Rajasthan’s new chief secy lists priority: Crop loan waiver, implementing budget promises

Crop loan waiver and speedy implementation of budget announcements will be the top priority for the newly-appointed chief secretary Devendra Bhushan Gupta.

The state government on Monday night had appointed 1983-batch Gupta as the new CS of Rajasthan. He replaced Nihal Chand Goel, who retired on Monday.

“The priorities will be that of the state government. My job will be to ensure that these are fulfilled in a time-bound and quality manner,” said Gupta.

He said that the immediate priorities are crop loan waiver of farmers, which will take place in June and special camps will be organised for it, and Nyay Aapke Dwar programme, which started on Tuesday so all revenue and development schemes and works will have to be performed in a time-bound manner in the next two months.

“In addition to these, a few big infrastructure (water road and energy) projects will be taken up. Most of the old projects should be completed by August or September; we have to ensure that it’s done in time,” he said

Regarding recruitments, the chief secretary said, “Above one lakh recruitments have been announced in the budget. They are being given financial sanction, now through RPSC or subordinate service commission. Efforts are on to complete the recruitment process in the coming five to six months.”

Speaking on the state’s financial position, he said, “We are in a sound position and there is no dearth of resources.”

Gupta said 76% financial sanctions have been given by April 30 for the budget announcements. Earlier, it used to take three-four months to give sanctions and it has been cut down to a month. “Now, we expect speedier execution of the policies on the ground, it will be our first priority,” he added.

On asking about the challenge of fulfilling the announcements within time, he said, “We will try our best and will closely monitor the work.”