Economists appreciated Rajasthan for pioneering ground-breaking financial reforms at the ‘Development Dialogue with NITI Aayog’ event held in the CMO yesterday. CEO Amitabh Kant and Vice Chairman Panagariya especially applauded Vasundhara Raje for introducing a novel, positive change in the financial portfolio of Rajasthan.
NITI Aayog Chairman Mr. Arvind Panagariya appreciated Rajasthan for launching practical initiatives like modern Rent Act for urban housing, amendments in labor laws and other land reforms that facilitated ease of doing business in the state. These steps were successfully introduced in the desert land before the Centre could implement them in the whole nation. Over the years, the state undertook steps like allowing the land lease for solar energy parks and timely implementation of Swachh Bharat Mission.
Professor Ramesh Chand, an expert in finance and a member of Aayog shed light on the importance of e-mandis (e-NAM) and e-auction of crops for agriculturists. If Chand is to be believed, limited income from farms, ever-growing debts and extreme stress are responsible for farmer suicides. Therefore, attempts should be made to link farmers with mainstream development, which is possible through digitization.
He instructed the government to promote green cover, protect community lands, boost livestock, contract farming, and forestry activities. Such steps will enhance income from agriculture.
Mr. Amitabh Kant, CEO, NITI Aayog praised Raje government for executing Bhamashah Yojana. In time, Bhamashah surfaced as a model scheme for women empowerment, digitization and direct delivery of benefits under government schemes. Further, he appreciated the government for its attempts at improving irrigation practices. Raje is known for launching MJSA or Jal Swavlamban, an ambitious rainwater harvesting scheme that raised funds through crowd funding. Today, the scheme supplies water to around 5000 villages in Rajasthan.
In his address, Kant appreciated the relentless efforts made by the government in education, investment, labor, public delivery supply and education sectors. Saying so, he also said that the government needs to work on health and education.
Visionary steps like these will push Rajasthan towards number one rank in the country!
