Placing strong emphasis on youth empowerment, the Government of Rajasthan has announced a series of initiatives in its latest budget aimed at employment generation, skill development, and education reforms across the state.
Presenting the vision for youth-centric growth, Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot reiterated the importance of investing in young minds, quoting former President A. P. J. Abdul Kalam: “The ignited minds of the youth are the most powerful resource on the Earth.”
₹500 Crore Youth Policy Announced
A key highlight of the budget is the introduction of a comprehensive Youth Policy, backed by a ₹500 crore Youth Development and Welfare Fund. The allocation aims to strengthen various aspects of youth development:
- ₹200 crore for skill training, efficiency building, and employment-oriented resources
- ₹100 crore for personality development initiatives
- ₹200 crore for education, scholarships, and related support systems
Employment Push and Recruitment Reforms
The government reported that over 1.42 lakh government jobs have been filled in the past four years, while recruitment for 1.81 lakh additional posts is currently underway. Authorities indicated that priority will be given to filling vacant positions across departments.
To address concerns around examination integrity, a Special Task Force under the Special Operations Group (SOG)will be set up to tackle issues such as paper leaks and unfair practices in public exams.
Additionally, a One-Time Registration (OTR) system will be introduced, enabling candidates to pay a single registration fee and appear for multiple recruitment examinations without repeated payments.
Job Fairs and Skill Initiatives
The state also plans to expand employment outreach through 100 Mega Job Fairs in the coming financial year. Previously, such initiatives reportedly facilitated job opportunities for around 30,000 youth.
The popular Mukhyamantri Anuprati Coaching Yojana will be expanded, increasing its coverage from 15,000 to 30,000 students, providing support for competitive exam preparation.
Infrastructure for Education and Training
To support students preparing for competitive exams, Vivekanand Youth Hostels will be established at district headquarters, each accommodating around 100 students.
In the field of higher education and research, the government announced the establishment of the APJ Abdul Kalam Institute of Biotechnology in Jaipur with an investment of ₹300 crore. The institute will focus on advanced research and certification courses in health, agriculture, pharmacy, and bioinformatics.
A new Biotechnology Policy is also in the pipeline to boost investment and employment opportunities in the sector.
Aviation and Mining Universities Proposed
The budget also includes plans to establish the Rajiv Gandhi Aviation University in Jaipur, with an estimated investment of ₹350 crore. The university will offer courses in:
- Pilot training
- Aircraft maintenance engineering
- Aviation management
- Flight attendant training
- Drone and simulator-based programmes
In addition, a Mining University will be set up in collaboration with Rajasthan State Mines and Minerals Limited, focusing on mineral and petroleum sector education.
Scholarship Expansion
Under the Rajiv Gandhi Scholarship for Academic Excellence Scheme, the number of beneficiaries will be increased from 200 to 500 students, expanding opportunities for higher education.
Focus on Youth-Led Growth
With a combination of policy reforms, infrastructure development, and employment initiatives, the Rajasthan government aims to strengthen youth employability, skill enhancement, and access to quality education, positioning young individuals at the centre of the state’s growth strategy.
