RAJASTHAN CURRENT AFFAIRS
NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2020
RRECL to run 200 mini-drinking Solar based water supply systems
The Rajasthan Renewable Energy’ Corporation Limited (RRECL) has approved a proposal to equip stand-alone mini-drinking water supply systems to 200 villages with solar power.
As per the statement, the decision is in accordance with the Rajasthan Solar Energy Policy, 2019 and Rajasthan’s 2020-21 Budget announcement, mandating RRECL to run 200 water supply systems with solar energy on a pilot basis. The locations have been identified from a list of 248 areas specified by the Public Health and Engineering Department (PHED) and the pilot project is estimated to cost Rs 8 crore.
JVVNL launches Vigilance App
In November 2020, Energy’ minister B D Kalla launched the ‘vigilance app’ of Jaipur Vidyut Vitaran Nigam Ltd (JWNL). The application will help bring transparency and reduce distribution loss. The app will also improve accountability of vigilance engineers and remove complaints of consumers. The app helps the consumers to register their complaints online.
Rajasthan Police launch mental health helpline for its staff
Rajasthan police has launched a helpline number for its officials on which they can call in case of mental health issues. The police staff can call at 0141-2821500 between 10.30 am and 5pm for redressal of their issues.
National Water Award-2019: Rajasthan wins 3rd Prize
Rajasthan has won third prize in the general category for outstanding work in the field of water resources management under the National Water Award-2019. The award been given to the state for work in the field of increased water use efficiency, water harvesting management, integrated water resources management through participatory approach, micro irrigation with solar pumps, water harvesting and achievements under irrigation management and micro irrigation.
Cabinet sub-committee for Barmer refinery project
In November 2020, Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot constituted a cabinet sub-committee under him to review the progress of the Barmer refinery so that the ambitious project could be completed on time. This group of ministers will regularly monitor the progress of the work. This will lead to better coordination between various departments of the government as well as quick resolution of interdepartmental issues. Coordination with Hindustan Petroleum officials will also be established.
Additional Budget for Isarda water project
In 2019-20 Budget, CM shri Ashok Gehlot had announced Isarda Water Project costing Rs 3,159 crore for the supply of drinking water to five towns and 1,244 villages of Dausa and Sawai Madhopur. In the original project, drinking water was to be supplied to the people of these villages and towns at 40 litres per person per day, including the local water source. Now the project cost has increased by 899.12 crore with the addition of 12 villages and one town and the direction of the Centre to supply 55 litre per person per day under the Jal Jeevan Mission project.
Rajasthan Assembly passes farm bills
On 3rd November 2020, the Rajasthan Assembly passed three amendment bills to counter the farm laws recently passed by the Centre. The amendments inlcude:
• Make the minimum support price (MSP) mandatory for contract farming but not for sale/purchase made in mandis
• Reintroduce taxes on mandis
• Empower state to impose stock limits to check black marketing
Provision 3 to 7 years jail and fine up to Rs 5 lakh for harassing farmers and prevent banks from attaching debtor farmers’ land up to five acres.
Rajasthan Vidhan Sabha passes bill to make face masks compulsory
On 3rd November, the Rajasthan Vidhan Sabha passed bill to making it mandatory for people to wear face masks in public. Consequently, Rajasthan has become first State to pass such bill.
During the special session called to pass three bills to counter the farm laws enacted by the Centre, the assembly also passed an amendment to Rajasthan Epidemic Diseases Act 2020, inserting a new clause to make the use of face masks compulsory in the state to regulate and prevent the spread of the coronavirus disease in the state of Rajasthan.
Health experts all over the world are of the opinion that use of mask can help to control the spread of Covid-19 considerably and save the lives of millions. The State Government is also of the view that wearing mask should be made mandatory in public place, public transport, private transport, work place or at any social, political, general function or gathering and decided to prohibit movement of persons without wearing mask at such places.
Accordingly, section 4 of the Rajasthan Epidemic Diseases Act, 2020 has been amended by inserting a new clause to this effect. Section 4 of the Act provides that State Government may specify such temporary regulations or orders to be observed by the public to prevent the spread of epidemic disease.
