This article lists Summary of Rajasthan Current Affairs for month of May 2021. Kindly note, that this page does not list news & other information related to Covid 19, as for that, we have created a dedication section on Corona Virus situation in Rajasthan.
The Current Affairs will be updated on Weekly basis.
UNFPA praises 3 Govt Hospitals
In a case study, United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) has praised the mother and child services of three government hospitals in Rajasthan. These include:
- Jawahar Hospital in Jaisalmer district,
- Government Hospital in Karauli district
- Oda PHC of Rajsamand district
Genome Sequencing Facility in SMS Hospital
The state government has decided to have its own genome sequencing facility to study various strains of viruses. The genome sequencing centre will come up at SMS Medical College, Jaipur.
Rajasthan comes 2nd in Smart City Mission Rankings
Rajasthan came 2nd in the latest rankings published by the Union Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) on Smart City Mission in May 2021. Jharkhand has taken the top position and Andhra Pradesh came at third spot.
The ranking is based on different parameters, including completion of Smart City Mission projects, the cumulative value of tenders issued, work completed and utilisation of funds, among others. The overall score of the state is 35.61 points.
There are only 4 cities from the state in the 100 Smart Cities. In the current ranking while Jaipur has come at the lowest rank in the State, overall Ajmer’s ranking has decreased to 29 from 18.
48 New Courts in State
In May 2021, Chief minister Ashok Gehlot has given approval for setting up 48 new courts in the state and the creation of 550 posts of various cadres for them. The commercial courts will be setup in Bikaner, Alwar, Bhilwara and Jodhpur, courts of additional district judge in Jalore, Sirohi, Wair, Dungargarh, Nainwan, Sardarshahar, Nasirabad, Kathumar, Sadulshahar, Begun, Anupgarh, Neem Ka Thana and Gangapur City.
Additionally, he also gave approval for opening of various other courts in other districts. The chief minister has also sanctioned 550 posts of presiding officer, stenographer, reader, clerk, class-4 employees for these courts.
Unemployment Rate in State at 28% for April 2021
According to Centre for Monitoring Indian Economy (CMIE), Unemployment rate in Rajasthan shot up to 28% during April 2021. The rate is the second highest among the states after Haryana. After a dip in March 2021 to 19.7% from 25% in February 2021 this year, the April 2021 figures reflect a trend of high unemployment witnessed in the state over the past two years.
Policy Change: Companies can now take land on Lease for Hydrocarbon Exploration
To boost hydrocarbon exploration in the state of Rajasthan, the revenue department has now allowed land owners to lease their plot for 15 years without having to go for land conversion. They will have to only inform the tehsildar.
Earlier, companies in the hydrocarbon sector had to acquire the land from the owners. The policy change will fast-track exploration of hydrocarbon resources in the state.
SC Quashes Rajasthan HC Order on School Fees
Quashing the Rajasthan High Court order on school fees issued on October 28 last year, the Supreme Court in May 2021, directed the private unaided schools to charge 85% the annual school fees of 2019-20 for the 2020-21 academic year.
Hence, the Court ordered reduction of 15% fees in lieu of un-utilised facilities by students. However, schools could individually give more concessions based on specific requests by parents. The apex court also upheld the Rajasthan Schools (Regulation) Act 2016.
As per the interim order, Parents could deposit the fees in six instalments before 05 August 2021. The order also said that No one should be debarred from online classes. The school management should not debar any student from attending either online classes or physical classes on account of nonpayment of fees, arrears/outstanding fees, including instalments, referred to above, and should not withhold the results of examinations of any student on that account.
Bojunda Stromatolite Fossil Park
In may 2021, Bojunda Stromatolite Fossil Park near Chittorgarh has been in NEWS as Department of Mines and Geology in joint association with the Chittorgarh district administration has proposed for development of a geopark of about 12-hectare at this site. The Bojunda geopark has great potential to become a popular destination for tourists in the Mewar Circuit, but it needs to be promoted suitably by the state and Union ministries of tourism.
Goradhyay Group Foster Care Scheme
In May 2021, the state government issued guidelines for implementation of the ‘Goradhyay group foster care scheme’ under which children up to 18 years of age, who are in need of family care and protection, will be benefited.
Under the Scheme:
- For the district child protection unit, Rs 4,000 per month will be given per child for their clothing, teaching, training and other daily needs.
- Rs 20,000 per month will be paid to the caretakers and Rs 10,000 per month for other expenses related to operation.
- A Group Foster Care facility will be valid for 3 years from date of issue of the order.
Alternatives to Single Use Plastics
In May 2021, Rajasthan Chief secretary Niranjan Arya advised officials initiate discussion with affected groups over Centre’s proposal to ban the single-use plastic. As per the draft notification of the Union government, Single Use Plastics are proposed to be banned from January 1, 2022.
In the draft notification issued on 11 March, the Union government has proposed a ban on single-use plastics in two phases. From January 2022 some plastic items like plastic flags, balloons and candy sticks and then from July 2022 a ban on plates, cups, glasses, cutlery items like forks, spoons, wrapping, packing films, invitation cards, cigarette packets is proposed.
Additionally, the manufacture, import, storage, distribution, sale and use of all single-use plastic items will be prohibited under the draft regulations.
Rajasthan has also taken some steps to move away from use of plastics. The state has banned several plastic products. Its use has been strictly prohibited in government offices since 2019. In September 2019, the Rajasthan High Court banned used of Single Use Plastic in its Premises.
Jagannath Pahadia
Former Chief Minister of Rajasthan and ex-governor of Haryana and Bihar, Jagannath Pahadia (89), passed away due to Covid-19.
