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Priorities of Gehlot regime spelt out

JAIPUR: Rajasthan Governor S.K. Singh’s address in the State Assembly delivered before the Congress-led Government won the vote of confidence on Saturday spelt out the key areas of priority for the new regime which has declared its plans to work for restoration of social harmony, transparency in governance and providing equal opportunities to all sections.

Mr. Singh criticised the previous Bharatiya Janata Party regime for its failure to control corruption, criminal and communal elements, land mafia and anti-Dalit violence. “The Government, instead of curbing crime and terrorist violence, opened fire on innocent citizens and killed a large number of people in Raola-Ghadsana and Sohela.”

The Governor pointed out that the BJP-led Government’s flawed excise policy and soft approach to communalism had led to the growth of liquor mafia and resulted in several hooch tragedies, besides generating fear and insecurity among the minority communities.

Mr. Singh affirmed that the State Government would ensure an efficient financial management and try to reduce the debt burden, which was estimated to reach Rs.82,858 crore by the current financial year-end, by curbing wasteful expenditures.

“The State’s economy will especially take care of weaker sections, minorities, disabled people and women, while the Government will implement all welfare schemes of the Centre,” said Mr. Singh.

He added that agricultural development would get the highest attention of the State Government.

The Governor’s address, through which the newly-installed Government listed its areas of concern, pointed out that Rajasthan would get its share in the inter-State river water agreements and take steps for supply of drinking water to far-off villages.

In the power sector, the State’s installed capacity would be enhanced to 10,000 MW during the next five years.

For rapid industrial development of the State, the Government intends to simplify the investment schemes and promote exports, besides encouraging khadi, handicrafts and cottage industries. Self-help groups will be established for unemployed people.

Mr. Singh said the State Government would take action to stop misuse of the Land Revenue Act and formulate profitable schemes for farmers on the acquisition of agricultural land.

The State Government will also devise plans for achieving total literacy and expand the role of private sector in the establishment of schools, colleges, universities and technical institutions, said the Governor.

The recommendations of the Justice Rajinder Sachar Committee for minorities will be implemented in the field of education.

Mr. Singh said health care, women’s welfare, development of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes, allotment of land to landless people, establishment of “Gram Rajya”, protection of minorities and tourism promotion were some other areas in which the State Government intended to bring about significant changes.

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