Despite the odd geographical, political and social conditions in Rajasthan, the Government, with the blessings of the people, had made significant efforts in making a developed and new Rajasthan, Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot said in his address to the people of the State on Independence Day.
Addressing the State-level function at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur, Mr. Gehlot extended his warm greetings to the people of the State and paid tribute to the known-unknown freedom fighters and martyrs.
With new thinking and the changes being witnessed in the country and around the world, development was being redefined, Mr. Gehlot said, adding that inclusive development had emerged as the preferred choice as it enabled a participatory approach to democracy.
“For the first time after independence, the UPA Government at the Centre has started a right-based era of inclusive development. Right to Information, right to education and right to work have been given to the people by enacting laws and now two-thirds population of the country will get food security through the food security scheme,” he said.
Pointing to the State Government's own food security initiative, Mr. Gehlot said wheat, earlier available for Rs. 2/kg, was now being provided at Rs. 1/kg under the Mukhyamantri Ann Suraksha Yojana.
The Chief Minister said the Mukhyamantri Nishulk Dawa Yojana (free medicine scheme) had met with great success and starting today (15th August),the already existing Mukyamantri Nishulk Jaanch Yojana (free medical testing) would be available at all Primary Health Centres in the State.
Mr. Gehlot also highlighted measures taken by the Government for women and farmers. The Mukhyamantri Shubhlaxmi Yojana, he said, had been introduced to promote the birth of girl child and women had been provided 30 per cent exemption in State roadways bus fares.
As many as 20 lakh farmers had benefitted from the Government's scheme for repaying cooperative crop loan on time, while about 48 lakh senior citizens, widows, divorcees and especially-abled people had benefitted from the Mukhyamantri Samman Pension in cities, villages and hamlets across the State.
Mr. Gehlot said providing the youth with a bright future and preparing them for a successful career was among the top priorities of the State Government.
“Government jobs have been given to 1,42,000 youths in the State while provision has been made for another 1,68,000 thousand jobs in this year's budget,” he said.
“The Rs. 40,000-crore refinery-cum-petrochemical complex being set up in Barmer with a capacity of 9 million tonnes would also pave the way for the continued development of the State, providing more jobs to skilled youth,” he added.
