State PCS CA Consolidation (Rajasthan) May 2023 | Monthly Current Affairs RPSC - RPSC RAS (Rajasthan) PDF Download

Justice Augustine George Masih Sworn in as Chief Justice of Rajasthan High Court

Background

• Justice Augustine George Masih was sworn in as the 41st Chief Justice of the Rajasthan High Court on May 30, 2023.
• The oath of office was administered by Governor Kalraj Mishra at the Raj Bhavan.

Early Life and Education

• Justice Masih was born on March 12, 1963, in Ropar, Punjab.
• She completed her early schooling at St. Mary’s Convent School in Kasauli, Himachal Pradesh, and later finished her schooling at Saifuddin Tahir High School in Aligarh.

Legal Career

• Before her appointment to the High Court, Justice Masih practiced in the Supreme Court and various High Courts, including those of Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, and Himachal Pradesh.
• She held several important positions such as Assistant Advocate General, Deputy Advocate General, and Additional Advocate General in different states.

Appointment to the High Court

• Justice Masih was initially appointed as an Additional Judge of the Punjab and Haryana High Court on July 10, 2008.
• She became a permanent judge of the same court on January 14, 2011.

Swearing-In Ceremony

• During the swearing-in ceremony, Rajasthan Chief Secretary Usha Sharma read out the appointment notification and warrant issued by President Droupadi Murmu.
• Justice Masih took the oath in the English language.

Purchase of Nutrition Monitoring Equipment Worth Rs 16.97 Crore

Introduction

On May 29, 2023, Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot of Rajasthan approved a financial proposal amounting to Rs 16.97 crore for the procurement of nutrition growth monitoring equipment to be distributed among Anganwadi centres across the state.

Details of the Proposal

• The approved funds will be used to purchase essential equipment such as infant meters, stadiometers, and weighing machines for Anganwadi centres.
• This equipment will enable accurate measurement of various nutritional indices, including the weight and length of infants and mothers, ensuring that they receive the appropriate nutrition based on their specific needs.

Background

This initiative was initially announced by Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot in the budget for the year 2023-24, highlighting the government's commitment to improving nutritional standards and monitoring in the state.

Seed Minikits for Farmers in Rajasthan

On May 29, 2023, Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot approved a financial plan of Rs 128.57 crore to distribute free Minikits of certified seeds to 23 lakh small and marginal farmers in the state.

Details of the Seed Minikits

• Each farmer will receive a Minikit containing:
  • 5 kg of hybrid maize
  • 2 kg of mustard
  • 4 kg each of moong and moth beans
  • 1 kg of sesame seeds
• The seeds will be of certified varieties and provided free of cost.
• The Minikits will be procured from the Rajasthan State Seed Corporation or National Seed Corporation.
• The distribution will be managed by the Tribal Area Development Department for tribal farmers and by the Agriculture Department for non-tribal farmers.
• The Agriculture Department will distribute these Minikits through the Raj Kisan Saathi portal.

Background and Mission

• The initiative is part of the ‘Rajasthan Seed Production & Distribution Mission’ aimed at increasing seed production in the state and providing free seeds to small and marginal farmers.
• This decision follows the positive results of the mission and was announced by the Chief Minister in the 2023-24 budget.

Foundation Stone of Government Law College in Dungarpur

On May 28, 2023, Dr. Shankar Yadav, Chairman of the Rajasthan Scheduled Castes Finance Development Corporation Commission, laid the foundation stone for the Government Law College in Dungarpur, a region predominantly inhabited by tribal communities in the state.

During the event, Dr. Shankar Yadav announced that the construction of the Law College building in Gumanpura Dadodia, Dungarpur, is expected to be completed within a year. This initiative aims to provide local students with the opportunity to pursue a legal education without having to travel outside the area.

The Government Law College is being established at a cost of approximately Rs. 4.5 crore and will cover an area of about 2500 square meters, equivalent to the size of a large house.

• Land and Facilities :

  • 12 bighas of land have been allocated for the college.
  • The college will feature eight classrooms, a conference hall, a common room for students, the principal’s office, and other modern amenities.
  • The initial intake for the first session will be 60 students.

• Impact on Youth :

  • The establishment of the Government Law College is expected to empower local youth, raising awareness and combating social evils.
  • It will provide them with the tools to stand up against exploitation and will be a significant step forward in the region's development.

• Additional Educational Initiatives :

  • MLA Ganesh Ghogra mentioned that the construction of an Agriculture College in Palvada will commence soon, providing more educational opportunities for the children of Dungarpur.
  • Other announced initiatives include the opening of an Agriculture College, an Archery Academy, and the Law College in Dungarpur.

Approval of Rs 50 crore for Grassland and Wetland Development

On May 26, 2023, Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot approved Rs 50 crore for various grassland and wetland development projects in the state.

Out of the sanctioned amount: Rs. 40 crore is allocated for pasture development and plantation works in 7,800 hectares across 22 forest divisions. Rs. 9 crore is for the development and management of Sambhar Lake. Rs. 1 crore is for canvas range (quota).

This funding will come from the Environment Management Fund.

Notably, the Chief Minister had announced this initiative in the 2023-24 budget.

R-CAT Centers to be Established in 5 Divisions of Rajasthan

On May 25, 2023, Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot sanctioned Rs 25.90 crore for the establishment of Rajiv Gandhi Centers of Advanced Technology (R-CAT) in five divisions of the state.

The R-CAT centers will be set up in the following divisions: Ajmer, Kota, Bharatpur, Bikaner, and Udaipur.

The specific locations for the new R-CAT centers are: Kota: Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan Bhawan (Rajasthan Technical University) Udaipur: Vigyan Bhawan (Mohanlal Sukhadia University) Bharatpur: Department of Artificial Intelligence (Government College of Engineering) Ajmer: Government Engineering College Bikaner: School Innovation Hub (Maharaja Ganga Singh University)

These centers will provide youth with information on advanced technologies such as blockchain, artificial intelligence, machine learning, robotics, and virtual reality. They will also offer certificate courses and facilitate multidisciplinary research.

Previously, R-CAT was established in Jaipur, and courses have been initiated at the temporary campus of the Rajiv Gandhi Fintech Digital University cum Institute in Jodhpur.

The Chief Minister had announced the opening of these centers in the budget for the year 2023-24.

Chief Minister Inaugurates Modern Bus Terminal

On May 25, 2023, Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot officially opened a newly built, advanced bus terminal at the Sindhi Camp central bus stand in Jaipur, aimed at enhancing basic facilities for the public.

The newly built bus terminal is designed to facilitate easier travel for the public. It features amenities such as a passenger shelter, booking window, office space, modern restrooms, an air-conditioned waiting area, a food court, and commercial spaces, all aimed at enhancing passenger convenience.

The complex will also be equipped with advanced facilities including CCTV cameras, WiFi, a public announcement system, lifts, escalators, a fire fighting system, a water harvesting system, and a 15-kilowatt solar plant.

During the inauguration, the Chief Minister announced a 50% fare concession for women passengers on all categories of roadways buses, including express, deluxe, and ordinary buses.

