Rajasthan Current Affairs 2023

33 Centres of Khelo India Inaugurated in Rajasthan

• In August 2023, the Union Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports, Anurag Singh Thakur inaugurated
• 33 centers of Khelo India Centres in the State of Rajasthan at Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur.

Rajasthan Mission-2030

• In August 2023, Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot launched the ambitious Rajasthan Mission-2030′ in the direction of making Rajasthan the leader of India in every field by the year 2030.

The 9th CPA India Region Conference begins in Udaipur

• In August 2023, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot, Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman Harivansh Narayan Singh, and other guests inaugurated the 9th India Region Conference of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) by lighting the lamp in the city of lakes, Udaipur.
• In the conference, brainstorming started on important points like strengthening democratic institutions, making people’s representatives more accountable, and good governance through digital empowerment.

Noor Shekhawat became the 1st Transgender of Rajasthan to have a Jan Aadhaar card

• August 20, 2023, Noor Shekhawat, a transgender studying at Rajasthan University, has become the first transgender in Rajasthan to have a Jan Aadhaar card.
• For the 1st time in the state, the Jan Adhaar Authority has issued a Jan Adhaar card to a transgender, setting a new precedent

NLC India Ltd. signs long-term power use agreement with Rajasthan for 300 MW solar project

• In August 2023, NLC India Limited (NLCIL), a Navratna Central Public Sector Undertaking under the administrative control of the Ministry of Coal. has entered into a long-term power use agreement with Rajasthan Utja Vikas Nigam Limited (RUVNI.) for the supply of 300 MW solar power under CPSU scheme in Rajasthan
• A capacity of 300 MW solar project is being implemented at Barsingsar in Bikaner district of Rajasthan. The EPC contract for the project has been awarded to M/s Tata Power Solar Systems through competitive Hickling
• The project will generate 750 million units of electricity annually and the total green power generated will be supplied to Rajasthan. The project t will help Rajasthan to meet its renewable energy purchase obligation targets.

Asia’s Best Employer Brand Award-2023 In August 2023

A’s Best Employer Brand Award 2023 was Nanded to Rajasthan Honing Bound and Exemplary Leadership and CSR Initiative Awand Housing Commissioner Pawan Amm by The World HRD Congress at a glittering event held at Hond Pan Pacific, Singapore

Inauguration of ‘CM Free Annapurna Food Packet Scheme”

• In August 223, Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot launched the Chief Minister Free Annapurna Food Packet Scheme in the state on the auspicious occasion of Independence Day at a program organized at Birla Auditorium in Jaipur and also released the poster of the scheme
• Under this scheme, free Annapurna food packets will be distributed every month so more than 104 crore families in the state

Indira Gandhi Smartphone Yojana

• On August 10, 2025, Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehior launched the Indies Gandhi Smartphone Scheme by pressing the remote button and providing smartphones to beneficiary women at Birla Aulicomum Auditorium in Jaipur
• Under the scheme, 1.35 crore women of Chiranjeevi families will be given smartphones with 3 years of internet connectivity. In the first phase, smartphones have been given to 40 lakh women and girl students.

Water Resources Department Received ET Government Digi-Tech Award 2023

• On August 8, 2023, the Water Resources Department of Rajasthan was awarded the ET Government Digitech Award 2023 in the category of Digital Initiatives at the three-day Economic Times Government Digitech Conclave & Awards 2023 being held in Goa.
• Rajasthan has received this award at the national level for outstanding use of digital technology in the field of water.

Maharaja Hanwant Singh Marwar Sangeet Ratna Award

• On August 07, 2023, world-famous bamboo player Pandit Hariprasad Chaurasia was honoured with the Maharaja Hanwant Singh Marwar Sangeet Ratna: Award, at Rajmata Krishna Kumari Girls Public School, located in Rai Ka Bagh, Jodhpur
• He received a shawl, quince, and a check of one lakh rupees.

Jan Aadhaar Yojana won the Gold Award in the Category ‘Digital Transformation in Social Sector

• On August 5, 2023, the Rajasthan government’s important flagship Jan Aadhaar Yojana to provide good governance through e-governance won the Gold Award in the category Digital Transformation in Social Sector at the three-day Economic Times Government Digi-tech Conclave and Awards 2023 held in Goa.

