Rajasthan Assembly Monsoon Session begins today; Tree, UCC Bills likely to be tabled

Jaipur, Aug 20 (IANS) The Monsoon Session of the Rajasthan Assembly begins on Thursday, with the Opposition preparing to raise a range of issues against the BJP-led government. Three Bills, including the proposed Rajasthan Trees (Protection) Bill, 2026, and the Uniform Civil Code Bill are likely to be introduced during the session.

Assembly Speaker Vasudev Devnani, will begin proceedings of the sixth session of the 16th Rajasthan Assembly on Thursday.

The proposed Rajasthan Trees (Protection) Bill, 2026 seeks to place 29 tree species in a restricted category.

The list includes Babool (Acacia) and Sheesham (Indian Rosewood), which are widely used in Rajasthan’s furniture and handicraft industries.

Under the proposed legislation, felling a restricted tree without permission could attract a fine of up to Rs 1 lakh and rigorous imprisonment of up to one year. The proposed restrictions have raised concerns among handicraft exporters.

Over the past two decades, furniture, handicrafts, decorative products and gift items made from Babool and Sheesham wood have expanded significantly in Rajasthan, with products exported to markets in Europe and the Americas.

Exporters have urged the government to ensure that practical provisions are incorporated into the legislation to prevent disruption to the industry. Navneet Jhalani, coordinator of the Rajasthan Handicrafts Exporters Joint Forum, has written to Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma, seeking the exclusion of Babool and Sheesham from the restricted list. The exporters’ forum has warned that restrictions on the two species could adversely affect Rajasthan’s handicraft export sector.

According to the industry, the sector generates annual foreign exchange earnings of around Rs 12,000 crore and provides employment to approximately 7 lakh artisans. The Opposition has prepared its strategy to raise issues concerning the government during the session, while the ruling BJP is also ready to respond.

A day before the session, Assembly Speaker Vasudev Devnani held an all-party meeting. The Congress Legislature Party subsequently held a meeting in the evening, while the BJP Legislature Party met at the Chief Minister’s residence.

Besides the Trees Bill, Bills related to the UCC and a private university may also be tabled during the session.

The GST Amendment Bill is currently awaiting the Governor’s assent. Following the legislative business, the House is expected to pay tributes to leaders who have passed away before adjourning for the day.

The Assembly is initially expected to function for four days. The schedule for subsequent proceedings will be finalised by the Business Advisory Committee.

–IANS

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