Chief Information Commissioner Rahul Pandey Highlights the Historical Legacy of ‘Lokrajya’

Nagpur, Dec 11: Maharashtra’s state magazine ‘Lokrajya’ has played a pivotal role in disseminating information about government welfare initiatives and significant policy decisions to the public since the state’s formation. Chief Information Commissioner Rahul Pandey recently highlighted the historical significance of the magazine’s archival editions, noting that over the past five decades, these issues have not only informed citizens about legislative and administrative actions but also helped build public trust in governance. According to Pandey, these editions serve as essential documents for understanding administrative evolution and policy changes at the state level.

In conjunction with the winter session of the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly, the Department of Information and Public Relations organized an exhibition of rare archival issues of Lokrajya at the Vidhan Bhavan. The exhibition was visited today by CIC Rahul Pandey, Nagpur Bench State Information Commissioner Gajanan Nimdev, and Metro Director Anilkumar Kokate. District Information Officer Vinod Rapatwar engaged with the dignitaries and guided them through the exhibition.

‘Lokrajya’ has attracted nationwide attention for its documentation of Maharashtra’s public administration and strategic decisions taken by the state government. The magazine’s archival issues capture the state’s developmental journey, recording key policy milestones and administrative steps. The Department of Information and Public Relations announced that, under the guidance of Principal Secretary Brijesh Singh, the historic Lokrajya editions will soon be made digitally accessible worldwide, providing one-click access to the magazine’s vast repository of knowledge.

Speaking at the exhibition, Gajanan Nimdev emphasized the importance of displaying these editions not just within the assembly premises but also at prominent locations in cities, underlining their educational and historical significance. He highlighted that students preparing for competitive exams have long relied on Lokrajya for guidance, and the magazine will continue to serve as a valuable resource for enhancing civic knowledge and public awareness.

Former Minister and MLA Sudhir Mungatiwar and MLA Bhimrao Tapkir also visited the exhibition to extend their greetings. The display features rare special editions of Lokrajya dating back to 1964, covering topics such as the Jnaneshwari centenary, Mahatma Jyotiba Phule memorial centenary, Shahu Maharaj’s reign, Balshastri Jambhekar, Bal Gandharva, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj, Marathi language, Konkan and Vidarbha regions, tribal affairs, Maharashtra’s former chief ministers, culinary culture, saint traditions, and state festivals. In total, approximately 150 editions of Lokrajya, spanning these diverse subjects, were showcased, reflecting the magazine’s enduring contribution to knowledge dissemination and historical preservation.

Through this exhibition and the planned digitization initiative, the Information and Public Relations Department aims to make Lokrajya an accessible, authoritative source for citizens, students, researchers, and policymakers, further cementing its role as a cornerstone of Maharashtra’s information literacy and administrative history.

Team Maverick