Jaipur, February 17 Deputy Chief Minister and Finance Minister Diya Kumari defended the Rajasthan Budget for 2026-27 in the Assembly on Tuesday, stating that her government believes in inclusivity.
She said that under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma, the budget has been prepared with the long-term goals of the state, the holistic development of a developed Rajasthan, as well as the welfare of the poor, youth, farmers, and women in mind.
"A budget that increases investment in infrastructure, maintains fiscal discipline, strengthens social security, and provides a blueprint for developing the state, empowering youth, farmers, women, and the underprivileged, does not take the state backward, but moves it forward," Kumari said.
She said that the government welcomes "constructive criticism" from the Opposition but accused them of making baseless allegations.
Responding to the debate on the state budget estimates, Kumari said that the government believes in inclusivity and asserted that allocations for key sectors such as agriculture have increased compared to the previous Congress regime.
"Our agriculture budget is 34 per cent higher than that of the Congress government. At least provide the correct figures to the House," she said, in response to allegations of reduced allocations for education, health, and agriculture.
Taking a swipe at the Opposition, Kumari said that while some members made unnecessary criticisms, she was grateful that "at least they read the budget".
Leader of the Opposition Tika Ram Jully, however, accused the government of cutting allocations in crucial sectors.
He alleged that the budgets for education, health, and agriculture had been reduced and claimed that school infrastructure across the state is in poor condition.
"The government itself told the High Court that Rs 20,000 crore is required for school repairs but has allocated only Rs 500 crore," Jully said, adding that around 1.5 lakh posts in the education sector are vacant.
He also accused the government of slashing development works by 40 per cent in an attempt to reduce the fiscal deficit and claimed that the state plans to raise loans worth Rs 2.22 lakh crore over three years.
"Now that there is a double-engine government, reduce the debt burden," Jully said, alleging that the ruling dispensation is leaving behind a heavy debt load for the future.
The Opposition leader further questioned the government over recruitment promises, alleged inaction on salary anomalies of employees, and sought clarity on central assistance received under the Jal Jeevan Mission.
Responding broadly, Kumari maintained that the government is committed to improving the quality of governance and development, and said that the historical responsibility for Rajasthan's backwardness lies with previous regimes.
The budget was presented by Kumari earlier this month and is currently under discussion in the Assembly.
