with its youth serving as the bedrock for both the nation and the state.

During a pre-budget dialogue held at the Chief Minister's residence with students from diverse educational institutions, Sharma expressed that the aspirations for a Developed India and a Developed Rajasthan can only be fulfilled through the vigor and capabilities of the youth.

In his greetings to the youth on National Youth Day, he remarked that Swami Vivekananda continues to inspire all, motivating the youth to remain resolute and focused on achieving their ambitions.

“When the youth thrive, the nation and the state progress,” he noted.

The Chief Minister assured that the state government is devoted to meeting the aspirations of the youth and ensuring their overall development. He highlighted the government's priority to create a budget centered on youth to boost state development and forge a robust Rajasthan.

Criticizing the previous administration, CM Sharma noted that while previous promises were made to youth, his government has acted decisively against incidents of paper leaks, with no such reports emerging in the last two years.

He mentioned that the government prioritizes job opportunities for youth, having made over one lakh government appointments in the last two years, with recruitment processes ongoing for approximately 1.5 lakh posts.

The government aims to create four lakh jobs in the public sector and significant employment in the private sector over the next five years, generating over one crore job opportunities for youth.

Sharma outlined that various initiatives are underway to foster entrepreneurship among young people. Under the Rising Rajasthan initiative, investment proposals totaling Rs 35 lakh crore have been received, with projects worth Rs 8 lakh crore already launched.

To support these initiatives, skill development programs are being enhanced, with over three lakh youth receiving training in various economic sectors.

The Chief Minister highlighted that the state government has also offered internships to two lakh students, established 65 lakh launchpad nests, and provided assistance to 658 beneficiaries.

CM Sharma declared that a comprehensive development strategy focusing on water and energy has been implemented by the state government.

Projects like the Ramjal Setu Link Project, seawater initiatives for Shekhawati, and schemes related to the Indira Gandhi Canal, Dewas, Mahi, and Narmada are advancing swiftly, he remarked.

He added that key decisions have also been made in the energy sector. The government promised daytime electricity for farmers and is now providing extended power supply, aiming for self-sufficiency in electricity.

The Chief Minister stated that under the guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the state government is adhering to the vision of “Development alongside Heritage.”

As part of this vision, concessions have been granted for the preservation and restoration of 662 historic havelis in the Shekhawati region, he explained.

Sharma noted that Rajasthan is endowed with 82 types of mineral resources and boasts globally recognized tourism hotspots.

The state’s lakes, forts, havelis, deserts, and religious sites continue to attract both domestic and international tourists, he added.

He mentioned that training facilities are being developed through the phased establishment of Atal Gyan Kendras in every gram panchayat to aid rural students.

The aim is to offer employment-oriented training at the grassroots level, he stated, indicating that the government operates from a welfare-centric philosophy inspired by Integral Humanism, ensuring that the benefits of government initiatives reach every individual in society.

During the event, youth acknowledged several decisions made by the Chief Minister in the past two years to benefit young people.

They also provided suggestions on education, employment, skill development, entrepreneurship, and industry. The Chief Minister assured that efforts will be made to integrate these suggestions into the forthcoming budget.

Earlier, he paid homage to Swami Vivekananda on National Youth Day.

The occasion was attended by Additional Chief Secretary (Skill and Entrepreneurship) Sandeep Verma, Principal Secretary (Women and Child Development) Bhawani Singh Detha, Principal Secretary (Finance) Vaibhav Galaria, senior officials, and numerous students from Rajasthan University, various government colleges, government ITIs, and other institutions.