Rajasthan To Introduce Dedicated Youth Budget For 15-29 Age Group, Seeks Public Suggestions

In a move to cater to the Gen Z population, the Rajasthan government plans to launch a dedicated Youth Budget in the upcoming fiscal year. Chief Secretary V. Srinivas issued instructions on Monday, instructing departments preparing their Budget Finalization Committee (BFC) proposals to allocate funds specifically for youth-focused programs.

To gather public input, the government will establish a dedicated portal on its Finance Department website, where citizens can provide suggestions on youth-related matters. The Youth Budget will encompass 11 key domains such as education, skill development, employment, entrepreneurship, scholarships, sports, research, technology, art, culture, health, and social development.

Budget proposals will be classified into two categories: Category A schemes or programs where over 70% of expenditures are earmarked for youth welfare and development, and Category B proposals where less than 70% of funds are directed towards youth-centric activities. The Department of Youth Affairs and Sports will oversee budgetary allocations for young people, and a dedicated Youth Budget cell will be set up within the department to coordinate with other ministries, departments, and the Finance Department on expenditure planning.

Each government department will also assign a nodal officer to oversee the Youth Budget and liaise with the Youth Affairs and Sports Department and the Finance Department. Public feedback is actively sought, with suggestions to be submitted through the Finance Department's website. This initiative extends Rajasthan's sector-specific budgeting strategy, following successful implementations in agriculture and green budgets with a renewed emphasis on youth development.