Rajasthan govt working with clear roadmap, results visible: CM Sharma

Jaipur, Jul 11 (PTI) Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma on Saturday said the state government is working with a clear roadmap on key sectors such as water, electricity, roads, education, health and employment, asserting that the impact of these efforts is now visible on the ground. Addressing a foundation stone-laying and inauguration ceremony in Kekri in Ajmer district, Sharma said the "double engine government" is committed to strengthening infrastructure and improving the ease of life for people. Highlighting infrastructure development, the chief minister said that over the past two-and-a-half years, roads spanning nearly 49,000 km have been developed in the state at a cost exceeding Rs 33,000 crore, while around 18,000 km of new roads have been constructed. "Work has also been undertaken for the upgradation, strengthening and renewal of more than 3,000 km of roads under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana," he said, adding that expansion of the rail network and development of new airports are giving a fresh boost to growth in the state. Describing water as the state's most critical requirement, Sharma said the government has prioritised major water projects. "By focusing on key projects such as the Ram Jalsetu Link Project, the Yamuna water agreement and the Dewas project, we are working to ensure water reaches every person," he said. The chief minister said the government is ensuring the holistic development of farmers, labourers, women and youth. "The Kisan Samman Nidhi has been increased from Rs 6,000 to Rs 9,000 and will be raised to Rs 12,000 annually in the coming time," he said. He added that farmers are being provided electricity during the day along with subsidies on bills, while livestock rearers are getting interest-free loans up to Rs 1 lakh under the Rajasthan Cooperative Gopal Credit Card Loan Scheme. On employment, Sharma said over 1.78 lakh government appointments have been made so far, while recruitment for more than one lakh posts is underway. "In the private sector too, around 4.5 lakh youth have got employment," he said, adding that initiatives are also being taken to promote self-employment and strengthen rural livelihoods, including in the dairy sector. Earlier, the chief minister laid the foundation stone for multiple development projects worth around Rs 880 crore, including the Nasirabad-Sarwar-Kekri-Deoli Phase-I four-lane road. He also planted a sapling at a government college campus, giving a message of environmental conservation, and was accorded a warm welcome by locals at various places during his visit. Deputy Chief Minister Diya Kumari, Union Minister of State for Agriculture and Farmers' Welfare Bhagirath Choudhary, and other public representatives were present on the occasion. PTI AG MPL MPL