Infrastructure Boost: Roads and Drinking Water Projects Get Financial Backing
In the Union Budget 2024, the Central Government has allocated guarantees for loans to support Rajasthan’s infrastructure development, particularly in highway and drinking water projects.
🔹 Key Financial Allocations:
- ₹321.21 crore for Rajasthan State Highways
- ₹255 crore for Rajasthan Rural Drinking Water Distribution
- Loan guarantees for Rajasthan State Highway Development Project
These investments will strengthen the state’s road connectivity and water supply network, benefiting urban and rural populations alike.
Rajasthan’s Share in Central Taxes Increases by ₹10,000 Crore
Rajasthan will receive ₹85,716 crore from central taxes, marking an increase of ₹10,000 crore compared to the previous budget.
📊 Tax Breakdown for Rajasthan:
- Corporation Tax: ₹23,934.98 crore
- Income Tax: ₹31,936.24 crore
- Central GST: ₹24,954.27 crore
- Customs: ₹3,945.35 crore
- Union Excise Duty: ₹819.64 crore
The state’s share in central tax collections stands at 6.26%, ensuring a steady inflow of funds for public welfare and infrastructure projects.
Massive Relief for Farmers: Credit Card Limit Increased to ₹5 Lakh
The Kisan Credit Card (KCC) limit has been raised from ₹3 lakh to ₹5 lakh, benefiting lakhs of farmers across Rajasthan.
🌾 Key Benefits of the KCC Expansion:
- 5-year validity for easy access to short-term crop loans
- 9% interest rate, with 2% government subsidy
- Timely repayment incentive: Additional 3% interest waiver, bringing the effective rate to 4% annually
This move will empower farmers with higher credit limits, allowing them to invest in better equipment, seeds, and fertilizers, ultimately boosting agricultural productivity.
Relief for Street Vendors: Loan Limit Increased to ₹30,000
Under the PM SVANidhi Yojana, the loan limit for street vendors has been tripled from ₹10,000 to ₹30,000.
🍽️ How This Helps Rajasthan’s Small Vendors:
- No collateral required – Unsecured loans for micro-businesses
- Annual interest subsidy of 7% for timely repayment
- Boost for small traders and food vendors to expand their businesses
With this, lakhs of small entrepreneurs in Rajasthan will have better financial support to grow their ventures.
Interest-Free Loans and Power Sector Reforms
The Union Budget has also approved Rajasthan’s request for:
✅ Interest-free loans for capital investments
✅ Special assistance for power sector reforms
Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma welcomed these provisions, emphasizing that they will accelerate economic growth and improve electricity distribution across the state.
Political Reactions: Mixed Responses from State Leaders
🔹 CM Bhajanlal Sharma hailed the budget, highlighting support for infrastructure, farmers, and business growth.
🔹 Former CM Ashok Gehlot, however, criticized the budget, stating that Rajasthan received very little. He accused the Centre of delaying projects like Jal Jeevan Mission, whose deadline has now been extended to 2028 due to poor planning at the national level.
Final Take: What Does Rajasthan Gain from This Budget?
✅ ₹85,716 crore in central tax revenue
✅ Loan guarantees for roads & drinking water projects
✅ Higher credit limit for farmers (₹5 lakh under KCC)
✅ Better financial support for street vendors
✅ Interest-free capital investment & power sector reforms
While some political leaders argue that Rajasthan deserved more, the budget allocations indicate key growth opportunities in infrastructure, agriculture, and small business development.
Bhupendra Singh Chundawat is a seasoned technology journalist with over 22 years of experience in the media industry. He specializes in covering the global technology landscape, with a deep focus on manufacturing trends and the geopolitical impact on tech companies. Currently serving as the Editor at Udaipur Kiran, his insights are shaped by decades of hands-on reporting and editorial leadership in the fast-evolving world of technology.