Rajasthan CM Vasundhara Raje calls for 'politics of development' in Independence Day speech

Rajasthan Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje today asked her political competitors to indulge in "politics of development" to fight communalism, corruption and terrorism.

"The politicians should do 'politics of development' to fight against castism (communalism), corruption and terrorism. The people of the state should make constant efforts to put Rajasthan at the lead, not only in national but in global scenario," she said.

Speaking at the 69th Independence Day celebrations from Maha Rao Ummed Singh stadium here, Raje focused on employment generation for youths, universalisation of health care and environment initiatives under 'Clean Rajasthan, Green Rajasthan'.

Clad in a deep crimson saree, Raje addressed the gathering for about 28 minutes where Hemltion Smith, industry and commerce minister of South Australia, was the Guest of Honor. The Chief Minister hoisted the flag and received the salute from police, army, NCC and scout battalions. Paying tribute to former president A P J Kalam, Raje said she had nourished a dream to wash the blot of backward state from Rajasthan.

"Rajasthan was tuned into a disease-ridden state under the previous government, but now the situation has improved. My government is committed to lay the foundation stone of development and progress in the state," she said.

Talking about the importance of providing universal health care, Raje noted that the state is fast emerging as a trusted destination for organ transplantation. She said that six hospitals of the state along with Swai Maan Singh (SMS) hospital have been authorized for organ transplantation and one hundred organs have been transplanted till now.

For quality education, 1,390 Adarsh schools are being opened across the state. 53,000 teachers have been recruited to meet the shortage of teachers in schools. 90,000 more such appointments are underway, Raje said. Raje informed that under 'Dendayal Upadhayay Koshal Vikas Yojana', 76,000 youths have been imparted skill training in various fields till now.

The government is committed to provide quality food to the people in rural belt, Raje said, adding 50,000 ration shops across the state have been developed into 'Annapurna Bhandars' for this purpose. Raje claimed that Rajasthan has now become self dependent in power sector, with 16,367 Megawatt of electricity being generated in the state currently.

Names of 50 lakhs families have been registered under ambitious government schemes like Bhamasha Yojana and 30 lakh bank accounts opened till now under the scheme, she said. The Chief minister awarded 44 officials, including police personnel, for outstanding performance in their respective fields. Tourism minister Krisnanendra Kaur Deepa, chief secretary C S Rajan were among those present on the occasion. Horse riding exercises, cultural programmes by school children and motorcycling by army men were the main attractions of the function, that lasted for about two hours.