Mohan Lai Lather appointed as DGP
On 3rd November 2020, Shri Mohan Lai Lather (M L Lather), a 1987 batch IPS officer has been appointed Director General of Police (DGP) Rajasthan, for a period of two years (irrespective of his date of superannuation) or until further orders, whichever is earlier. As per the official order released by department of Personnel, Rajasthan, he has been appointed to this post as per the relevant Supreme Court order and recommendation of the Empanelment Committee constituted by Union Public Service Commission for this purpose.
Shri Lather who was Director General of Police, Crime Branch, Rajasthan, Jaipur, had been given the additional charge last month after former DGP Bhupendra Singh took VRS and was appointed as chairman of RPSC.
Niranjan Kumar Arya appointed as Chief Secretary
On 31st October 2020, the State Government has appointed Shri Niranjan Kumar Arya as the new Chief Secretary of Rajasthan. Nirajan Kumar Arya was currently serving as additional chief secretary, finance, excise & taxation department. The State Government had requested extension of 3 month for outgoing chief secretary Shri Rajeev Swarup but it did not receive centre’s nod. Shri Swarup retired on October 31.
Longest recorded flight of a demoiselle crane
A demoiselle crane tagged in Mongolia’s Khurkh Valley has reached Khichan in Jodhpur after covering a distance of 4,032km in 151 days. As per the experts, this is the longest recorded flight of a demoiselle crane (identified as T-54).
The bird was tagged under the 1,000-Crane Project, a multi-country initiative that extends over years, tracking multiple migrations and species and populations of cranes, following routes, resting sites, the impact of climate change and even social structures among birds.
CAZRI innovates STP Plant
The Central Arid Zone Research Institute (CAZRI) has innovated an environment-friendly sewage treatment plant (STP) based on the principle of plant-microbe interactions, aiming to recycle 90% of the waste water in the arid and semiarid regions of the country.
75 EV Stations to come up at Jaipur
Electric vehicles’ (EVs) charging infrastructure will soon be available at 75 locations in Jaipur. A total of 54 stations will be established by the Rajasthan Electronics & Instruments Ltd (REIL) and remaining 21 stations will be set up by the Energy’ Efficiency Services Ltd (EESL). The Jaipur Development Authority (JDA) will identify locations for setting up these EV stations.
More than 400 relics found in Excavations at Kalibangan
Archaeological Survey of India’s (ASI) excavation that started in 2019 on the outskirts of Kalibangan site has collected over 400 relics which date back to 1700 BC to 2500 BC. The relics can be categorised into kilns, the structure of mud bricks, beads of semi-precious stones, etched carnelian beads, terracotta bangles, fragment of seal, figurine and pottery. Earlier, excavations were limited to the well- defined limits of the city. This is for the first time that existence of settlement was found outside the city.
Automated Banknote Processing Centre (ABPC) to come up in Jaipur
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has decided to set up an Automated Banknote Processing Centre (ABPC) in Jaipur for receipt, storage and dispatch of currency notes. The functions of the ABPC will also include processing of banknotes received from currency chests (CCs) and bank branches, and destruction of soiled banknotes in an automated manner.
Control rooms to curb wildlife crime
Control rooms have been set up in Ranthambore National Park (RNP) and Sariska Tiger Reserve (STR) to control the wildlife crime in the state’s tiger reserves. The villagers and wildlife lovers can contact these control rooms to report crimes or illegal activities occurring in forest areas. People can report at 07462- 220530 for activities related to Ranthambore & 9662881277 for activities related to Sariska Tiger Reserve.
Embryo technology for Rajasthan cows
In December 2020, Rajasthan University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Bikaner has signed an MoU with the National Dairy Development Board for the production of calves using embryo implantation techniques in native cows. The embryo implantation technique is an important step towards improved germ plasm cultivation in four indigenous cows of the state — Gir, Sahiwal, Tharparkar and Rathi breeds.
Rajasthan HC stays RAS 2018 Interviews
On 4th December 2020, the Rajasthan High Court restrained the RPSC from conducting interview for RAS and allied services recruitment 2018 beginning on December 7.