The state is also constructing new satellite and bus stands, with a modern bus stand being developed in Jodhpur. Fare concessions are being offered to devotees attending Lakhi fairs, and free travel is provided for individuals going to Haridwar to immerse the ashes of deceased relatives.

Additionally, free travel facilities are extended to candidates taking examinations in the state, with arrangements for their accommodation and meals. The old pension scheme and RGHS have been implemented for roadways workers, and RFID smart cards for free travel in roadways buses were distributed to senior citizens and differently-abled individuals.

The state government has allocated Rs 125 crore for upgrading bus stands, purchased 875 new roadways buses, and is in the process of acquiring 500 more buses.

Tripling the Incentive Amount for Girl Students in Agriculture Faculty

On May 24, 2023, Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot introduced the ‘Rajasthan Young Farmer Skill and Capacity Enhancement Mission’ as part of the 2023-24 budget for the agriculture sector. This initiative aims to empower and encourage the participation of women by significantly increasing the incentive amount for girl students studying agriculture.

The state government’s goal is to ensure that girls receive formal education and training in the latest agricultural trends, which will not only boost their families' income but also contribute to the overall prosperity of the state and the country.

Incentive Details

• Under this mission, the incentive for girl students in class 11 and 12 studying agriculture has been raised from Rs 5,000 to Rs 15,000 per year.
• For those pursuing a Bachelor of Agriculture Science in subjects like Horticulture, Dairy, Agricultural Engineering, and Food Processing, the incentive has increased from Rs 12,000 to Rs 25,000 per annum.
• Ph.D. candidates in agriculture will see their incentives rise from Rs 15,000 to Rs 40,000 per year (for a maximum of three years).

Past Achievements

• Since December 17, 2018, a total of 84,583 girl students have received incentives amounting to Rs 55 crore 17 lakh 87 thousand.
• In 2018-19, 11,605 girl students were supported with Rs 7 crore 87 lakh 69 thousand.
• The numbers increased in subsequent years, with 15,780 students receiving Rs 9 crore 30 lakh 6 thousand in 2019-20, 14,647 students getting Rs 10 crore 75 lakh 23 thousand in 2020-21, and 20,867 students awarded Rs 12 crore 84 lakh 56 thousand in 2021-22.
• In 2022-23, 21,684 girl students were encouraged to pursue agriculture with financial support of Rs 14 crore 40 lakh 33 thousand.

Conclusion

The increasing numbers indicate that the state government’s campaign is effectively encouraging girl students to choose agriculture as a field of study. This initiative is not only fostering innovation among girl students in agriculture but also ensuring their active participation in the sector.

Inauguration of Divyang Special Residential School

On May 25, 2023, Tikaram Julie, the Social Justice and Empowerment Minister of Rajasthan, inaugurated the Parmarth Divyang and Jankalyan Intellectual Divyang Special Residential School in the Alwar district. This residential school is expected to be a significant step forward for the disabled community in Alwar district.

Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot has also announced the establishment of Baba Amte University for the disabled in the state. The government is making policy decisions to integrate every needy and backward class of people into the mainstream of society.

To provide financial assistance to the disabled, the government has increased their pension and distributed thousands of scooters to facilitate their commuting. Various schemes have been implemented for the welfare of the disabled, and efforts are ongoing to benefit the Divyangjan community.

Opening of 70 New Sub-Health Centers in Rajasthan

On May 24, 2023, Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot gave the green light to establish 70 new sub-health centers in Rajasthan. This initiative aims to bolster the state's health infrastructure.

• Sikar: 11 centers
• Nagaur: 9 centers
• Alwar: 6 centers
• Karauli: 6 centers
• Sawai Madhopur: 5 centers
• Bhilwara: 4 centers
• Tonk: 4 centers
• Jaipur: 3 centers
• Churu: 3 centers
• Rajsamand: 3 centers
• Chittorgarh: 2 centers
• Dausa: 2 centers
• Jalore: 2 centers
• Jhunjhunu: 2 centers
• Kota: 2 centers
• Udaipur: 2 centers
• Ajmer: 1 center
• Baran: 1 center
• Bharatpur: 1 center
• Pali: 1 center

Each sub-health center will have a female health worker appointed to ensure its smooth operation.

Chief Minister Gehlot had previously announced in the budget the phased opening of these sub-health centers, reflecting the government's commitment to improving healthcare access in the state.

Rajasthan Housing Board Wins 'The Golden Globe Tiger Awards' in Two Categories

On May 23, 2023, in Malaysia, Rajasthan Housing Board Commissioner Pawan Arora was honored with a trophy and citation for the board's outstanding achievements. The Rajasthan Housing Board received 'The Golden Globe Tiger Awards' for 'Best Environment-Friendly Projects' and 'Best Innovative Project of the Year' by the World HRD Council.

Due to prior commitments, Commissioner Arora could not attend the event in Malaysia, so engineers from the board were sent to receive the awards.

Under Commissioner Pawan Arora's leadership, the Rajasthan Housing Board has won a total of 17 awards in the past four years, including prestigious recognitions such as the World Book of Records in House Sales, Skoch Award-2021, and the Star of Governance-Gold Award.

Memorandum of Understanding between the Department of Medical Education, Rajasthan, and the University of Manchester

On May 23, 2023, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between the Medical Education Department of Rajasthan and the University of Manchester in the United Kingdom. The purpose of this MoU is to foster research collaboration in the fields of science, humanities, and health.

The MoU signing took place in the presence of T. Ravikant, Principal Secretary of Medical Education in Rajasthan, and Professor Keith Brennan, International Vice-Dean at the University of Manchester.

Objectives of the MoU

• T. Ravikant mentioned that the MoU aims to develop a research partnership under the guidance of Medical Minister Parsadi Lal Meena.
• The collaboration is expected to encourage academic activities and research, leading to new advancements in medical education.

Benefits of the MoU

• The sharing of mutual experiences through this partnership will provide global recognition to doctors and nursing staff working in medical colleges in Rajasthan.
• It will also contribute to capacity building within the medical workforce.

Rajasthan's Pioneering Efforts

• T. Ravikant highlighted that Rajasthan is the first state in India to open a medical college and nursing college in each district.
• This initiative is part of the state's commitment to providing the right to health for its citizens.

Release of Story Collection by Renowned Author Dr. Vinod Somani Hans

Introduction

• On May 23, 2023, Dr. Bharti Dixit, the Ajmer District Collector, launched a new story collection titled 'Chaurahe Ke Teen Raaste' by the esteemed Hindi and Rajasthani author Dr. Vinod Somani Hans.

About the Book

• This marks the 34th publication by Dr. Vinod Somani Hans, dedicated to his late wife, Vidya Somani, who was also a writer, publisher, and social worker.
• The book contains 23 stories that reflect themes of hope, faith, and spirituality, portraying a range of characters from ordinary to extraordinary.
• Dr. Somani Hans's writing style is immersive, making readers feel as if they are part of the story.

