10 Things that We Expect from Rajasthan Budget 2017: The State Looks Up to Raje for Relief

The State Looks Up to CM Raje for Relief…

Finance Minister Arun Jaitley’s union budget 2017 favored farmers and employed professionals. Rajasthan did get a share in the center’s pie, but it wasn’t enough. After several months of waiting in long queues outside ATMs and banks, the entire population of Rajasthan, especially farmers, local traders and housewives look up to CM Raje for relief.

What’s different about this year? Having witnessed a year full of droughts, disasters and demonetization towards the end, this year’s budget will aim at reducing the brunt of scarcity and losses on the public. Knowing that the government has been pitching for crop productivity and investments, there will be room for agriculture, infrastructure, energy production, skill development and tax exemptions.

Since the government is just two days away from announcing its budget for the upcoming year, here’s what the public expects from the CM.

10 Things that Rajasthan’s Budget 2017-18 may Cover this Year

1. Maintenance/Construction of Roads and Airports

Following the construction/revamps of new highways in tier-II cities and introduction of new strips and flights in tier-I cities, the government is likely to target tier-II cities this time. In collaboration with the AAI, they’re likely to start the maintenance of new airports in PPP mode. There are plenty of river projects and elevated road plans pending in the state. The government needs to wind it up as soon as possible.
Revamping of roads and airstrips will reveal government’s ideas on boosting tourism economy.

2. Animal Husbandry

Rajasthan’s potential in animal husbandry is well-known to the world. The state has attained the status of second largest milk producer in the country. The government had proposed about Rs 8,000 crores for animal husbandry in last three years. This year too, we can witness a fillip in this sector.

3. Tourism

The center had proposed to set up 5 special tourism zones in collaboration with the state. Rajasthan budget might include provisions for new vehicles. The government may also propose a huge share for smart cities to promote village tourism.

4. Solar Power

Despite being the primary recipient of sun shine all year round, Tamil Nadu outshines Rajasthan in terms of energy production. The government will try to compensate for this loss by taking up phase II of their solar park project that aims at producing 20000 MW.

5. Infrastructure

The economically weaker sections of society look up to Rajasthan to provide them with affordable housing and relief in capital gains tax while disposing properties.

6. Uplifting MSME sectors

Raje government has always favored investments and start-ups. The fact is evident from its ambitious policies targeting MSME, investment promotion, start-up and the single window act.

This year too, the MSME sectors can do much better, should the government reduce tax rates for MSME from 30% to 25%.

7. Marble Industry

Rajasthan is the leading producer of marble and related stone work. Reduction of stamp duty can benefit local marble traders in Rajasthan.

8. Recruitment for Class IV Employees in Government Jobs

The youth looks for possibilities in government sectors, particularly in municipalities and Gram Panchayats.

9. Skill Development

Like always, the government will pay special attention to skill development. This time, they’re likely to target event management, lighting, catering and other secondary industries to generate stable income for the youth.

10. Tax Rebates & Subsidies

The public is struggling with inflation in market prices of household commodities. Currency crisis has increased their problems further. Therefore, the public expects exemptions and subsidies in important sectors (like cooking gas).

The center’s announcement regarding GST bill has put the public in a state of confusion. In this condition, Raje government needs to come up with concrete policies that can address all the aforementioned problems, as the budget for last 2 years is going to ascertain their faith in the upcoming elections.