This page summaries Rajasthan Current Affairs for month of December 2021:
New Schemes Launched
On the occasion of completion of three years of the tenure of the state government, chief minister Ashok Gehlot launched the following new initiatives:
- I Am Shakti Udaan Yojana,
- Jagriti-Back to Work Scheme
- Newly created Sakhi Centres in four districts of Jhunjhunu, Churu, Bundi and Hanumangarh.
Wheel-chair Clinic
A fully-equipped model wheel-chair Clinic, as per World Health Organisation (WHO) guidelines, has been developed at the government-run Jaipuria Hospital. The initiative ensures that people don’t just get any wheelchair, rather they get the right wheelchair, in the right way – essential for health and mobility.
According to Census 2011, in the state, there are an estimated 15,63,694 persons with disabilities out of which 2,41,049 are persons with mobility disability. The total number of people with mobility disability in Jaipur urban is 6,968 and in Jaipur rural is 10,957.
Covid Vaccine at doorstep
Rajasthan was among the leading states in vaccination, but as of November 2021 end, it has slipped to the ninth position. Now, for scaling up vaccination, the health department is facilitating the availability of vaccines for the beneficiaries at the doorstep. Just call 181 and the health department teams will reach the doorsteps for vaccination camps.
UN body recognises farming practices by tribals in 3 districts
The Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) has recognised the farming practices of the tribals in Banswara, Dungarpur and Pratapgarh done without damaging the health of the soil. The UN-funded FAO has found the measures innovative and sustainable for areas that don’t have enough resources.
The traditional farming approaches are organic, such as mixed farming, agro approach, the spray of buttermilk, jaggery solution and liquid manure.
A report published on the subject titled, ‘Participatory learning action is important for community action to improve soil biodiversity’ highlighted how the practice is revitalising soil health. The report was published by VAAGDHARA in Italy on April 19-22. The VAAGDHARA started a campaign – Participatory Learning and Action (PLA) to document the traditional nutrition-sensitive farming practices which are being lost with time.
RSRTC Smart Cards
Prashasan Gaon ke Sang was launched on 2nd October in which 1.08 lakh Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) smart cards were issued by RSRTC to the general public by registering 1.24 lakh in two months for 42 categories of free and concessional travel facility for the convenience of people. These cards were issued to various categories like freedom fighters, armed forces medallists, international medal winners, gallantry awardees, Padma awardees, etc.
Online facility for registration of smart card made by RSRTC for concessional and free travel facility was made available from August 1. Previously people had to physically go to the department office to get it made but now it is being done online and is beneficial especially for senior citizens and persons with disability.
The person availing concessional and free travel facility can upload the original documents for online registration and deposit the prescribed fee online. After uploading, the online documents will be examined and approved by authorised officer. After approval, the RFID card will be made available at the roadways office/house/RFID centre identified by the applicant. From there, the person concerned will be able to get the card.
Panchayat Elections in December 2021
In December 2021, elections to members of panchayat samiti & zila parishad will be conducted in four districts of Baran, Karauli, Ganganagar, and Kota. The elections will be held for 106 zila parishad members, 568 panchayat samiti members, four zila pramukhs/up-zila pramukhs and 30 pradhans/up-pradhans.
The polls will be held in three phases on December 12, 15, and 18. The counting of votes will take place on December 21 at all the district headquarters.
Eliminating AIDS in Rajasthan
Addressing a state-level function on World AIDS Day ( 01 December), Rajasthan Health minister Parsadi Lal Meena said the government was aiming to eliminate AIDS by 2030. The health department is distributing free medicines and screening for HIV under Prashasan Sheharon and Gaon ke Sang campaigns.
The health department has launched a massive campaign against HIV. The department is running public awareness campaigns at an extensive level in the state. The facility of testing and medicines are available in all medical institutions and any patient without any hesitation can get the treatment. The department is benefiting people living with HIV/AIDS with various social security schemes.
Diversion of Water from Sabarmati Basin to Rajasthan
In the winter session of Parliament, Pali MP PP Choudhary had raised a question on delay in diversion of water from Sabarmati Basin to Jawai Dam leading to a severe water crisis in the three districts of Rajasthan. The MP sought the speaker’s attention on the issue which also involves Gujarat.
The Sabarmati River Basin is spread in four districts in the state — Dungarpur, Pali, Sirohi and Udaipur — while the remaining part is in Gujarat. An enormous amount of water from the basin goes to the Arabian Sea in the absence of the implementation of the proposed diversion of additional water. This could provide drinking water in 700 villages and nine cities spread in Pali, Jalore and Sirohi
Genome Sequencing Labs in Rajasthan
With the emergence Omicron in South Africa, genome sequencing has become important to identify the new variant. In December 2021, the health department has decided to set up genome sequencing laboratories in all medical colleges run by the government. At present, the genome sequencing facility is available only at Sawai Man Singh Medical College in Jaipur.
Person in NEWS
Shiv Singh Rathore
- In December 2021, Governor Kalraj Mishra has appointed senior-most member of Rajasthan Public Service Commission Shiv Singh Rathore to perform the duties of the vacant post of chairman in addition to his work. He was given the additional charge of the commission’s chairman after the retirement of RPSC chairman Bhupendra Yadav.
