On Friday, the Rajasthan state assembly was disturbed after an uproar and chaos by opposition members. They alleged that Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot read an old budget document in the house. The drama led to an adjournment for a brief time. But, soon after, the proceedings commenced for the second time. CM Gehlot announced various schemes, including free electricity to farmers, no new taxes, a Rs 200 crore welfare fund, and more. In this article, we will take a look at the major announcements made by CM Gehlot in his Rajasthan Budget 2023 speech.
Free Electricity to Farmers
CM Gehlot announced free electricity to more than 11 lakh farmers who consume less than 2,000 units per month. The state government has made providing uninterrupted power supply for farming a priority. Farmers who consume up to 2,000 units per month will receive free electricity from the 2023-24 financial year. He also announced the implementation of the Rajasthan Farmers Debt Relief Act to protect the land of small and marginal farmers from being auctioned off.
No New Taxes
The Rajasthan Budget for 2023-24 has not announced any new taxes. This is the last budget of the present government. As assembly polls will be held in the state later this year. In the past four budgets, no new taxes have been imposed, and relief was given to the people, Gehlot said.
Old Pension Scheme for Personnel
CM Gehlot promised to provide benefits under the old pension scheme to personnel of various boards and corporations in the state. He had previously announced the revival of the old pension scheme for state government employees in last year’s budget. In Rajasthan Budget 2023, Gehlot expanded the revival to include personnel of boards, corporations, academies, and universities. This will benefit more than one lakh employees.
Gig Workers Welfare Act
Showing concern for gig workers, CM Gehlot announced the implementation of the Gig Workers Welfare Act, the establishment of a board, and a welfare fund of Rs 200 crore. He mentioned that the numbers of gig workers, working for companies like Ola, Uber, Swiggy, Zomato, Amazon, and others, are increasing. The number of gig workers has increased to 3-4 lakh in the state. Till now, there was no arrangement for their social security. The Gig Workers Welfare Act will protect gig workers from harassment. Also, it will provide social security through the formation of a Gig Workers Welfare Board. Also, a Gig Workers Welfare Fund with Rs 200 crore.
Inflation Relief Package
CM Gehlot made a major announcement of a relief package worth Rs 19,000 crore to provide relief to the masses from rising prices. The people aim to provide inflation relief through this package. The package includes free food packets every month to poor families. LPG cylinders for Rs 500 under the Ujjwala Scheme. Also, free electricity up to 100 units per month to domestic consumers. He also announced an increase in the coverage amount from Rs 10 lakh to Rs 25 lakh annually per family under the Chiranjeevi Swasthya Bima Yojana. CM Gehlot also announced free Chief Minister Annapurna food packets every month. Along with that, free ration to about one crore families coming under the purview of the National Food Security Act.
76 Lakh Families Included in BPL
CM Gehlot announced that about 76 lakh families included in the BPL and the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana will receive LPG cylinders for Rs 500 from next year. The Rajasthan Budget 2023 will allocate Rs 1,500 crore for this.
100 units of electricity free of cost per month
According to the Chief Minister, domestic consumers in the state will be given 100 units of electricity at no cost every month under the Chief Minister’s Electricity Free Scheme. This is an increase from the previous limit of 50 units. The state government estimates that this will benefit over 1.04 crore families, out of the total 1.19 crore in the state, and result in a burden of Rs 7,000 crore.
The state’s aim is to eventually provide free electricity to domestic users consuming up to 300 units per month. The Chief Minister announced an increase in accidental insurance coverage under the Chiranjeevi scheme from Rs 5 lakh to Rs 10 lakh.
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