Review and Reception

• The collection has been reviewed by Dr. Sushma Sharma from the Rajasthani Writers' Literature Institute in Jaipur.
• The title 'The Three Ways of Crossroads' resonates deeply, leaving a lasting impression.
• Dr. Vinod Somani Hans has received numerous prestigious awards for his work, and this book is presented attractively, making it accessible to a wide audience.

Chief Minister Inaugurated ‘Jungle Safari’

On May 22, 2023, Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot inaugurated the ‘Jungle Safari’ at Jaisamand Wildlife Sanctuary in Udaipur district via video conference, coinciding with International Biodiversity Day.

Key Points:

• The launch of ‘Jungle Safari’ in Jaisamand Sanctuary is expected to boost tourism in Udaipur district, develop a major ecotourism site in the state, and create employment opportunities in the area.
• Thanks to efforts under Project Leopard, the leopard population in Jaisamand Sanctuary has increased to 19.
• In 1972, former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi initiated ‘Project Tiger’ to highlight the importance of forest and wildlife conservation, leading to India housing 70% of the world’s tigers today.
• Rajasthan currently has three tiger safaris, with Ramgarh Vishdhari recently designated as the state’s fourth tiger project. A committee is also being formed for the Kumbhalgarh Tiger Project.
• The state government is actively working to protect forests and wildlife, having issued the Rajasthan Biological Diversity Rules in 2010 to maintain biodiversity.
• Rajasthan is home to 3 national parks, 27 wildlife sanctuaries, 16 conservation reserves, and 4 tiger projects, all of which are being protected and promoted with increased sensitivity.
• During the inauguration, Chief Minister Gehlot highlighted the government’s historic decisions for forest and environment conservation, emphasizing ongoing development in wildlife, forest areas, and ecotourism.
• The Eco-Tourism Policy-2021 was implemented by the current state government to promote ecotourism.
• A special tiger conservation force has been established in Sariska and Mukandra Hills Tiger Reserves by deploying border home guards, a unique initiative for tiger conservation.
• For eco-tourism, two eco-tourism Luv-Kush gardens are being developed near forest areas in each district.
• A wildlife management training centre has been set up at Talchapar Sanctuary in Churu, and infrastructure facilities are being developed in Chambal Gharial Sanctuary from a tourism perspective.
• An agreement for the conservation of the state bird Godawan was signed between the Central Government, Wildlife Institute of India, and the State Government, along with plans for an artificial breeding center for Godawan in Jaisalmer.

• On May 20, 2023, Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot of Rajasthan approved a budget of Rs 66 crore to develop two Luv-Kush Vatikas in every district of the state.
• These gardens are expected to enhance eco-tourism in Rajasthan.

• The Luv-Kush Vatikas will feature models related to forests and wildlife, aiming to educate children about environmental and wildlife conservation.
• The gardens will also include space for eco-trail paths and exhibitions, promoting awareness about environmental protection among the general public.

• In the budget for the year 2023-24, the Chief Minister had previously announced the development of an additional garden in each district, reflecting a commitment to increasing green spaces and promoting environmental education.

Jodhpur, Udaipur, Kota, and Ajmer to Become 3D Cities

On May 20, 2023, Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot approved a financial proposal of Rs 106.46 crore for the implementation of GIS-based 3D City and Rajdhara Satellite Imagery Repository projects in four cities of the state: Jodhpur, Udaipur, Kota, and Ajmer.

The state government will develop Geographic Information System (GIS) based 3D city models of Jodhpur, Udaipur, Kota, and Ajmer to improve urban development planning and management.

This initiative aims to facilitate effective assessment, simulation, and planning for various aspects of urban development, including:

• Land use as per the master plan
• Construction and expansion of new colonies
• Transport planning, including new roads and flyovers
• Drainage planning
• Large-scale infrastructure development
• Town planning

Additionally, the 3D model will allow for virtual city tours using Augmented Reality/Virtual Reality (AR/VR) technology.

The Rajdhara platform will also establish a repository of satellite imagery from different time periods in Rajasthan. This will aid in analyzing land use, land cover changes, reservoir and water source variations, forest area changes, crop yield estimations, and urban growth and spread, as per the requirements of various departments.

Rajasthan Sahitya Academy Award 2022-23

On May 19, 2023, B. D. Kalla, the Art Literature and Culture Minister of Rajasthan, honored various litterateurs for their significant contributions to music, art, and literature at the Rajasthan Sahitya Academy's annual award ceremony for 2022-23.

The award ceremony took place at the Bhagwat Singh Mehta Auditorium of the Harishchandra Mathur Rajasthan State Institute of Public Administration (OTS).

During the event, several prestigious awards were distributed, including the Meera Award, Rangeya Raghav Award, Sudhindra Award, Devilal Samar Award, Devraj Upadhyay Award, Kanhaiyalal Sahal Award, Shambhu Dayal Saxena Award, Sumnesh Joshi Award, Pardeshi Award, Chandradev Sharma Award, and Sudha Gupta Award.

Additionally, many esteemed litterateurs from the state were honored with special recognitions. Farooq Afridi, a special officer to Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot, received the Distinguished Writer Award for his notable contributions to literature.

Award Recipients:

• Rangeya Raghav Award: Awarded to Bharat Chandra Sharma from Banswara for his novel 'Pir Parbat-Si'.
• Sudhindra Award: Given to poet Mayamrig of Jaipur for his poetry collection 'Mujhme Meetha Tu Hain'.
• Devi Lal Samar Award: Awarded to Ajay Anuragi from Jaipur for his one-act play 'Wrong Number'.
• Devraj Upadhyay Award: Given to Rajaram Bhadu from Bharatpur for his critical work 'Kavita ke Ayaam'.
• Kanhaiyalal Sahal Award: Awarded to Yash Goyal from Jaipur for his satirical work 'Namumkin Neta'.
• Shambhu Dayal Saxena Award: Given to Kusum Agarwal from Kankroli for her children's book 'Hum Sab Ek Hain'.
• Meera Award: Awarded to Rati Saxena for her work 'Hasee Ek Prarthana Ke Liye'.
• Sumnesh Joshi Award: Given to Tarana Parveen from Udaipur for her story collection 'Ek Sau Aath'.

All these awards carry a prize of Rs. 31,000, except for the Sumnesh Joshi Award, which is worth Rs. 21,000.

Emerging Litterateurs:

Pardeshi Award at School Level:

• Poetry: Pracha Sharma from Maharani Gayatri Devi Girls’ School, Jaipur for 'Sagar Moti and other poems'.
• Story: Divya Sanap from Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya, Pallu-Hanumangarh for the story 'Khushi ke Aansoo'.

Awards for Creative Works in Rajasthan

Rajasthan has recently recognized various creative talents in different categories such as essays, short stories, poetry, and plays at the college level.

School Level Awards

Essay: Harshita Meena from Raumavi Amarpura, Udaipur, for her essay on 'Navachaaron ka Udbhav' (The Origin of Innovations).

Short Story: Armaan Nadeem from Government Sardul Umavi, Bikaner, for his short story 'Asli Taqat' (Real Strength).

