CM Bhajanlal Sharma launches special housing scheme for journalists with massive discounts on flats

Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma stated that journalism isn't merely a means of livelihood, but an important spiritual pursuit of social responsibility, public awakening, and nation-building. Sharing his own experiences in journalism, he remarked that he understands the problems and difficulties faced by journalists very well. Keeping this in mind, the state government is working with full commitment towards the respect, sensitivity, and welfare of journalists. On Saturday, Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma inaugurated the special housing scheme for journalists under the Rajasthan Housing Board's Special Registration Scheme-2026 at the Constitutional Club of Rajasthan. This multi-story residential scheme provides all essential facilities to ensure a safe and well-equipped living environment for journalist colleagues.

During the event, Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma announced special discounts under the housing scheme. He declared that a total cost reduction of 15 lakh rupees will be provided on 3 BHK flats and 12 lakh rupees on 2 BHK flats in Phase-1 of the residential project. He further stated that residential schemes will be introduced in other administrative divisions in a phased manner. In addition, he announced a new housing scheme to be developed near Poonchari ka Lotha in Bharatpur's upcoming satellite city. He recalled that the budget had included an announcement to provide housing to accredited journalists, in compliance with which registration for flats has begun at the Indira Gandhi Nagar Residential Scheme in Sector-9, Jagatpura, Jaipur.

Emphasizing the importance of positive journalism, the Chief Minister noted that journalism associated with positivity proves its true significance. The history of journalism in Rajasthan bears witness to self-respect and pride. The tradition established by luminaries like Vijay Singh Pathik and Pandit Jhabarmal Sharma has contributed Notably to social reform, public awakening, and the state's development. Over the past two and a half years, the state government has undertaken numerous initiatives for the welfare of journalists. To facilitate accreditation for independent journalists, age and experience criteria have been relaxed, setting the minimum eligibility age at 45 years and experience at 15 years, benefiting 31 press representatives. On top of that, 43 scholarships have been distributed to the children of accredited journalists under pre-matric and post-matric scholarship schemes.

Detailing social security and health measures for journalists, the Chief Minister shared that 2 crore 15 lakh rupees have been paid towards the insurance premiums of 1,423 insured journalists under the Rajasthan Journalist Health Scheme known as RJHS. Under the Senior Accredited Journalist Honor Scheme, 462 beneficiaries have been honored, while financial assistance was provided to 24 accredited journalists and their dependents from the Journalist and Writer Welfare Fund. The state government is making every possible effort to ensure the dignity, safety, and welfare of journalists, thereby guaranteeing strong social security through facilities like the Senior Accredited Journalist Honor Scheme and RJHS.

Highlighting the state's comprehensive development, the Chief Minister said that to realize Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of a developed India by the year 2047, the state government is prioritizing good governance, infrastructure expansion, and public welfare. The state government has brought critical interstate water agreements on the ground to enhance water availability, including the Ram Jal Setu Link Project, Yamuna Water Agreement, Narmada Agreement, and Kishau Multipurpose Projects, which will benefit crores of people. Through the Rising Rajasthan Global Investment Summit, projects worth over 9 lakh crore rupees have materialized on the ground. Also, the Greenfield Refinery and Petrochemical Project being developed in the state at a cost of 80 thousand crore rupees will give a new dimension to Rajasthan's economy, generating immense potential for establishing small and large industries based on refinery products.

Detailing achievements in governance and employment, the Chief Minister stated that the state government has successfully conducted over 410 examinations with absolute transparency and zero paper leaks. Government appointments have been granted for 1 lakh 93 thousand posts so far. Plus, recruitment processes are underway for 1 lakh 18 thousand posts, and work is progressing rapidly toward filling another 70 thousand vacancies. Regarding the power sector, he noted that moving beyond self-sufficiency in electricity, Rajasthan has now transformed into a power-supplying state. The double-engine government has increased the Kisan Samman Nidhi amount to 9 thousand rupees in the state and is providing daytime electricity to farmers across 26 districts.

Speaking on the harmonization of heritage and development, the Chief Minister mentioned the Prime Minister's belief that development and heritage must go hand in hand. Keeping this perspective, the state government is developing a Heritage Tourism Circuit in Sikar, Jhunjhunu, and Churu to promote the historical heritage, havelis, and tourism of the Shekhawati region. Rajasthan has emerged as a leading state in implementing various national schemes and programs, while the state secured the first position in 12 national schemes, the second position in 10, and the third position in 8 schemes. Rajasthan achieved top ranks for issuing the highest number of policies under the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana, various components of the PM-KUSUM scheme, International Day of Yoga 2025, and the Swachhata Hi Seva campaign under Swachh Bharat Mission Rural 2025. The state was also honored as the Best Performing State in the Dharti Aba Janbhagidari Abhiyan.

Urban Development and Housing Minister, Independent Charge, Jhabar Singh Khra stated that on the initiative of Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma, an announcement was made in the budget to provide residential flats to accredited journalists in Jaipur, and today the registration process for these flats has officially commenced under that action plan. He expressed gratitude to the state government for the swift execution of this scheme. The event was graced by the presence of MP Manju Sharma, Jaipur Mayor Sunil Kothari, Additional Chief Secretary Alok Gupta, along with numerous senior officials and a large gathering of journalist colleagues.