“Cabinet Approves Key Policies to Boost Rajasthan’s Economic Growth”

The Cabinet meeting made several important decisions – The state’s industrial and economic development will gain momentum, 9 policies approved, salary disparities of employees addressed based on Khemraj Committee’s recommendations, ordinances to be brought for development authorities in Bikaner and Bharatpur, and the government will introduce a bill to prevent illegal religious conversions.

Jaipur, November 30. In the Cabinet meeting held under the chairmanship of Chief Minister Shri Bhajanlal Sharma at the Chief Minister’s office on Saturday, several significant decisions were taken to boost the industrial and economic development of the state, including the approval of 9 new policies, the formation of the 7th State Finance Commission, the introduction of ordinances for the formation of development authorities in Bikaner and Bharatpur, amendments to the Rajasthan Civil Service (Revised Pay) Rules-2017 according to Khemraj Committee’s recommendations, amendments to various service rules, and the introduction of “The Rajasthan Prohibition of Unlawful Conversion of Religion Bill 2024.”

Deputy Chief Minister Dr. Premchand Bhairwa and Minister of Law and Legal Affairs Shri Jogaram Patel informed the press that the Rajasthan MSME Policy, Export Promotion Policy, One District One Product Policy, Rajasthan Tourism Unit Policy, and Integrated Cluster Development Plan were approved to create a favorable environment for industrial development, establish the state as an export hub, promote local tourism, small industries, local crafts and handicrafts, handlooms, and the One District One Product initiative.

Bill to prevent forceful religious conversions:

Minister of Law and Legal Affairs Shri Jogaram Patel explained that the government would introduce “The Rajasthan Prohibition of Unlawful Conversion of Religion Bill-2024” in the assembly to prevent attempts at religious conversion through coercion or deceit. He mentioned that the state currently lacks specific legislation to curb illegal conversions, so the Cabinet has approved the proposal for this bill.

He stated that once the bill becomes law, no person or institution will be able to forcefully, fraudulently, or under undue influence convert someone to another religion. Severe punishments will be imposed on anyone found doing so. If someone enters into marriage with the intent of unlawful religious conversion, the family court will declare such a marriage invalid. Offenses under this law will be non-bailable and cognizable. Many other states already have laws to prevent forced conversions.

Ordinances for the formation of development authorities in Bharatpur and Bikaner:

Deputy Chief Minister Dr. Premchand Bhairwa informed that the Cabinet approved the proposal for the formation of development authorities in Bharatpur and Bikaner. Ordinances for the formation of the Bikaner Development Authority Ordinance-2024 and Bharatpur Development Authority Ordinance-2024 will be brought. The formation of development authorities in these cities will enable structured and planned development.

He explained that the Bikaner Development Authority will include not only the current area of Bikaner Urban Development Trust but also areas like Napsar, Deshnok, and 185 nearby villages. Similarly, the Bharatpur Development Authority will include 209 villages in addition to the current area of Bharatpur Urban Development Trust.

Resolution of pay disparities as per Khemraj Committee’s recommendations:

Dr. Bhairwa further explained that the Cabinet has approved the recommendations of the employee pay disparity review committee, headed by retired IAS officer Shri Khemraj Chaudhary, regarding salary disparities, salary reforms, and providing additional promotion opportunities. It is noteworthy that during discussions on the Finance and Appropriation Bill, Chief Minister Shri Bhajanlal Sharma had announced the implementation of these salary reforms and pay disparity resolutions from September 1, 2024.

Rajasthan MSME Policy-2024 to prepare small enterprises for global competition:

Minister Shri Jogaram Patel also shared that the Rajasthan MSME Policy-2024 will help the state’s MSME enterprises compete globally. It provides provisions such as 2% additional interest subsidy on loans, assistance up to ₹15 lakh for raising funds through SME exchanges, 50% or up to ₹5 lakh subsidy on advanced technology and software, up to ₹3 lakh reimbursement for quality certification and IPR, up to ₹1.5 lakh subsidy for marketing events, and support for digital tools and e-commerce platform fees.

Export Promotion Policy to encourage entrepreneurs to become exporters:

Minister Patel highlighted that the government aims to increase exports by ₹1.5 lakh crore in the next 5 years. To achieve this, the Rajasthan Export Promotion Policy-2024 has been approved with provisions to promote exports. The Chief Minister will launch the Export Growth Campaign to encourage new entrepreneurs to become exporters. The policy includes support for documentation, participation in international events, certification, technical upgrades, and e-commerce fees for exporters.

One District One Product Policy to promote specific products and crafts:

The One District One Product Policy-2024 was approved to promote district-specific products and crafts. This will boost the economy of districts and increase the income of artisans, farmers, and manufacturers. The policy provides assistance to micro and small enterprises in terms of margin money grants and subsidies for technology, quality certification, marketing, and e-commerce.

Integrated Cluster Development Plan to encourage handicrafts and handloom enterprises:

Minister Patel shared that an Integrated Cluster Development Plan will be introduced to improve the productivity, quality, and efficiency of existing clusters in handicrafts, handlooms, and MSMEs to make them globally competitive. The plan will include training, raw material depots, collective production, and testing facilities through Common Facility Centers (CFCs) in various clusters.

AVGC-XR Policy to develop local talent in Animation and Gaming:

The Rajasthan AVGC-XR Policy-2024 is aimed at promoting local talent, culture, and resources in the fields of animation, visual effects, gaming, comics, and extended reality (XR). The policy includes provisions for production subsidies for animation films, games, and comics, with additional incentives for startups and enterprises focusing on local culture and content creation.

Rajasthan Tourism Unit Policy-2024 to open new avenues in tourism:

Shri Patel mentioned that the Rajasthan Tourism Unit Policy-2024 will attract investors and entrepreneurs to new potential tourism areas. The policy adds new types of tourism units, including eco-tourism units, film cities, heritage restaurants, resort housing, rural tourism, and tourism startups, and provides provisions for government land allocation for tourism projects.

Rajasthan Integrated Clean Energy Policy-2024 to enhance renewable energy capacity:

The Rajasthan Integrated Clean Energy Policy-2024 was approved to align with national renewable energy targets and include new provisions for energy storage, floating solar projects, and promotion of green hydrogen. The policy aims to increase renewable energy capacity to 125 GW by 2030.

Rajasthan Mineral Policy-2024 to boost mining-based industries:

The Rajasthan Mineral Policy-2024 was approved to increase private sector participation in mining and promote mining-based industries while addressing illegal mining. The policy includes provisions for increasing revenue and creating employment opportunities in the sector.

Rajasthan M-Sand Policy-2024 to promote cheaper alternatives to sand:

The M-Sand Policy-2024 focuses on promoting the establishment of M-Sand units and the use of M-Sand as a cheaper alternative to natural sand. It provides provisions for easing eligibility criteria for establishing M-Sand units and promoting their usage.