Rajasthan gets the Best Heritage Tourism Destination of the Year Award

• On August 6, 2023, Rajasthan was awarded the Best Heritage Tourism Destination of the Year Award, represented by the Department of Tourism, at the India International Travel Mart held in Chennai.
• It is known that Rajasthan is known on the world stage for its art-culture, historical heritage, religious places, famous temples, ancient forts, palaces, delicious cuisine, natural beauty, and tourist places.

Rajasthan State Guru Gorakhnath Board formed

• Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot approved the proposal of the Rajasthan State Guru Gorakhnath Board
• The Board will have 5 non-official members (Chairman, Vice-Chairman, and 3 Members).
• A Deputy Director level officer of the Social Justice and Empowerment Department will be the Secretary in the Board.
• The Managing Director of the Rajasthan State Other Backward Classes Finance and Development- Cooperative Corporation Limited his representative will be a special invitee to the Board.
• The Administrative Department of the Board will be the Social Justice and Empowerment Department.

Folk Artist Promotion Card

• On July 28, 2023, Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot approved a proposal to give folk artist incentive cards to folk artists.
• It is worth mentioning that Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot announced the implementation of the Chief Minister’s Folk Artists Promotion Scheme in the budget for the year 2023-24.
• In this scheme, provision has been made to provide opportunities to folk artists every year for 100 days per year for state festivals, promotion of government schemes, and performing arts in educational institutions.

PM inaugurates 6 EMRS in Rajasthan

• On July 27, 2023, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated six Eklavya Model Residential Schools in Rajasthan, two in the Udaipur district, two in Banswara, one in Pratapgarh and one in Dungarpur.
• Each school has a capacity of 480 students, of which 240 will be girls. These schools will have separate hostels for boys and girls, accommodation for staff, dining space, and playgrounds.

PM lays the foundation stone of Various Development Projects

• On July 27, 2023, Prime Minister Narendra Modi dedicated more than 1.25 lakh PM Kisan Samridhi Kendras in Sikar, Rajasthan, leaving the foundation stone of various development projects and dedicating it to the nation.
• In a significant move to benefit farmers, the Prime Minister dedicated to the nation over 1.25 lakh PM Kisan Samridhi Kendras (PMKSKs), PMKSKs are being developed to provide one-stop solutions for the needs of all farmers.

Vivekananda Youth Hostel

• On July 26, 2023, Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot approved a financial proposal of Rs 78.18 crore for the construction of Vivekananda Youth Hostels in 28 districts of the state.
• These Hostels will provide accommodation facilities to the students of the state in the district headquarters for preparing for competitive examinations.
• It may be noted that in Jaipur, Ajmer, Jodhpur, Udaipur, and Kota, youth homes are already operated by the Government of India and the State Government.

Formation of Rajasthan State Teli Ghani Development Board

• On July 25, 2023, after the approval of Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot, the Social Justice and Empowerment Department of Rajasthan issued an order for the formation of Rajasthan State Teli Ghani Development Board’ for the social, educational and economic advancement of the Teli community.
• The Board will have a total of 5 non-official members including the Chairman, Vice Chairman, and 3 members.

Rajasthan State Avanti Bai Lodhi Board formed

• According to the information given by the Rajasthan Information and Public Relations Department on July 24, 2023, the Rajasthan State Avanti Bai Lodhi Board has been constituted to survey the condition of the Lodhi (Lodha) society, provide basic facilities, and give suggestions to remove backwardness.
• The Board will consist of a Chairman, Vice- Chairman, and 3 non-official members.

Rajasthan becomes 1st state to pass a bill for the welfare of online platform-based Gig Workers

• On July 24, 2023, on the initiative of Rajasthan. Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot, the state assembly has passed the Rajasthan Platform-based Gig Workers (Registration and Welfare) Bill-2023.
• Rajasthan has become the first state in the country to pass a bill for the welfare of lakhs of gig workers earning their livelihood through online platforms.
• Rajasthan Platform-based Gig Workers Welfare Board will be established under the Act to be made through this bill.
• Along with this, the Rajasthan Platform-based Gig Workers Social Security and Welfare Fund will be constituted.

Rajasthan Sahitya Academy, Udaipur announced the outstanding awards for the years 2019-20, 2020-21, and 2021-22

• On July 24, 2023, Rajasthan Sahitya Akademi, Udaipur, an autonomous institution established by the Government of Rajasthan to encourage, honor, and promote the literature of the province, announced the outstanding awards for the years 2019-20, 2020-21, and 2021-22.

