Infrastructure of Rajasthan | RPSC Preparation: All subjects - RPSC RAS (Rajasthan) PDF Download

Infrastructure of Rajasthan and their impact on economy of state

Infrastructure of Rajasthan

(A) Economic Infrastructure:
1. Roads:

• As of May 2011, Rajasthan boasts a total road length of 189,034 km. This includes 5,724 km of national highways, 11,615 km of state highways, and 7,340 km of major district roads. This represents a significant increase from 107,436 km in 2000 and 141,000 km in 2007-08.
• The state is enhancing connectivity through the Mega Highway Project (MHP), upgrading over 1,000 km of road stretches connecting national highways into expressways.
• The Road Infrastructure Development Company of Rajasthan Ltd. (RIDCOR), a joint venture between the Government of Rajasthan and Infrastructure Leasing & Financial Services Ltd., is driving these initiatives.
• Impact: The extensive development in road infrastructure, with an 80% increase in road length since 2000, is a positive indicator of the state’s progress.

2. Energy:

• Rajasthan has received approval from Coal India for coal supply, a significant achievement given the central government's restrictions on new fuel supplies. The state has also been approved for an atomic power project on the banks of the Mahi River in Banswara district, with a capacity of 505 MW allocated out of a total of 630 MW.
• The state has sanctioned 14 projects totaling 11,590 MW, including 9 projects of 7,750 MW in the state sector and 5 projects of 3,840 MW in the private sector.
• Impact: These projects are crucial for the state's energy self-reliance and development.

3. Telecommunication:

• Rajasthan's telecommunications infrastructure is well-developed, offering a competitive environment in both fixed and value-added networks. Major service providers include BSNL, Airtel, IDEA, AIRCEL, Tata, Reliance, and MTS. AIRCEL, now India’s 5th largest GSM mobile service provider, also offers a 4G network in the state.

4. Industrial Development:

• Rajasthan is a leading producer of rapeseed and mustard, seed spices, coarse cereals, and bajra. It has India’s third-largest cattle population and is a major hub for auto production, cement, and ceramics.
• The state produces all of India's lead and zinc, and is a key source of minerals such as calcite, gypsum, and slate. Recent discoveries have also revealed significant crude oil reserves.
• Impact: The diverse industrial activities contribute significantly to Rajasthan’s economic growth and stability.

(B) Social Infrastructure in Rajasthan:

1. Education:

• Institutions and Schemes:
  • The LNM Indian Institute of Information Technology in Jaipur, set up by the LN Mittal Foundation, focuses on IT, Electronics, and Communication.
  • The Aap Ki Beti scheme supports female education through subsidized education and uniforms for girls from impoverished families.
  • Zila Prathamik Shiksha and Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan emphasize primary education.
  • Rajasthan Sanskrit University in Jaipur promotes the Sanskrit language and learning.
• Impact:
  • Rajasthan has made significant strides in improving literacy rates, though challenges remain, particularly in female education with high dropout rates and lower enrollment. It ranks 7th in terms of primary schools but 17th in primary education among the top 20 states. The literacy rates in Rajasthan have increased significantly between 1991 and 2001, outpacing the national average growth.

2. Health:

• Facilities and Budget:
  • The state has 13,874 health centers, including 127 hospitals, 199 dispensaries, 1,504 Rural PHCs, 37 Urban PHCs, 368 CHCs, 118 Maternity and Child Health Centers, 13 Urban Aid Posts, 11,487 Sub Health Centers, and 43,864 inpatient beds.
  • The budget allocation for the medical and health sector is Rs 663.53 Crores for FY12.
• Impact:
  • Rajasthan employs a three-tier health service system. Health indicators have improved over time, though challenges remain, such as low per capita health expenditure and a high Infant Mortality Rate (IMR). The state has the third-highest IMR among its peers. Initiatives like the Chief Minister’s BPL Jeevan Rakhsha Kosh aim to provide free treatment to BPL families, but further improvements are necessary.

3. Housing:

• Development Bodies:
  • The Rajasthan Housing Board, established in 1970, and district-specific Development Authorities and UITs are responsible for housing infrastructure development.
• Impact:
  • Projected housing shortages are significant, with deficits expected to reach 12.42 lakh in 2011, 12.82 lakh in 2012, 14.94 lakh in 2017, and 17.06 lakh in 2021, with 85% of the shortage in the EWS/LIG categories. Efforts include affordable housing initiatives and slum development schemes. While progress has been made, further action is required to address the housing deficit effectively.
  • Overall, the social infrastructure of Rajasthan shows progress but also highlights areas needing further development. The state's initiatives in education, health, and housing are crucial for improving quality of life and driving sustainable growth.