College Level Awards

Chandra Dev Sharma Award:

Poetry: Himanshu Bhardwaj from Government Lohia College, Churu, for 'Spriha and other poems'.

Story: Nirmala Sharma from Twenty-One College, Gopalyan-Lunkaransar, for her story 'Koi Chara Nahi' (No Option).

One Act Play: Tanishka Padihar from Maa Jalpa Devi Government College, Taranagar, for her one-act play 'Jago Pyare, Jago' (Wake Up, Dear, Wake Up).

Essay: Maina Kanwar from Sona Devi Sethia Girls College, Sujangarh, for her essay 'Vigat aur Sambhavnaye' (Past and Possibilities).

Sudha Gupta College Level Poetry Award: Suraj Kumari from Women’s Post Graduate College, Jodhpur, for 'Prakriti ki Awaz and other poems' (The Voice of Nature and other poems).

Note: Each award mentioned above carries a prize of Rs. 5,000.

Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) Signed Between Ahuse (Denmark) and Rajasthan Government

On May 19, 2023, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between Ahuse, a Danish organization, and the Government of Rajasthan, India, for urban water management. The signing took place in the presence of Rajasthan’s Public Health Engineering Minister, Dr. Mahesh Joshi, at the Secretariat's conference hall.

Details of the MoU

• The MoU was signed by Dr. Subodh Agarwal, Additional Chief Secretary of the Public Health Engineering Department (PHED) and Water Resources, on behalf of the Rajasthan government.
• Louise Pepe, Director of Planning for Ahuse, Denmark, signed the agreement digitally.
• Areas of Cooperation
• The MoU aims to enhance services and quality in the urban drinking water sector, reduce non-revenue water by improving distribution efficiency, and promote integrated water resource management.
• It also includes groundwater aquifer mapping, wastewater management and recycling, and green solutions for river rejuvenation.
• Background
• Dr. Mahesh Joshi mentioned that the cooperation between Denmark and Rajasthan began in March 2021, and this MoU is a continuation of that partnership.
• Benefits for Rajasthan
• Rajasthan aims to learn from Denmark's expertise in water conservation, wastewater management, and river rejuvenation.
• The MoU is expected to bring smart water technology, reduce non-revenue water, and improve wastewater treatment and recycling in Rajasthan.
• Future Cooperation
• The agreement will strengthen cooperation between Ahuse and Rajasthan in efficient water management, particularly in major districts like Jodhpur, Kota, and Jaipur.
• Danish Ambassador's Remarks
• Danish Ambassador Freddy Swan highlighted the strategic partnership between Denmark and India and expressed optimism for long-term cooperation with Rajasthan.

‘The Siberian Stray’

On May 18, 2023, Rajasthan Governor Kalraj Mishra received the first copy of ‘The Siberian Stray,’ a book written by Class XII students Aashi Galriya and Asmi Dhaker. The presentation took place at Raj Bhavan.

Aashi Galriya, one of the authors, explained that the book tells a touching story about the bond between a man and an animal, focusing on the relationship between a boy named Alan and his pet dog, Sapphire. Aashi, who currently studies at Jayshree Periwal Global School, started writing this book when she was in class VIII and has shown exceptional talent from a young age.

Bharat Mein Rajyon ki Rajneeti

On May 18, 2023, Prof. Dharmchand Jain, a renowned writer, introduced his book ‘Bharat Mein Rajyon ki Rajneeti’ (Politics of States in India) at a function. This book is published in three parts.

Prof. Jain explained that his book offers a detailed analysis of various aspects of state politics in India, including:

• The beginning of elections
• The one-party system
• Party-defection politics
• The era of coalition governments
• Center-state relations
• Midterm elections
• Political mandates
• The contemporary political scenario

Proposal to Elevate 16 Government Minority Residential Schools to Secondary Level

On May 17, 2023, Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot of Rajasthan gave his approval for a proposal to upgrade 16 government minority residential schools from the upper primary level to secondary schools.

The schools slated for this upgrade are located in various districts, including:

• Ramgarh, Alwar
• Bhaniyana, Sakra, Jaisalmer
• Udaipur
• Sikar
• Burhan Ka Tala, Barmer
• Kanchanner, Bharatpur
• Nandera, Bharatpur
• Masuda, Ajmer
• Churu
• Sawai Madhopur
• Nagaur
• Fatehpur Sikri
• Tijara, Alwar
• Gharsana, Sri Ganganagar
• Kuchdi, Sam, Jaisalmer
• Abhey, Barmer

Among these schools, 9 are designated for boys and 7 for girls. The upgrade will create a total of 96 job vacancies, including 16 for Principals, 64 for Senior Teachers, and 16 for Physical Education Teachers.

This initiative, approved by the Chief Minister, aims to expand facilities for higher and quality education in the state. It will enable students to access residential school services and provide opportunities for further studies closer to home.

Marudhara ka Maan Swachhta Samman-Samaroh-2023

Introduction

• Marudhara ka Maan Swachhta Samman-Samaroh-2023 is a cleanliness award event organized by the Rajasthan government to recognize outstanding contributions to the Swachh Bharat Mission in rural areas.

Key Highlights

• Organizing Body : The event was organized by the Directorate of Rural Swachh Bharat Mission in Jaipur.
• Swachhta Sakhi Initiative : The Panchayati Raj and Rural Development Department is training women from self-help groups as Swachhta Sakhi (cleanliness ambassadors) under the Rajivika scheme to enhance the cleanliness campaign.
• Awards and Recognition : Abhay Kumar, Additional Chief Secretary, honored individuals and districts for their exceptional work in the Swachh Bharat Mission.

Retrofit to Twin Pit Campaign :

• Bikaner secured the first position.
• Sawai Madhopur and Jaisalmer achieved the second and third positions, respectively.

Model Village Category :

• Udaipur was awarded first place.
• Sri Ganganagar and Sirohi districts secured the second and third positions, respectively.

Swachh Survekshan Grameen-2023 :

• Star Category : Sirohi district was first, followed by Pali and Udaipur.
• ODF Plus Category : Udaipur ranked first, with Jaipur and Bharatpur in second and third places, respectively.

Swachh Sujal Shakti Samman-2023 : Women excelling in cleanliness efforts were recognized with this award.

ODF Plus Category :

• Bundi District : Gram Panchayat Suwansa, Panchayat Samiti Taleda, Sarpanch Priyanka Goswami.
• Udaipur District : Gram Panchayat Khairwada, Sarpanch Lakshmi Devi Ahari, Panchayat Samiti Khairwada.
• Chittorgarh District : Gram Panchayat Kannauj, Panchayat Samiti, Sarpanch Manju Devi Jagetia.

Plastic Waste Management Category :

• Chittorgarh District : Gram Panchayat Kannauj, Sarpanch Manju Devi Jagetia.

Biodegradable Waste and Gray Water Management Category :

• Pali District : Gram Panchayat Nadol, Panchayat Samiti Desuri, Sarpanch Phul Kanwar.
• Tonk District : Gram Panchayat Takholi, Panchayat Samiti Tonk.
• Sri Ganganagar District : Gram Panchayat Lakha Hakam, Panchayat Samiti Raisingh Nagar, Village Woman Tarawanti.

