The Minister for Urban Development, Housing, and Autonomous Governance of Rajasthan, Jhabar Singh Kharra, recently concluded a two-day visit to Jodhpur. During his stay, he interacted with the media at the Circuit House, where he discussed several significant decisions, policies, and initiatives of the state government. The minister’s comments shed light on various pressing administrative issues, including the cancellation of newly formed districts, municipal corporation elections, sub-inspector recruitment, teacher transfers, and more.
Cancellation of Newly Formed Districts – A Financial Burden
One of the major topics discussed by Minister Kharra was the cancellation of newly formed districts in Rajasthan. When asked about this decision, he explained that the previous government had created new districts without a sound financial plan, leading to unnecessary financial burdens for the state. Kharra pointed out that the establishment of a new district requires an investment of at least ₹75 to ₹100 crore to build permanent infrastructure such as administrative buildings, courts, police stations, schools, and other essential services. Moreover, the financial strain on the state increases due to the recurring costs associated with salaries of employees and administrative expenses.
The minister emphasized that some of these districts were created with only a single tehsil as their administrative unit, which not only lacked practical utility but also put a strain on the state’s finances. He remarked that these districts were created more for the sake of paperwork rather than any tangible benefits to the people. He stated, “The creation of these districts was merely a formality, and in reality, they offered no significant advantage to the public.” Kharra assured that the state government’s decision to annul these districts was a necessary step to protect the public interest and ensure financial prudence.
He further clarified that the decision was based on recommendations from the cabinet sub-committee and other advisory bodies, who found that the creation of these districts was impractical from both an administrative and financial perspective. By scrapping these districts, the government aimed to avoid placing unnecessary financial strain on the state’s resources.
Response to Former CM Ashok Gehlot’s Comments
Former Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot had criticized the cancellation of the new districts, arguing that the previous government had already set up offices for these districts, and therefore, canceling them was not appropriate. Kharra responded sharply to this criticism, asserting that the previous government’s actions were merely superficial, without any real planning or allocation of resources. He cited instances where hostels were converted into offices, inconveniencing students, but without providing any functional office environment.
Kharra questioned whether the state’s finances were robust enough to handle the creation of these districts, which required substantial investments. He argued that with limited resources, such decisions were only adding pressure on the state’s treasury, which was detrimental to the overall economic health of Rajasthan. He also pointed out that creating districts for every tehsil, like Dudu and Kekri, was unjustifiable from an administrative standpoint and resulted in the misuse of state resources.
Municipal Corporation Elections – Ward Restructuring Post Expansion
Minister Kharra also addressed questions regarding the upcoming Jodhpur Municipal Corporation elections. He mentioned that the process for expanding the municipal boundaries was currently underway, and only after this expansion would the ward boundaries be redrawn. The reorganization of wards would then lead to a revision of the voter list, which would be followed by the announcement of election dates.
Kharra reassured the media that the government would ensure a smooth and organized election process, free from any legal or administrative hurdles. He emphasized that the government was not in a hurry to conduct the elections and would only announce them once all necessary administrative steps had been completed to avoid any complications.
Sub-Inspector Recruitment and Pending Court Case
On the issue of sub-inspector recruitment, which has been a matter of concern for many, Minister Kharra clarified that the case was currently pending in the Rajasthan High Court. He explained that the government could not take any action until the court had delivered its verdict. Kharra stated that the government was committed to handling the matter fairly and would make decisions based on the court’s ruling. He also mentioned that the government was presenting its case in the court and would ensure that the issue was resolved legally and transparently.
Teacher Transfers and the Legislative Session
The minister was also asked about the upcoming teacher transfers, a subject that had caused considerable anxiety among the teaching community. Kharra assured the public that the teacher transfer process would not take place during the legislative session. He explained that since the session was about to begin, transfers would only occur after its conclusion, at a time when it would not interfere with the functioning of schools or the academic calendar.
Kharra emphasized that the government would approach teacher transfers with careful consideration, ensuring that there was no disruption to the educational process. He reiterated that the decision would be made thoughtfully and in a way that benefited both teachers and students.
Participation in Social Programs and Community Engagement
In addition to his administrative duties, Minister Kharra also attended a social event during his visit to Jodhpur. He shared that interacting with people from various social backgrounds and understanding their issues was crucial for him. By participating in such events, Kharra felt he could gain insights into the challenges faced by different communities and ensure that government schemes were implemented effectively. He underscored the importance of direct engagement with the public, noting that the government’s success in implementing social programs depended on its ability to stay connected with the people.
Conclusion
Minister Jhabar Singh Kharra’s visit to Jodhpur provided a comprehensive overview of the Rajasthan government’s policies and decisions. His statements highlighted the government’s efforts to make pragmatic, financially responsible choices for the benefit of the state and its citizens. From the cancellation of newly formed districts to the organization of municipal elections and the management of teacher transfers, Kharra’s remarks underscored the administration’s focus on efficient governance and sustainable development.
The government’s commitment to addressing financial challenges, ensuring the equitable distribution of resources, and taking steps to avoid unnecessary expenditures is evident in the actions taken by Minister Kharra. His visit serves as an important reminder of the government’s approach to governance: thoughtful, balanced, and always with an eye on the public good.
