The state with the largest land area in India, has high expectations from the Union Budget this time as well. This anticipation is driven by the unique geographical and economic challenges the state faces, coupled with recent political developments.
It’s notable that the budget of the Bhajan Lal government of Rajasthan was presented in the State Legislative Assembly by a woman minister, the Deputy Chief Minister and Finance Minister, Diya Kumari. Coincidentally, Nirmala Sitharaman, the Union Finance Minister, will present the country’s general budget in the Lok Sabha in the new Parliament House this coming Tuesday. In Rajasthan, a dedicated farmers’ budget was presented along with the main budget. Similarly, Nirmala Sitharaman is expected to continue the tradition started by the Modi government of presenting the railway budget alongside the Union Budget.
Rajasthan’s residents have numerous expectations from Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman. As the largest state by area since the formation of Chhattisgarh, Rajasthan faces unique challenges. The Thar Desert, which dominates the region, is not only the largest desert in India but also in Asia. Providing infrastructure such as roads, water, and electricity is significantly more expensive here compared to other states. Additionally, the state has a long international border with Pakistan, necessitating more central assistance for border security and development.
Water scarcity is a severe issue in Rajasthan, exacerbated by natural disasters. Despite having ten percent of the country’s total area, Rajasthan has only one percent of its underground and surface water. Many blocks are declared dark zones, and drinking water often has to be supplied through tankers and special trains during the summer. Contaminated water with high fluoride levels causes health issues in many parts of western Rajasthan, affecting both humans and animals. Addressing these water quality issues requires substantial assistance from the Government of India.
The ERCP (Eastern Rajasthan Canal Project) was initiated at a cost of Rs 40,000 crores during the BJP’s Vasundhara Raje government and continued by the Ashok Gehlot government. However, political disagreements over declaring it a national project and an agreement with Madhya Pradesh stalled its completion. The current BJP government in Rajasthan, led by Bhajan Lal Sharma, has prioritized this project, expanding its benefits from 13 to 23 districts. A new MoU with Madhya Pradesh for the PKC-ERCP project aims to provide drinking water and irrigation facilities. Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma has indicated that Prime Minister Narendra Modi will soon lay the foundation stone for this ambitious project, potentially leading to more funds in the Union Budget.
Rajasthan has historically benefited from central projects like the Rajasthan Canal Project, later renamed the Indira Gandhi Canal Project, which transformed the desert region. The Barmer Oil and Petro Complex is another significant project expected to change Western Rajasthan’s landscape. Similarly, the PKC-ERCP project could transform Eastern Rajasthan, provided it receives national project status and adequate funding.
Agriculture in Rajasthan heavily depends on monsoon rains, and the small farms struggle without adequate rainfall. Frequent droughts and famines have led previous state governments to request special state status for Rajasthan, similar to hilly and border states, along with 100% central assistance for drinking water projects.
Tourism is a significant industry in Rajasthan, attracting domestic and international tourists with its historical sites, palaces, forts, castles, and rich culture. Union Minister of Tourism and Culture Gajendra Singh Shekhawat hails from Rajasthan, and the state hopes for enhanced budgetary support for preserving its heritage.