Monitoring Award : Suman Chowdhary was recognized for her excellent monitoring of Swachh Bharat Mission (Rural) components.

Rajasthan Housing Board Wins ‘The Golden Globe Tiger Awards’

On May 16, 2023, the Rajasthan Housing Board was honored with ‘The Golden Globe Awards for Excellence and Leadership’ by the World HRD Council in Malaysia. Two of the Board's projects were recognized as the ‘Best Environment-Friendly Project’ and the ‘Best Innovative Project of the Year’ at an event held at the Poolman Kuala Lumpur City Center Hotel & Residences.

The City Park at Mansarovar was awarded the ‘Best Environment-Friendly Project,’ while the Coaching Hub at Pratap Nagar received the accolade for ‘Excellence in Innovation.’ Housing Commissioner Pawan Arora could not attend the ceremony due to other commitments, so the award was accepted by Chief Engineer Pratham KC Meena, along with Additional Chief Engineers Sanjay Poonia and Amit Agarwal.

Under Commissioner Pawan Arora’s leadership in the past four years, the Rajasthan Housing Board has received a total of 17 awards, including prestigious recognitions such as the World Book of Records in house sales, the Scotch Award-2021, and the Star of Governance-Gold Award by NAREDCO.

Increase in Honorarium for Part-Time Priests

On May 16, 2023, Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot approved a proposal to raise the honorarium for part-time priests of State Direct Charge Temples. The honorarium will increase from Rs. 3,000 to Rs. 5,000 per month.

Financial Support for Priests

• The decision aims to provide financial support to priests, recognizing their important role in temple management.
• A financial provision of Rs. 5.93 crore has also been approved for decoration, painting, repair, and upgradation work in 593 temples under the Devasthan Department.

Upgradation Works in Temples

• The sanctioned amount will be used for various upgradation works in 390 government direct charge temples and 203 government self-sufficient temples, with a limit of Rs. 1 lakh per temple.
• The state government aims to strengthen the faith of the people by enhancing the appearance and condition of these temples.

Budget Announcement

• The increase in honorarium and temple upgradation was announced by the Chief Minister in the 2023-24 budget.

Salim Durrani Residential Sports Schools

On May 17, 2023, Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot gave the green light to a financial plan aimed at establishing Salim Durrani Residential Sports Schools in each division of Rajasthan. The goal is to foster a sports-friendly environment in the state and support aspiring athletes.

According to the proposal, these sports schools will be set up in the Bikaner, Kota, Ajmer, Udaipur, and Bharatpur divisions, with a financial allocation of Rs 69.20 crore. This initiative will provide athletes with access to quality training and sports facilities at the divisional level.

It is worth noting that the Chief Minister had previously announced the establishment of sports schools in every division during the budget for the year 2023-24. Approval has already been granted for the formation of residential sports schools in the Jaipur and Jodhpur divisions.

Upgrade of Ayurveda Dispensaries to Block Ayush Hospitals Approved

On May 15, 2023, Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot approved the proposal to upgrade the Ayurveda dispensaries at Nadbai in Bharatpur district and Lawan in Dausa district to Block Ayush Hospitals. This decision reflects the significant role of Ayurveda in promoting health and wellness in Rajasthan.

The upgrade will involve the creation of 41 new posts in these hospitals, including:

• Ayurveda Medical Officer Specialist
• Unani Medical Officer
• Homeopathic Medical Officer
• Senior Ayurveda Nurse
• Junior Ayurveda Nurse
• Junior Unani Nurse
• Junior Homeopathic Nurse
• Junior Assistant

Additionally, services for attendant, guard, gardener, and cook will be hired on a contract basis.

The Chief Minister also approved the construction of the Rajasthan State AYUSH Research Center building in Kekri, Ajmer, with an investment of 8 crore rupees. This initiative aims to enhance medical facilities for health promotion and disease treatment through AYUSH (Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Siddha, and Homeopathy) methods.

This decision aligns with the Chief Minister's previous announcement in the budget, emphasizing the government's commitment to strengthening AYUSH healthcare in the state.

Increase in Pension for Leprosy-Cured Beneficiaries in Rajasthan

On May 15, 2023, Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot approved a financial proposal to increase the monthly pension for leprosy-free individuals in the specially abled category.

New Pension Amount

• Leprosy-free specially-abled individuals will now receive a pension of Rs 2,500 per month, up from the previous amount of Rs 1,500.
• This enhanced pension will be effective from June 1, 2023.

Current Beneficiaries

• There are currently 16,810 leprosy-free social security pensioners in Rajasthan who will benefit from this increase.

Budget Announcement

• The Chief Minister had previously announced this pension increase in the budget for the year 2023-24.

Opening of Homoeopathic Dispensaries at 225 Block Headquarters in Rajasthan

On May 16, 2023, Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot of Rajasthan approved a proposal to establish homoeopathic dispensaries in 225 block headquarters across the state.

Creation of New Posts

• The Chief Minister also sanctioned the creation of 450 new posts to facilitate the operation of these homoeopathic dispensaries.

Staff Appointments

• Each dispensary will be staffed with a homoeopathic medical officer and a junior nurse/compounder to ensure proper medical care and support.

Strengthening Health Infrastructure

• This initiative is expected to strengthen the state’s health infrastructure and make homoeopathic treatment more accessible to the public at the local level.
• It is important to note that during the budget announcement for the year 2023-24, the Chief Minister had proposed the establishment of a homoeopathic dispensary in each block of the state.

Launch of Satellite Hospitals in Jaipur and Chittorgarh

On May 14, 2023, Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot of Rajasthan gave the green light for the establishment of satellite hospitals in the Karbala area (Hawa Mahal) of Jaipur and in Chittorgarh.

This initiative is part of the vision for a "Nirogi Rajasthan", aiming to enhance healthcare access and quality in the state. To support this, the creation of 98 new posts within these hospitals has also been approved.

The new positions will include:

• 5 Junior Specialists
• 1 Senior Medical Officer
• 1 Dental Medical Officer
• 1 Junior Assistant
• 1 Female Health Worker
• 1 Pharmacist
• 1 Dental Technician
• 1 Eye Assistant
• 4 Medical Officers and Lab Technicians
• 2 Nurse Grade-I and Radiographer positions
• 15 Nurse Grade-II positions
• 6 Ward Boys
• 4 Sweepers

These satellite hospitals will significantly improve local healthcare facilities, making it easier for residents to access quality medical services. The Chief Minister had previously announced this plan in the budget for the fiscal year 2023-24.

Construction of Mini Secretariat in Bundi's Hindoli

On May 13, 2023, Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot approved the Detailed Project Report (DPR) for a Mini Secretariat in Hindoli village, Bundi district.

The project involves the construction of a 5,426 square meter facility at a cost of Rs 11 crore. This Mini Secretariat will house offices for 10 government departments, aiming to provide better service to the public.

The initiative is part of the Rajasthan government's effort to enhance governance by expanding administrative units down to the panchayat level. The establishment of the Mini Secretariat in Hindoli is expected to improve efficiency and accessibility for residents.