The court will hear the case on December 10. The single bench of Justice S P Sharma gave the direction on a petition by Amit Sharma and others who alleged that the RPSC had included ineligible candidates in the quota of departmental candidates as they had not verified the documents of candidates before publishing the merit list for interview but only during interview.
Jodhpur implements “Corona-Free Ward” Strategy
Jodhpur’s district collector Inderjeet Singh is spearheading the ‘corona-free ward’ campaign. Teams of auxiliary nurse midwives, ASHA and anganwadi workers along with sanitation inspectors, police beat constables and public representatives will reach out to each and every household in Jodhpur.
Under the campaign from Monday, super-spreader and high-risk patients will be identified, focus will be on contact tracing, identifying the areas where containment zones will be created, regular monitoring of patients under home isolation, municipal ward-wise surveillance committees will be formed and corona-free ward strategy will be implemented with the help of public representatives.
e-file tracking system
Chief secretary Niranjan Arya has given directions to implement e-file tracking system in all departments to enhance transparency and accountability.
Facebook Page to Help Consumers
On the National Consumers Rights’ Day (24th December), chairman of the state consumer disputes redressal commission Kamal Kumar Bagdi inaugurated a facebook page for redressal of grievances and problems of the consumers. Through this page, notices can be issued for the complaints that are registered.
NGT orders to relocated electricity wires underground in GIB habitat
Taking serious note of the Great Indian Bustards (GIBs) getting killed after hitting electricity wires, the NGT Delhi has ordered that the power lines of renewable energy schemes be laid underground in the GIB habitat. The order applies to five states (Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh).
Pura Kaam, Pura Daam
Chief minister Ashok Gehlot launched ‘Pura Kaam, Pura Daam’ campaign under MGNREGA, that seeks to motivate and mobilise MGNREGA workers to complete work assigned to them so that they can get full wages. It will be ensured by improving worksite management. The campaign will continue in the state for two months, which started on the field on December 16.
5 new Abhay Command Control Centers launched
In December 2020, Rajasthan Chief Minister has launched five new Abhay command control centres in five districts – Sawai Madhopur, Jhalawar, Churu, Chittorgarh and Rajsamand.
Twitter Handle & Whatsapp number launched to seek Police Help
In December 2020, Chief minister Ashok Gehlot launched the Twitter handle of Rajasthan police help desk on social media and also initiated a WhatsApp helpline number on his which complainant can send their grievances.
The Twitter handle is @RajPoliceHelp while the Whatsapp number is +91-1412922272 on which the complainants can get in touch with police for redressal of their complaints.
Why Gadisar not declared as lake: HC Question Government
In December 2020, the Rajasthan High Court has asked State government over delay in declaring Jaisalmer’s Gadisar pond as lake under Rajasthan Lake Authority Act, 2015. Rajasthan Lakes Development Authority, Jaipur, is empowered to take steps for protection of Gadisar lake as per Rajasthan Lakes (Protection and Development) Authority Act, 2015. Gadisar pond is an ancient drinking water source in Jaisalmer.
Maharishi Valmiki Bhawan inaugurated in Tribal University
In December 2020, CM Ashok Gehlot virtually inaugurated the Maharishi Valmiki Bhawan in Govind Guru Tribal University in Banswara.
Govind Guru Tribal University is the first state university in the heart of the tribal area covering three districts — Banswara, Dungarpur and Pratapgarh. It has 150 colleges affiliated with it with 1.50 lakh students enrolled in the three districts.
National Ayurveda Day 2020
The National Ayurveda Day 2020 was observed on 13th November 2020 on occasion of Dhanwantari Jayanti (Dhanteras). PM Modi dedicated two future-ready Ayurveda institutions namely:
• Institute of Teaching & Research in Ayurveda (ITRA), Jamnagar
• National Institute of Ayurveda (NIA), Jaipur
Both the Institutes are premier institutions of Ayurveda in the country. ITRA, Jamnagar has been conferred the status of an Institution of National Importance (INI) by an Act of the Parliament, and NIA, Jaipur is an Institution Deemed to be University by the University Grants Commission.
National Ayurveda Day 2020: Theme
In view the prevailing Covid-19 situation, the main theme for the 5th National Ayurveda Day celebration is ‘Ayurveda for Covid-19’. The government wants to utilise the potential of Ayurveda in dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic.
