Welfare initiatives remain at the forefront, with Rs 30,000 crore allocated for Vanbandhu development, focusing on education, employment, and infrastructure in the tribal belt from Ambaji to Umargam. Gujarat’s fisheries sector, backed by the country’s longest coastline, will receive a record Rs 1,622 crore package to enhance fish production and job creation.Agriculture modernization is another key focus, with Rs 1,612 crore set aside to strengthen the sector and support farmers. To prepare youth for the AI era, the government will establish AI labs in seven technical institutes and create an ecosystem fostering startups, including four new i-Hubs.Women’s empowerment takes center stage with the launch of the ‘Sakhi Sahas Yojana,’ which will provide self-help groups with equipment support, loan guarantees, and other resources for self-reliance. Additionally, child nutrition has been prioritized, with a 25 per cent budget increase pushing the allocation to Rs 8,460 crore.Social security measures have also been reinforced, with insurance coverage under the Janata Juth Aksmat Vima Yojana doubling from Rs 2 lakh to Rs 4 lakh, benefiting over 4.45 crore people. Through this comprehensive budget, Gujarat aims to balance economic expansion with social upliftment, ensuring inclusive and sustainable development.Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel hailed the Rs 3.70 lakh crore Gujarat budget as a landmark financial plan, calling it “the largest in the state’s history” and a testament to the government’s unwavering commitment to development.”With a 21.8 per cent increase in capital expenditure over the previous year, this budget strengthens Gujarat’s growth trajectory and paves the way for a brighter future,” he stated.Highlighting the transformative vision behind the budget, CM Patel emphasised its role in enhancing the quality of life for citizens.”This budget is a successful effort to make the lives of Gujarat’s people more comfortable, prosperous, and fulfilling,” he said, adding that the state is consistently reaching new milestones in progress and development.
Source link