Notably, the Chief Minister had previously announced the plan for this mini secretariat in the budget.

Inauguration of Government Nursing College in Lalsot

On May 15, 2023, the Government Nursing College in Lalsot, located in the Dausa district of Rajasthan, was officially inaugurated by the state’s Medical and Health Minister, Parsadi Lal Meena. The college is currently operating out of the old Tehsil office building in Lalsot.

College Capacity and Temporary Operations

• According to Dr. Ghanshyam Bairwa, the Commissioner of College Education, the Nursing College in Lalsot was established following a budget announcement by Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot for the 2022-23 fiscal year.
• The college has an initial admission capacity of 60 students and is temporarily functioning in the old Tehsil building while its permanent facility is under construction.

Construction of Permanent Facility

• The permanent building for the Government Nursing College and student hostel is being constructed on 8 bighas of land in Thaloj at an estimated cost of Rs 22 crore.
• Construction is currently in progress, and the new facility is expected to provide adequate space and resources for the nursing students.

Faculty Recruitment

• To ensure the smooth conduct of academic activities, 16 teaching and 28 non-teaching faculty positions have been created for the Nursing College.
• This recruitment is aimed at maintaining high educational standards and providing necessary support to the students.

Development in Lalsot

• The establishment of the Nursing College is part of a broader development plan for Lalsot, which includes the approval of significant administrative offices and posts such as Additional District Magistrate (ADM) and Additional Superintendent of Police (SP).
• Various facilities and infrastructure in the district are being enhanced, with Lalsot as a focal point for development.

Ministerial Visit and Beneficiary Support

• During the inauguration, Minister Parsadi Lal Meena, along with the Minister for Women and Child Development, visited the college campus to oversee the facilities.
• They also distributed scooties to four beneficiaries of the Divyangjan Scooty Distribution Scheme, which aims to provide scooties to 35 Divyangjans (differently-abled individuals) in the Lalsot block.

New Sanskrit School in Bikaner and Upgradation of 18 Sanskrit Schools in Rajasthan

14 May 2023 - Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot has given the green light for the establishment of one new Sanskrit school in Bikaner district and the upgrade of 18 existing Sanskrit schools across various districts in the state.

The upgrade plan includes:

• 5 Sanskrit primary schools in different districts will be elevated to upper primary schools.
• 8 Sanskrit upper primary schools and 5 Praveshika (secondary) Sanskrit schools will be upgraded to the status of ‘Varishtha Upadhyay’.

The state government is actively working to promote Sanskrit education by establishing new schools and upgrading existing ones. This initiative aims to provide more opportunities for students to study Sanskrit in their local areas.

It is important to note that this decision follows an announcement made by the Chief Minister in the Budget for 2023-24.

Celebration of Jodhpur City’s 565th Foundation Day

On 12 May 2023, Jodhpur city celebrated its 565th foundation day, showcasing Rajasthan's bravery, unique folk culture, and beautiful traditions. The day was filled with various attractive programs, starting with a 'Run for Jodhpur' event, where folk artists added cultural vibrancy with their performances.

During the celebration, several celebrities were honored with awards for their remarkable contributions in different fields, including international, national, and state-level recognitions.

Notable Awards and Honors

• Railway Minister Ashwani Vaishnav was awarded the Rao Sihaji Samman.
• Miss Annie Vicente received the Maharaja Sarpratap Singh Samman.
• Shri Rani Bhatiyani Mandir Sansthan Jasol was honored with the Rawal Kishan Singh and Rao Jodhaji Samman for social service.
• Dr. Ramesh Raliya received the Maharaja Hanuwant Singh Samman for contributions to science and technology.
• Madan Singh was awarded the Major Dalpat Singh Samman for bravery.
• Anup Shah received the Kunwar Karni Singh Jasol Samman for traditional arts.

Other Recognitions

• Padmashree Komal Kothari Samman was awarded to Kalu Nath Kalbelia for contributions to Rajasthani folk music.
• Maharaja Vijay Singh Samman was posthumously awarded to Late Liladevi Somani for her contributions to folk music.
• Onkar Singh Lakhawat Maharaja Mansingh Samman was awarded for heritage conservation.
• Maharaja Umed Singh Award was given to Dr. Sarwan Singh Rathore for natural heritage conservation.
• Rajdadisa Badan Kanwar Bhatiyani Award was awarded to Aishwarya Bhati for women empowerment.
• Rajmata Krishna Kumari Award was given to Azim Premji Foundation.
• Gaj Singh II Award was awarded to Ratan Singh Rajpurohit.
• Yuvraj Shivraj Singh Samman was awarded to Ravi Vishnoi, an international cricket player.
• Mutha Nancy Samman was awarded to Marwar Magazine for contributions to journalism.

Promotion of Rajasthani Language Literature

• Padma Shri Sitaram Lalas Samman was awarded to Bhanwarlal Suthar for promoting Rajasthani language literature.
• Narayan Singh Bhati Malunga Samman was awarded to Hanumant Singh Kikar of Bikaner.
• Rajaram Meghwal Samman was posthumously awarded to Surendra Singh for contributions to Rajasthani language poetry literature.

Lifetime Achievement Award to Senior Advocate

Before India gained independence, senior advocate Lekhraj Neta was honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition of his significant contributions to the field of law and justice.

Foundation of Jodhpur

Jodhpur was established in 1459 by Rao Jodha, the leader of the Rathore dynasty, and the city is named after him. Originally, it was known as Marwar.

Blue City and Sun City

Many houses in Jodhpur are painted blue, which is why the city is also referred to as the 'Blue City' or 'Sun City'.

Annual Foundation Day Celebrations

Every year, a grand celebration is held on the foundation day of Jodhpur city, featuring a felicitation ceremony and various other programs. During these events, individuals who have made special and remarkable contributions in different fields are honored. The celebration takes place at Mehrangarh Fort, one of Jodhpur's important historical sites.

RBI Organizes Quiz Competition in Government Schools Across Rajasthan

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) is organizing a quiz competition in government schools across all districts of Rajasthan to promote financial literacy among students. This initiative aims to encourage school students to learn about financial concepts and practices.

Recently, a block-level quiz competition was held at the Rural Development & Self Employment Training Institute and Government Higher Secondary School in Manchwa Jhotwara, Jaipur district. Students from classes VIII to X in government schools participated in this quiz.

The team that secures the first position in the block-level quiz will advance to the district-level quiz competition. The top three winners of the quiz competition will receive awards.

PM Lays Foundation Stone and Dedicates Various Infrastructure Projects at Nathdwara

On May 10, 2023, Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone, inaugurated, and released various projects worth over Rs 5,500 crore in Nathdwara, Rajasthan.

These development projects aim to enhance infrastructure and connectivity in the Nathdwara area. The railway and road initiatives will facilitate the movement of goods and services, boost trade and commerce, and improve the socio-economic conditions of the region by strengthening Rajasthan's connectivity.

