Jaipur, Feb. 3 -- Chief minister Bhajan Lal Sharma on Monday hailed the Union Budget as a major boost for Rajasthan's solar energy sector and heavy machinery manufacturing, while inviting industry to tap the state's investment opportunities. Addressing journalists at the chief minister's office, Sharma described the budget presented by the Union finance minister as one that takes India from self-reliance to a developed nation, from potential to achievement, and from resolve to success. He said the budget is youth-centric, emphasising employment generation, skill development, startups and the service sector. "Skill training for one lakh (100,000) allied health professionals, 1.5 lakh (150,000) caregivers and tourist guides will open up new employment and self-employment opportunities for young people." Sharma added that Rajasthan has already implemented the AVGC-XR policy, and content creator labs proposed for secondary schools and colleges will create added opportunities for the state's youth. The budget also strengthens women's empowerment, safety and economic participation, alongside agricultural infrastructure, farmers' market access and risk mitigation. Sharma urged industry to invest in Rajasthan through special schemes for manufacturing heavy machinery for construction and infrastructure. He noted that the state's industrial corridors offer favourable conditions for such units, while exporters stand to gain from enhanced market access and growth opportunities. On renewable energy, the chief minister said the budget recognises Rajasthan's potential. "Allocations for renewable energy have been increased by 30% to nearly Rs.32,914 crore, while Rs.22,000 crore has been provided for the PM Surya Ghar Yojana," the CM said. He added that customs duty exemptions on sodium antimonate for solar glass manufacturing and capital goods for lithium-ion cell battery manufacturing - used in battery energy storage systems - will bolster the solar ecosystem. As a leading state in solar power generation, Rajasthan will gain fresh momentum from these measures. On small industries, Sharma called the SME Development Fund and Atmanirbhar Bharat Top-up major steps for MSMEs. He added that the Mahatma Gandhi Swaraj Yojana and champion MSME initiatives will help Rajasthan's small industries expand globally. Meanwhile, Sharma hailed sarpanches as the true symbols of democratic strength in villages and the pivot of rural development, urging them to implement government schemes with unwavering commitment at the grassroots. Addressing a state-level convention of outgoing sarpanches (administrators), organised by the Sarpanch Association at the Agricultural Research Institute in Durgapura on Monday, Sharma said sarpanches' dedication and commitment bring prosperity to rural families by translating policies into action. "While governments frame policies and schemes, sarpanches are the strongest medium for implementing them at the village level," he added. They carry the responsibility of meeting public expectations and resolving local problems, which must be fulfilled with full commitment and a sense of service. Sharma said sarpanches give concrete shape to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's guiding principle of "Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas" in the rural landscape....