CM Alleges Paper Leaks Earlier Happened with Political Patronage Jaipur. At the NDTV Rajasthan Conclave “Rising Rajasthan: Development with Heritage,” held in the historic town of Mandawa in Jhunjhunu district, Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma presented the report card of the state government’s two-year tenure.
He gave a clear assurance that there will be no tampering with the Aravalli range under his government and that environmental protection will not be compromised. The Chief Minister said balancing development with heritage conservation remains a top priority for the state.
Calling the Aravallis the lifeline of Rajasthan, Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma said the mountain range is not just a chain of hills but the backbone of the state’s ecology and water balance. He questioned who changed the definition of the Aravallis in 2002 and 2009 and why such decisions were taken. He asserted that the present government is firm against illegal activities and mining and that the Aravallis will not be allowed to suffer any damage under any circumstances.
On the issue of paper leaks, the Chief Minister launched a sharp attack on previous governments, alleging that paper leaks earlier took place with political patronage. He said that during the Congress regime, paper leaks became an organised mafia, breaking the dreams of poor and hardworking youth. Reiterating the zero-tolerance policy, he said the present government is ensuring governance with transparency, strict law and order and accountability. He added that more than 200 examinations have been conducted during the current tenure without a single paper leak and over 300 accused have been sent to jail.
Addressing the gathering from the cultural land of Shekhawati, the Chief Minister said this is the New Rajasthan, where development and heritage are seen as complementary, not conflicting. He said law and order in the state is strong, strict action is being taken against criminals and the government is sensitive to the problems of the common people and committed to resolving them.
On social issues, Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma said the state government has taken strong steps against social evils such as child marriage. Due to strict administrative action and continuous public awareness campaigns, cases of child marriage have seen a significant decline and the practice is now close to being eliminated.
Highlighting water scarcity as Rajasthan’s biggest challenge, the Chief Minister said water management is key to the state’s long-term development. He informed that works worth Rs 26,000 crore under the Eastern Rajasthan Canal Project have already started on the ground, which will provide a permanent solution to drinking water and irrigation problems in large parts of the state. He also said the process to bring Yamuna water to the Shekhawati region has been expedited and the detailed project report is being prepared, which will be a game changer for the region.
From the conclave stage, in the presence of Deputy Chief Minister Diya Kumari, the Chief Minister launched Rajasthan’s new Film Tourism Policy. He said Rajasthan, with its forts, havelis and rich cultural heritage, is emerging as a major global destination for film shoots. He added that more than 660 havelis in the Shekhawati region have already been conserved and film tourism will create new employment opportunities for local youth.
The Chief Minister also directed officials to set up a Heritage Library to preserve Rajasthan’s cultural legacy. He said the havelis of Shekhawati are not just buildings but living symbols of Rajasthan’s history and culture, and their conservation is a shared responsibility of the government and society.
Deputy Chief Minister Diya Kumari said that under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma, the state government is working with a serious and long-term vision for heritage conservation. She said that while most havelis are privately owned, efforts are being made through awareness, regulation and administrative support to preserve their original character. She added that havelis are being encouraged to be used as homestays, tourism centres, museums and hubs of art and culture.
Diya Kumari also said preparations are underway to seek UNESCO World Heritage status for Rajasthan’s havelis, with more than 600 havelis already identified. She noted that Rajasthan currently has nine UNESCO World Heritage sites, reflecting the state’s rich cultural heritage.
The conclave also saw addresses by Energy Minister Hiralal Nagar, Social Justice Minister Avinash Gehlot and Food Minister Sumit Godara, who highlighted the government’s policies and achievements. Energy Minister Hiralal Nagar said two lakh new electricity connections have been provided to farmers in the last two years and six hours of daily power supply is being ensured. He added that Rajasthan aims to contribute 125 gigawatts to India’s renewable energy capacity by 2030.
Social Justice Minister Avinash Gehlot said law and order has improved in the state and crime rates are consistently declining. He said more than 90 lakh people have received pensions during the government’s tenure and pension amounts have been increased for 10 lakh beneficiaries. Food Minister Sumit Godara said that under the Give Up Scheme, 11 lakh capable citizens have voluntarily given up government subsidies, setting an example of social responsibility.
In the first session of the conclave, Urban Development Minister Jhabar Singh Kharra said cabinet expansion is the Chief Minister’s prerogative and will be decided at the appropriate time. He reiterated that no damage will be allowed to the Aravalli range under the present government.