The Prime Minister laid the foundation stone for two-laning road construction projects in Rajsamand and Udaipur. Additionally, he laid the foundation stone for the redevelopment of Udaipur Railway Station to enhance facilities for the public.

He also initiated the foundation stone for the gauge conversion project and the construction of a new railway line from Nathdwara to Nathdwara town in Rajsamand.

National Highway Projects

• The Prime Minister inaugurated three National Highway projects, including:
• A 114 km long six-laning project from Udaipur to Shamlaji under NH-48.
• Widening and strengthening project of a 110 km long road to four lanes with paved shoulder in the Bar-Bilara-Jodhpur section of NH-25.
• A two-laning project of a 47 km long road with paved shoulder section in NH 58E.

Benefits of the Projects

• Udaipur, Dungarpur, and Banswara will benefit from the six-laning project of the Udaipur to Shamlaji section of the National Highway.
• The Bilara-Jodhpur section of NH-25 will provide easier access from Jodhpur to border areas, reducing travel time between Jaipur and Jodhpur by three hours.
• The new railway line from Shri Nathdwara will connect Mewar and Marwar, benefiting sectors such as marble, granite, and mining industries.

Indoor Shooting Range to be Established at Rajasthan Police Academy

On May 10, 2023, Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot sanctioned a budget of ₹14 crore for the construction of a modern indoor shooting range at the Rajasthan Police Academy in Jaipur. This initiative aims to enhance the shooting capabilities of the state’s police personnel.

The planned indoor shooting range will feature advanced technology, setting it apart from traditional sports and Composite Indoor Shooting Ranges (CISR). It will include six lanes, each 50 meters long.

The new facility is expected to provide trainees with a superior and more conducive environment for practice, improving their training experience significantly.

It is noteworthy that Chief Minister Gehlot had previously highlighted this initiative in the budget for the financial year 2023-24.

Rajasthani Migrants in Delhi Benefit from Key Yojanas

On May 10, 2023, Shubhra Singh, the Chief Resident Commissioner and Additional Chief Secretary of the Government of Rajasthan, along with Dheeraj Srivastava, the Resident Commissioner and Commissioner of the Rajasthan Foundation, launched the 'Mukhyamantri Nishulk Dava Yojana' and 'E-Mitra' Yojana at Bikaner House in Delhi. These initiatives aim to extend the benefits of Rajasthan's public welfare schemes to Rajasthani migrants residing in Delhi.

Under the 'Mukhyamantri Nishulk Dava Yojana', residents will receive 300 essential medicines free of charge. Meanwhile, the 'E-Mitra' center at Bikaner House will offer approximately 500 specialized services, including Janadhar registration, Chiranjeevi enrollment, pension verification, scholarship applications, mobile recharges, bus and rail ticket bookings, and birth-death certificate services.

These facility centers have been established to ensure that both residents of Rajasthan and Rajasthani migrants outside the state can benefit from Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot's commitment to education and health.

In addition to the E-Mitra and Mukhyamantri Nishulk Dava Yojana centers, a press room for journalists was also inaugurated at Bikaner House. This room is equipped with seating, computers, and other facilities to assist media personnel in their daily news-related tasks.

Women’s Village Service Cooperative Society

On May 8, 2023, Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot approved a draft action plan to establish aWomen’s Village Service Cooperative Society in each block of the state. This initiative aims to empower and uplift women.

• Financial Support: The state government will cover the Rs. 3 lakh contribution required from each committee, totaling Rs. 10.53 crore for 351 blocks.
• Committee Structure: Each committee must include at least one Gram Panchayat and a minimum of 300 members.
• Share and Deposit Requirements: The minimum share amount is Rs. 3 lakh. In general areas, the minimum deposit from members is Rs. 1 lakh, while in Scheduled Tribe areas, it is Rs. 75 thousand.
• Gram Panchayat Limitation: Only one Village Cooperative Service Society is allowed per Gram Panchayat.
• Initial Support: Rs. 50,000 will be provided by the Primary Agricultural Credit Cooperative Societies (PACS) for furniture and resources in the new societies.

This decision is expected to enhance women’s participation in the cooperative sector and promote their overall upliftment, strengthening the cooperative movement in the state.

Establishment of a Permanent Bench of the Rajasthan Civil Service Appellate Tribunal in Jodhpur

On May 5, 2023, Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot approved the establishment of a permanent bench of the Rajasthan Civil Service Appellate Tribunal in Jodhpur. This decision aims to facilitate state personnel and expedite the resolution of cases related to their service.

The new bench will be situated in court number 19 of the old heritage building of the Jodhpur High Court. To support this initiative, the Chief Minister has sanctioned the creation of 13 posts, including 2 Members, 1 Assistant Registrar, 2 Information Assistants, 2 Senior Assistants, 3 Junior Assistants, and 3 Personal Assistants Grade-2.

A financial provision of ₹25 lakh has been made for necessary equipment and furniture for the new office. This move will ensure quicker resolution of cases concerning state personnel, such as pension, salary fixation, and promotion issues.

Notably, Chief Minister Gehlot had proposed this initiative in the budget for the year 2023-24.

New Nursing Colleges to Be Established in Rajasthan

Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot has given the green light for the establishment of new Government Nursing Colleges in Masuda (Ajmer), Rawatbhata (Chittorgarh), and Nawan (Nagaur) on May 5, 2023. A budget of Rs 17.70 crore has been allocated for the operation of these colleges.

Staffing and Infrastructure

• Each college will have 24 new staff positions, including:
• 1 Principal
• 1 Vice-Principal
• 1 Professor
• 2 Associate Professors
• 3 Assistant Professors
• 8 Tutors
• 7 Executive Assistants
• 1 Assistant Librarian

Additional Support Staff

• Each college will also require 10 multi-tasking staff and 10 security guards, to be provided through the Rajasthan Ex-Servicemen Corporation Ltd. (REXCO).

Background

• The announcement aligns with the Chief Minister's budget promise for 2023-24 to establish a new Government Nursing College.

Establishment of Police Training School in Silora, Ajmer

On May 7, 2023, Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot approved the proposal to set up a Police Training School in Silora, Kishangarh, Ajmer. This initiative aims to enhance the functionality and efficiency of police personnel in Rajasthan.

The new positions to be created include:

• Additional Superintendent of Police
• Deputy Superintendent of Police
• Police Inspector
• Company Commander
• Programmer
• Senior Assistant
• Sub-Inspector (CP) (2 posts)
• Platoon Commander (2 posts)
• Head Constable (10 posts)
• Constable (18 posts)

In addition, 15 posts for Lecturer, Platoon Commander, Barber, Sweeper, Cook, and Head Constable will be filled either on a retired basis or through new appointments.

The Chief Minister's budget announcement for 2023-24 had previously mentioned the establishment of this training school.

Approval has also been granted for various expenditures, including:

• Rs 4.34 crore for construction works
• Rs 4.05 lakh for equipment
• Rs 29.20 lakh for vehicles

Awards at the Closing Ceremony of National Cooperative Masala Fair-2023 & Organic Food Festival

Overview

• During the closing ceremony of the National Cooperative Masala Fair-2023 and the Organic Food Festival on May 7, 2023, various committees and cooperative organizations were recognized for their outstanding contributions in business and display at the fair.
• The event took place at the Rajasthan Jawahar Kala Kendra and featured a range of awards based on display, sales, and layout among different categories.