NIA, Jaipur:
An Ayurveda institution with country wide repute, NIA got a shot in the arm with Deemed to be University (De novo Category) status. Inheritor of a 175-year legacy, NIAs contribution to preserving, promoting and advancing authentic Ayurveda in the last few decades has been significant. Presently NIA possesses 14 different departments. The institute has a very good student teacher ratio with a total intake of 955 students and 75 faculties during 2019-20.
Indira Gandhi Matritva Poshan Yojana
Objectives:
• The objective of the scheme is to provide proper nutrition to pregnant mothers and children upto the age of 3 years.
Salient Features:
• Area: Based on the ranking made on maternal and child nutrition indicators, currently, the scheme has been launched in four most backward tribal districts of Udaipur, Banswara, Dungarpur and Pratapgarh. The state government will extend the scheme across the state in a phased manner.
• Coverage: Over 77,000 women will be benefited every year.
• Budget & Funding: Under this, an annual cost of Rs 43 crore will be incurred, funding will be done by the State Mineral Foundation Trust under the department of mines and geology’.
• Implementing Agencies: This scheme will be implemented through Anganwadi Centres. ANMs and ASHA Sahayroginis of the health department would be in regular trough with the beneficiary women for proper nutrition and care of their children. Children’s Investment Fund Foundation and IP Global will help the state government for implementation of this scheme.
Benefits:
• On birth of the second child, the beneficiary woman will be given Rs. 6000 directly in her bank account in five instalments.
• First instalment of Rs. 1000 will be given after the pregnancy test and registration;
• Second instalment of Rs. 1000 after completion of minimum two ante-natal check-ups;
• Third instalment of Rs. 1000 on institutional delivery;
• Fourth instalment of Rs. 2000 after getting all the regular vaccines administered to the newborn within 105 days of birth and after the birth registration of the child and the fifth and
• Fith instalment of Rs. 1000 will be given on the couple adopting a means of family planning within three months after birth. This way, this scheme would also encourage family planning.
Mukundra Hills Tiger Reserve
On 1st December 2020, the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change (MoEFCC) issued final notification declaring MHTR Eco-Sensitive Zone (ESZ) around Mukundra Hills Tiger Reserve spread across the districts of Kota, Bundi, Chittorgarh and Jhalawar. The draft notification regarding the same was released on 13/01/2020.
Mukundara Hills Tiger Reserve (MHTR) was established in the year 2013 which encompasses area of Mukundara Hills National Park, Dara Sanctuary, Jawahar Sagar Sanctuary and part of National Chambal Ghariyal Sanctuary (From Garadia Mahadev to Jawahar Sagar Dam) which constitutes the core area of MHTR
MHTR Eco-Sensitive Zone
In exercise of the powers conferred by various sections of the Environment (Protection) Act 1986 and rule 5 of the Environment (Protection) Rules, 1986, the Central Government has notified an area to an extent varying from 0 to 1 kilometre around the boundary of Mukundara Hills Tiger Reserve, in Kota, Jhalawar, Bundi and Chittorgarh districts in the State of Rajasthan, as the MHTR Eco-sensitive Zone.
• 75 villages will come under the ESZ
• The area of the Eco-Sensitive Zone is 248.70 square kilometres.
Emergency Response Support System (ERSS)
On 25th December 2020, Rajasthan Chief minister Ashok Gehlot launched the first phase of integrated Emergency Response Support System (ERSS) that seeks to merge all the existing emergency toll- free numbers with 112. In other words, all the existing emergency toll-free numbers including – 100 (police), 101 (fire), 108 (ambulances), 1098 (child helpline), 1090 (women helpline) and others – will be integrated into 112.
The integrated ERSS system has been launched at the division level (seven divisions) in a decentralised manner.
In the first phase, it will be launched in all the seven police range headquarters, two police commissionerate, Alwar, Bhiwadi and Bharatpur.
In the second phase, the system will be launched in 25 district police headquarters and in the third phase, it will be launched in the remaining 145 urban bodies. The system will be made effective in coordination with department of information and technology (DOIT).