Rajasthan Deputy CM Bairwa calls state budget 'historic'
Jaipur (PTI): Rajasthan Deputy Chief Minister Premchand Bairwa and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Jogaram Patel on Thursday described the state government's third budget presented on Wednesday as "historic", calling it a strong roadmap for a developed Rajasthan.
Addressing a press conference at the BJP state headquarters here, Bairwa said the 2026-27 budget, presented in the Assembly by Deputy CM and Finance Minister Diya Kumari, is dedicated to the holistic development of the poor, youth, farmers and women.
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"The size of the budget is Rs 6.10 lakh crore, which is 41 per cent higher than that of 2023-24. It provides for a capital expenditure of Rs 53,978 crore for infrastructure development, more than double compared to 2023-24," he said.
Bairwa said Rs 32,526 crore has been allocated for the medical and health sector, which is 53 per cent higher than the previous budget. The agriculture budget has been increased by 7.59 per cent, while the green budget has seen a rise of 20.81 per cent, he added.
He said that the budget earmarks Rs 69,000 crore for expansion of educational facilities, about 35 per cent higher than that in 2023-24.
Jogaram Patel termed the budget a document of comprehensive and sustainable development beyond populist promises.
"The budget seeks to advance Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of a 'Viksit Bharat' and is aimed at the welfare of all sections, including women, youth, labourers, the underprivileged and farmers," he said.
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Bihar: Over 150 children fall ill after consuming 'mid-day meal' in Saharsa
Saharsa (PTI): More than 150 children were taken ill after allegedly consuming food that was part of the mid-day meal in a school in Bihar’s Saharsa district, a senior official said on Thursday.
The incident occurred at a middle school in Baluaha village of the district.
The official said that 115 children were undergoing treatment at the Sadar Hospital, while around 50 students were admitted to Mahishi Public Health Centre.
“We received information that several children fell ill after consuming the mid-day meal in Baluaha. The children were initially treated at the primary health centre, but later, many were referred to the Sadar Hospital,” Saharsa District Magistrate Deepesh Kumar told reporters.
“According to doctors, the health condition of the children has improved, but they will be kept under observation for some time. There is no need to panic. Some kids are having mild fever. They are being treated accordingly,” Kumar said.
Meanwhile, family members of some children claimed that a snake was found in the container in which cooked pulses was stored at the school.
Of the 545 students present in the school, 200 had already eaten their meals by the time the snake was spotted, and later complained of stomach ache and vomiting, they said.
Regarding the claims, the DM said food samples have been collected from the school.
“We will be able to comment on this only after the results of the tested samples arrive,” he said.
