Jaipur, Jan. 4 -- The state government has notified the Rajasthan Green Credit Policy, introducing a system of tradable incentives to encourage investments in environment-friendly projects across the state. Issued by the finance department, the policy aims to promote green growth by offering financial benefits to investors undertaking projects in renewable energy, water conservation, waste management and pollution control, in line with the state's long-term net-zero and sustainable development goals. The policy states, the Green Credit Policy is aligned with India's national commitment to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2070 and supports Rajasthan's long-term vision of building a $350-billion economy by 2030 without compromising ecological balance. Under the state's Green Budget 2025-26, the government has already earmarked 11.34% of total scheme expenditure for environmental initiatives, underscoring its focus on green growth. At the core of the policy is the introduction of tradable and redeemable Green Credit Vouchers, modelled on the concept of carbon credits. These credits will be awarded to investors and Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) undertaking eligible green projects in Rajasthan. The vouchers will serve as an additional incentive over and above benefits available under existing schemes such as the Rajasthan Investment Promotion Scheme (RIPS) 2024. Depending on the scale of green investment, investors can earn green credits worth 5 to 10% of the investment, subject to a maximum cap of Rs.2.5 crore per investor or ULB. The credits can either be redeemed against future green investments in the state or traded through a government-enabled digital platform. The policy covers a broad spectrum of environment-friendly activities, including renewable energy projects such as solar and wind power, water conservation and recycling, waste and effluent management, pollution reduction technologies, energy efficiency measures, sustainable infrastructure and agriculture. It also places special emphasis on encouraging participation from MSMEs, manufacturing units and urban local bodies, which are seen as critical stakeholders in Rajasthan's green transition. To ensure transparency and accountability, the finance department will maintain a digital Green Credit Registry on the Integrated Financial Management System (IFMS). The registry will track issuance, redemption, transfer and retirement of green credits in real time. Once redeemed, credit will be retired. In case of trading, the buyer of a green credit will be entitled to redeem only 75% of the original credit value, a provision aimed at maintaining balance and preventing speculative misuse. Rajasthan faces multiple environmental challenges, including water scarcity, desertification, air and soil pollution, and increasing stress on ecosystems. Officials believe the Green Credit Policy will help mobilise private capital alongside public investment to address these issues through a structured, incentive-driven approach....