Retired officials must continue social responsibilities: Rajasthan CM

Jaipur, Aug 11 (IANS) Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma on Tuesday emphasised the importance of continuous dialogue between the government and society, describing it as an effective means of ensuring efficient implementation of government policies and promoting good governance.

Addressing a dialogue with retired officials from Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe communities, Sharma said social justice is the soul of the state government’s policies and the essence of its welfare schemes.

He said the government is working in the spirit of ‘Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas’, resulting in unprecedented upliftment of marginalised sections of society.

The Chief Minister said retired officials had discharged diverse responsibilities during their service, taking government policies and welfare schemes to the grassroots and making significant contributions to public service.

“Officials may retire from government service, but they never retire from their social responsibilities,” Sharma said. He urged retired officials to use their administrative experience, understanding of ground realities and institutional knowledge to guide and mentor the younger generation.

The retired officials expressed gratitude to the Chief Minister for improved implementation of various social security schemes, including enhanced scholarship amounts, free coaching programmes and skill‑development initiatives. They also appreciated the government’s effective investigation and prompt action in cases involving atrocities against members of Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe communities.

The retired officials said former government officers remain an important source of inspiration for society and that their experience and achievements can play a significant role in translating the vision of a developed Rajasthan into reality.

Sharma said the state government is committed to ensuring that the benefits of government schemes reach the most disadvantaged sections of society, guided by the ideals of Babasaheb B.R. Ambedkar.

He said the government is preparing a development roadmap based on local needs and potential, with special emphasis on strengthening basic infrastructure such as water, electricity, roads and healthcare.

The Chief Minister said initiatives such as the Ram Jal Setu Link Project and the Yamuna Water Agreement reflect the determination and political will of the state government’s “Double‑Engine” government.

“Our government has achieved a power generation capacity of 12,000 MW in just two and a half years,” Sharma said.

He added that local products are being promoted and employment opportunities created for young people through initiatives such as One District, One Product and Panch Gaurav. He said the government is moving forward with the vision of Sahkar Se Samriddhi (prosperity through cooperation).

The Chief Minister further said expansion of storage and processing facilities at the local level has helped increase farmers’ incomes while creating additional employment opportunities for young people. Sharma said the state government is continuously working for the welfare of Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe communities. Under the Baba Saheb Ambedkar Adarsh Gram Vikas Yojana, development works are being undertaken in villages with populations of more than 10,000 to strengthen infrastructure and facilities, including roads, drinking water and waste management.

He said nearly 4.25 lakh students had benefited under the Scheduled Caste Post‑Matric Scholarship Scheme, while 4.30 lakh students had benefited under the Scheduled Tribe Post‑Matric Scholarship Scheme. Under the Ambedkar Teerth Sthal Yatra Yojana, beneficiaries are being facilitated to visit places associated with Babasaheb Ambedkar. Sharma said loans amounting to Rs 887 crore had been disbursed under the B.R. Ambedkar Rajasthan Dalit, Adivasi Udyam Protsahan Yojana.

In Baran district, the government has enabled 14,636 eligible families to realise their dream of owning a home under the PM‑JANMAN initiative, he said.

The Chief Minister said the monthly mess allowance for students in hostels and residential schools had been increased from Rs 2,500 to Rs 3,250. The mess allowance for students in sports academies had also been increased from Rs 2,600 to Rs 4,000 per month. He added that the honorarium for personnel working at Maa‑Baadi Centres had been increased by 10 per cent each year for the past two years. Orders had also been issued for opening 250 new Maa‑Baadi Centres.

Retired officials from the IAS, IPS, IRS, administrative services and other government services participated in the interaction. Among those present were Lalit K. Panwar, J.P. Chandelia, Ravi Prakash Meherda, Om Prakash Bairwa and Anil Gothwal. The interaction focused on strengthening the implementation of welfare schemes, promoting social justice and utilising the experience of retired officials to support the state’s development and social welfare initiatives.

–IANS

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