Jaipur, January 30, 2026:
Rajasthan’s economic management and social sector innovations under Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma have received strong recognition in the Government of India’s Economic Survey 2025–26, which highlights the state’s progress in fiscal discipline, inflation control and governance reforms.
The Survey notes that Rajasthan has strengthened its economic fundamentals through prudent financial management, efficient use of resources and development-oriented expenditure. It specifically acknowledges improvements in revenue balance, innovative public health interventions and administrative best practices implemented by the state government.
According to the Survey, Rajasthan’s revenue deficit, which stood at ₹38,954 crore in 2023–24, declined to ₹31,939 crore in the revised estimates for 2024–25. The state government has projected a further reduction to ₹31,009 crore in the Budget Estimates for 2025–26, reflecting sustained efforts towards fiscal consolidation.
Inflation control has been another key area of progress. Retail inflation in Rajasthan fell from 6.39% in 2023–24 to 4.34% in 2024–25. During April–December 2025–26, the state recorded a retail inflation rate of just 0.81%, indicating effective supply-side management, targeted interventions and strong administrative coordination.
Rajasthan’s ‘Cash Plus Model’ Recognised as a National Best Practice
The Economic Survey has highlighted Rajasthan’s Cash Plus Model as a best practice for addressing maternal and child malnutrition. Implemented in districts such as Pratapgarh, Dungarpur, Banswara, Udaipur and Baran, the model integrates benefits under the Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana and the Mukhyamantri Matritva Poshan Yojana.
The initiative combines direct cash transfers with intensive behavioural change communication to ensure funds are used for nutrition. Anganwadi workers, ANMs and ASHA workers were trained to provide doorstep counselling, supported by mass awareness campaigns across print, radio, television, folk media and digital platforms. The innovative ‘Bahubali’ campaign also promoted male participation in maternal nutrition.
As a result, the proportion of women spending cash benefits on food rose sharply from 30% to 89% by 2025. The Survey reports significant improvements in maternal weight gain, dietary diversity and child nutrition outcomes.
Career Education and Governance Reforms Also Applauded
The Survey also praised Rajasthan’s Comprehensive Career Education Programme, which provides career guidance and skill-based learning to students from Classes 9 to 12, strengthening employability-focused education. In addition, institutionalised mapping and conservation of community natural resources at the gram panchayat level and third-party inspections in building plan approvals were cited as governance best practices.
