The development of any state is incomplete without proper urban planning. It’s a framework using which state leaders transform their vision on ground, engaging the stakeholders and public along the way. Urban planning is important for all-round development and for reducing inequality among people. With this powerful tool, the governments make the most out of municipal budgets and accomplish major objectives like—
- Superior infrastructure,
- Investments for services,
- Balancing the need to protect environment while catering to growth requirements,
- Equal distribution of resources among all,
- Striking collaboration between the public, local government bodies and the private sector.
Realising the importance of urban model in development of Rajasthan, CM Vasundhara Raje has taken up the difficult task to prevent negative factors like insecurity, inefficiency, segregation and congestion in the urban model. CM Raje’s ambitious ‘Smart City’ project is a step in this direction. In Rajasthan budget 2017, Raje government allotted Rs 9,500 crores for:
- Smart City project
- Amrit Yojana
- RUIDP (Rajasthan Urban Infrastructure Development Project)
- Deendayal Upadhyay Rashtriya Ajeevika Mission.
This year, the government has selected Ajmer, Kota, Jaipur and Udaipur for the ‘Smart city’ project. These cities will be revamped with modern facilities to outshine tier-I cosmopolitan capitals.
In this regard, the state government announced 7 major postulates, which are as following.
- Ring Road Project for Jaipur City to Start within 2 months.
The government has sanctioned Rs 640 crores for phase I of the Jaipur Ring Road project. The JDA and NHAI (National Highway Authority of India) has come together for the construction of 47 km long, 6-lane ring road connecting Tonk, Agra and Ajmer roads together. The project will start within 2 months.
- 625 Places will Go Digital Soon.
625 public areas, such as tourist hotspots, railway stations, bus stands and government offices etc in 190 selected cities will be connected via high-speed Wi-Fi to ensure swift and easy access to the internet.
- 179 Urban Areas will be prepped up with New Roads.
Government has proposed the construction of ‘Gaurav Path’ (multi-lane roads connecting villages to major cities) in 179 regions of the state. The proposed budget for construction is Rs 357 crores. ‘Aadarsh Path’ as they call it, will have cemented footpaths, road lights and provisions for proper cleanliness.
- All Cities will Enjoy Warm & Nutritious ‘Meals on Wheels’.
On December 15, 2016, the government introduced its subsidized meal scheme ‘Annapurna Rasoi’, which was an instant hit in Rajasthan. Under the scheme, Annapurna mobile vans served healthy breakfasts for Rs 5/plate and lunch/dinner for Rs 8/plate. The scheme was run in Ajmer, Jaipur, Jodhpur, Bikaner, Kota, Bharatpur, Udaipur, Jhalrapatan, Jhalawar, Baran, Banswara, Dungarpur and Pratapgarh. About 17,000 daily workers availed the benefits of this scheme.
Seeing the immense success of this scheme, the government will launch Annapurna Rasois in all urban areas this year.
- Interest Exemptions Bring A Breath of Relief to LIG & EWS Beneficiaries.
Members of EWS (economically weaker sections) and LIG (lower income group) will get 100% exemption on interests and loan penalties on lump sum payments. It means you don’t have to pay loan interest and penalty on late payments if you settle your loan amount once and for all.
This facility will be available to beneficiaries who’ve applied for affordable housing from January 1, 2001.
- UDH has Announced Interest Exemptions on Homes & Plots
UDH has declared lump sum payment of outstanding instalments on purchase of government allotted lands and homes, interest free. The beneficiaries don’t need to pay UD tax and interest amount on lump sum payments. This condition is valid till 31 December, 2017.
- Discount on Stamp Duty will Restore Normality to Real Estate Industry.
Raje government has announced discounts on stamp duty registration. Under new policies, the beneficiaries will get 30% discount on LIG homes, 60% discount on EWS homes and discounts on registration until 31st December, 2017.
Urbanization, digitization and modern infrastructure will change the face of Rajasthan and inculcate new opportunities for future.
