Chief Minister Shri Bhajan Lal Sharma said that the spirit of ‘Nagrik Devo Bhava’ is at the core of every policy and welfare scheme of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi. Guided by this vision, the State Government has prepared a roadmap for the comprehensive development of Rajasthan, with major works being undertaken across sectors including water, power, industry, employment and roads. He said the State Government is committed to ensuring that the benefits of development reach the last mile.
The Chief Minister inaugurated and laid foundation stones for more than 1,000 development works worth over ₹2,824 crore for Barmer, Balotra, Jaisalmer, Jalore, Jodhpur, Pali, Phalodi and Sirohi districts of Jodhpur Division at Bachhdau in Barmer. Of these, foundation stones were laid for 763 works costing more than ₹2,045 crore, while 250 development works worth ₹778 crore were inaugurated and dedicated to the people.
CM Makes Important Announcements for Barmer
In view of the situation arising from low rainfall in Barmer district, the Chief Minister announced several measures to provide relief to farmers, livestock owners and the general public. He announced that emergency drinking water arrangements and water transportation through tankers made during the previous summer would continue uninterrupted until December 31.
He also announced that, through the District Collector, emergency works costing up to ₹1 crore could be sanctioned in low-rainfall areas to expedite relief measures. In addition, fodder depots will be established in Barmer, Balotra, Jaisalmer and other affected areas facing fodder shortages, along with arrangements for their smooth operation.
Focus on Water and Power Security
The Chief Minister said the State Government is giving priority to ensuring water security across Rajasthan. Work on the Ram Jal Setu Link Project is being expedited. The project has an estimated cost of around ₹1 lakh crore, with work orders worth ₹41,000 crore issued so far.
He said the Yamuna Water Project, Narmada Project and Kishau Project will provide permanent drinking water security to a large section of the state’s population. He added that Rajasthan is moving from being a power-purchasing state towards becoming a power-supplying state.
Farmer Welfare and Women’s Empowerment
Shri Sharma said that, to strengthen the welfare of farmers, the annual assistance provided to farmers in Rajasthan under the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi has been increased from ₹6,000 to ₹9,000. So far, more than ₹14,400 crore has been transferred to over 76 lakh farmers. The State Government has also provided a subsidy of ₹61,583 crore to farmers on electricity bills.
He said the State Government is working to make women self-reliant and economically empowered. More than 18 lakh women have so far established themselves as Lakhpati Didis, while 25,000 women from self-help groups have become Solar Didis. Loans amounting to ₹928 crore have also been provided to more than 57,000 self-help groups.
Under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (Gramin), construction of 3.82 lakh houses has been completed, while work on another 4.53 lakh houses is underway.
Development Works Dedicated to the People
The Chief Minister said that under the leadership of the Prime Minister, the State Government is committed not only to laying foundation stones for development works but also to completing and dedicating them within the stipulated time.
In this sequence, 63 power-sector works worth ₹405 crore, 10 medical-sector works worth ₹197 crore, 87 road-related works worth ₹125 crore, the Government Nursing College building in Pali constructed at a cost of ₹21 crore, and 62 rural infrastructure works worth more than ₹10 crore have been completed in Jodhpur Division and dedicated to the people.
Works in various sectors, including agriculture, animal husbandry, cooperation, education, hostels, government offices, auditoriums and bus stands, were also inaugurated.
Foundation Stones Laid for Works in Various Sectors
The Chief Minister laid foundation stones for 587 works worth ₹958 crore to strengthen the road network. Foundation stones were also laid for ₹739 crore worth of works to provide clean and fluoride-free drinking water in rural areas, 32 power-sector works worth ₹208 crore, 46 village development works worth ₹50 crore, 29 healthcare works worth ₹42 crore, and 42 school education works worth ₹33 crore.
Foundation stones were also laid for various other development works related to agriculture, animal husbandry, Ayurveda and technical education.
CM Recalls Valour of Lieutenant General Hanut Singh
Recalling the 1971 war, the Chief Minister paid tribute to the valour of Barmer’s son, Lieutenant General Hanut Singh. He said that Hanut Singh’s indomitable courage and leadership played a significant role in destroying an entire regiment of 48 Pakistani tanks and breaking the morale of the enemy.
Minister of State for Industries and Commerce K.K. Vishnoi, Chairman of the Farmers’ Commission C.R. Chaudhary, MLAs Aadu Ram Meghwal, Priyanka Chaudhary, Chhotu Singh, Pratap Puri, Hamir Singh Bhayal and Arun Chaudhary, former Union Minister Kailash Chaudhary, other public representatives and a large number of people were present at the ceremony.
