Jaipur: Rajasthan has achieved a significant milestone by becoming the first state in India to pass the Minimum Guaranteed Income Bill. The state Assembly approved the bill through a voice vote on Friday.
The pioneering legislation also enshrines social pension as a legal right for various categories of individuals. In a video message, Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot announced that Rajasthan has become the first state in the country to enact a law ensuring a minimum guaranteed income.
The bill draws inspiration from four landmark laws enacted during the tenure of former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, namely the Right to Information Act, Right to Education Act, Right to Food Act, and Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA).
The new legislation promises a minimum pension of Rs 1000 to elderly citizens, specially-abled individuals, widows, and single women through social security pension schemes. By providing a legal framework for minimum guaranteed income and securing social pension rights, the state government aims to uplift vulnerable sections of society and improve their overall quality of life.
This momentous step taken by Rajasthan sets a precedent for other states to consider similar measures to ensure socio-economic security for their citizens. The Minimum Guaranteed Income Bill is expected to have a profound impact on the welfare of marginalized and disadvantaged communities, reaffirming the state’s commitment to inclusive and equitable development.