Key Awards and Recognitions

• Best Display: National Level
• Winner: IFFCO and KRIBHCO
• Best Display: Cooperative Institutions
• Winners: Rajfed, CONFED, Tilam Sangh, Jaipur Dairy, and Apex Bank
• Sale and Display of State-Specific Products and Spices
• Honorees: Markfed Kerala, Punjab, and TANfed Tamil Nadu
• Layout: District Consumer Stores
• Winners: Udaipur (1st), Bharatpur (2nd), Bhilwara (3rd)
• Maximum Sales at Sahakar Masala Mela
• Winners: Kerala State Cooperative Marketing Federation (1st), Confed (2nd), Tilam Sangh (3rd)
• Purchase and Sale Cooperative Societies
• Winners: Mathania (1st), Nagaur (2nd), Kishangarh (3rd)
• District Consumer Stores
• Winners: Kota (1st), Udaipur (2nd), Jodhpur (3rd)

Highlights

• The people of Jaipur purchased spices worth over Rs 2.10 crore during the fair.
• The National Cooperative Spices Fair-2023 was inaugurated on April 28, 2023, leading up to this closing ceremony.
• The Registrar of Cooperative Societies, Meghraj Singh Ratnu, presented certificates and mementoes to the best stalls during the closing ceremony.
• For the first time, organic cookies were made available to the public through CONFED.

Key Approvals for Sports Infrastructure in Rajasthan

Construction of Sports Facilities

• On May 4, 2023, Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot of Rajasthan sanctioned Rs 22.68 crore for various sports infrastructure projects.
• All-Weather Swimming Pool : Rs 8.68 crore allocated for an all-weather swimming pool at the State Sports Institute in Jodhpur.
• Sports Complex in Bharatpur : Rs 7 crore allocated for the construction of a sports complex in Bharatpur, managed by RSRDC.
• Stadium and Sports Hostel in Shahbad, Baran : Rs 7 crore allocated for the construction of a stadium and sports hostel in Shahbad, Baran, also managed by RSRDC.

Budget Announcement

• These projects were initially announced by Chief Minister Gehlot during the budget presentation for the year 2023-24.

Approval of Stroke Intervention Lab in Sawai Mansingh Hospital

On May 4, 2023, Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot sanctioned Rs 8 crore for setting up a stroke intervention lab at Sawai Mansingh SMS Hospital in Jaipur, Rajasthan.

The establishment of this lab will enhance medical facilities at SMS Hospital, enabling timely and improved treatment for patients.

It is worth mentioning that the Chief Minister had proposed the creation of this lab in the 2023-24 budget.

A stroke is a critical medical condition that necessitates swift medical attention because it disrupts the supply of oxygen and nutrients to the brain, leading to the death of brain cells.

Establishment of 9 Police Posts in Hospitals Affiliated with Government Medical Colleges in Rajasthan

On May 3, 2023, Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot approved the proposal to set up 9 police posts in hospitals affiliated with state medical colleges. This initiative aims to enhance security and safety in these healthcare facilities.

Locations of the Police Posts

The police posts will be established in the following hospitals:

• Government Janana Hospital, Medical College Bharatpur
• Government Haribaksh Kanwatiya Hospital, Jaipur
• T.B. Hospital, Shastri Nagar, Jaipur
• Government Dental Medical College & Hospital, Subhash Nagar, Jaipur
• R.U.H.S. Medical College, Jaipur
• S.R. Goyal Satellite Hospital, Sethi Colony, Jaipur
• Government RDBP Jaipuria Hospital, Jaipur
• Government Psychiatric Hospital, Transport Nagar, Jaipur
• Government J.K. Lon Mother & Child Hospital, Kota

Staffing Details

Each police outpost will be staffed with:

• 1 sub-inspector
• 6 constables

This totals to 9 sub-inspectors and 54 constables across the 9 outposts.

Background

The announcement for these police posts was made by the Chief Minister during the budget for the year 2023-24, emphasizing the need for improved security in hospitals affiliated with various medical colleges in the state.

National Cooperative Spices Fair, 2023 Inaugurated by Rajasthan Assembly Speaker

On April 28, 2023, Dr. C.P. Joshi, the Speaker of the Rajasthan Assembly, officially opened the National Cooperative Spices Fair, 2023, by lighting the ceremonial lamp at Jawahar Kala Kendra in Jaipur.

The fair features products from cooperative societies in various states, including Tamil Nadu, Uttarakhand, Kerala, and Punjab. This event aims to boost business and showcases the strong consumer trust in cooperative products amidst competition. The fair will run until May 7.

Kerala's cooperative societies are highlighting attractive products such as turmeric, chili, coconut oil, Kerala chips, spices, namkeen, and other special items.

This year, the Rashtriya Sahakar Masala Mela is offering not only whole and ground spices but also special cooling products like Sharbat and Thandai. The Nathdwara Thandai is a particular highlight at the fair.

Additionally, the Udaipur Bhandar and Rajsamand Bhandar are presenting a variety of Sharbat flavors, including khus, paan, and rose, to the urban residents of Jaipur.

MoU Signed between NAREDCO and Rajasthan Housing Board

Overview

• On May 2, 2023, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between the National Real Estate Development Council (NAREDCO) and the Rajasthan Housing Board.
• The MoU aims to provide on-site skill training to 20,000 construction workers in Rajasthan under the 'NIPUN' program (National Institute for Promotion of Upskilling of Construction Workers) over the next two years.

Details of the MoU

• NAREDCO has appointed the Rajasthan Housing Board as the nodal agency for this training initiative.
• In the initial phase, training will be conducted for workers involved in over 150 ongoing projects across the state under the Housing Board.
• After the initial phase, other institutions in the state will be included in the training program.

Benefits for Construction Workers

• After completing the training, construction workers will receive free accident insurance coverage of Rs 2 lakh for three years.
• Workers will be trained on-site during ongoing construction work, ensuring that there is no interruption in the construction process.
• At the end of the training, workers will receive a certificate and an incentive of Rs 500 from NAREDCO.
• The training will not impose any financial burden on the Rajasthan Housing Board.
• The training aims to upgrade workers from unskilled to skilled status, which will lead to an increase in their wages.

Benefits of Training for Workers

• Successful candidates will receive government-issued certificates.
• The training will boost the self-esteem of construction workers.
• Workers will see an increase in their remuneration as they move from unskilled to skilled categories.
• Certificates obtained after training will give workers priority for other job opportunities.
• Workers will also benefit from the free accident insurance scheme.
• In addition to learning new skills, trained workers will be informed about new tools and techniques.
• Knowledge of personal safety measures will help reduce accidents during construction work.

Conclusion

This MoU marks a significant step towards improving the skills and safety of construction workers in Rajasthan, with the potential to enhance their earning capacity and job opportunities.