Awards for the Year 2020-21
Awards	Recipients	Work
Meera Award	Dr. R.D. Saini (Jaipur)	“Priya Olive’ (Prose)
Sudhindra Award	Ghulam Mohiuddin Mah (Bikaner)	“Aatshe-Kalbo-Jigar (Ghazal Poetry)
Rangeya Raghav Award	Reena Menaria (Udaipur)	Banaas Paar’ (Prose Fiction)
Devraj Upadhyay Award	Madhav Nagda (Laimadadi-Nathdwara)	Samkalin Hindi Laghukatha aur Aa ka Yathart (Criticism)
Kanhaiyalal Sahal Award	Uma (Jaipur)	‘Kissagoi (Miscellaneous)
Devlal Samar Award	Prince Bunkar Indresh (Jaipur)	–
Sumnesh Joshi Award	Brijesh Mathur (Ajmer)	–
Shambhudaval Saxena Award	Puran Sarma (Jaipur)	Children’s Novel ‘Sadbhav Ka Ujala

 

Awards for the Year 2019-20
Awards	Recipients	Work
Meera Award	Dr. R.D. Saini (Jaipur)	“Priya Olive’ (Prose)
Sudhindra Award	Ghulam Mohiuddin Mah (Bikaner)	“Aatshe-Kalbo-Jigar (Ghazal Poetry)
Rangeya Raghav Award	Reena Menaria (Udaipur)	Banaas Paar’ (Prose Fiction)
Devraj Upadhyay Award	Madhav Nagda (Laimadadi-Nathdwara)	Samkalin Hindi Laghukatha aur Aa ka Yathart (Criticism)
Kanhaiyalal Sahal Award	Uma (Jaipur)	‘Kissagoi (Miscellaneous)
Devlal Samar Award	Prince Bunkar Indresh (Jaipur)	–
Sumnesh Joshi Award	Brijesh Mathur (Ajmer)	–
Shambhudaval Saxena Award	Puran Sarma (Jaipur)	Children’s Novel ‘Sadbhav Ka Ujala

List of a total of 44 Notified Wetlands in 19 Districts was released in the state

• On July 19, 2023, Additional Chief Secretary of Rajasthan Forest, Environment & Climate Change Department.
• Baran district of the state will have a maximum of 12 wetlands.

50 Birdhouses will be constructed in the state

• On July 13, 2023, Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot approved an additional budget provision of R$ 43.50 crore for the construction of 50 birdhouses for the conservation and promotion of birds in the state.
• These birdhouses will be built at 33 Lav-Kush Gardens and 17 other places on the lines of Gulab Bagh Bird House in Udaipur.
• It is worth mentioning that the Chief Minister had announced the construction of 50 birdhouses in the budget for the year 2023-24.

High-level Committee for the Rules & Laws related to the Right-to-Health Act

• On July 11, 2023, as per the instructions of Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot, a high-level committee was constituted for the rules and bylaws being made regarding the Right to Health Act-2022 passed by the Assembly.
• Professor Dr. SK Sarin, Director, of the Institute of Liver and Biliary Sciences, New Delhi, will head the committee.

The Foundation stone of Barwas Micro Irrigation Project

• On July 5, 2023, Rajasthan’s Minister of State for Youth Affairs, Sports and Information & Public Relations Ashok Chandna laid the foundation stoneof Barwas Micro Irrigation Project in Bundi district to be constructed at a cost of Rs 12 crore in the state.
• The construction of this project at Barwas village in Bundi district will increase the area’s water level.

CM approves the draft of Vishwakarma Kamgar Kalyan Yojana’

• On July 4, 2023, in order to promote employment in the state, Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot has approved the draft of ‘Vishwakarma Kamgar Kalyan Yojana’.
• Under this scheme, 1 lakh people of different categories will get the assistance of 5-5 thousand rupees to buy necessary equipment, kits, sewing machines, etc. for self-employment.

Divya Kala Mela

• On June 29, 2023, Rajasthan Governor Kalraj Mishra inaugurated the Divya Kala Mela organized by the Union Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment at Jawahar Kala Kendra, Jaipur to promote the skill and craftsmanship of the products of Divyangjan on a large scale..

National Innovation Dialogue 2022

• On June 27, 2023, Akashdiya Bansal’s start-up from Jaipur, Rajasthan was declared the winner at the 5th edition of Youth Co: Lab National Innovation Dialogue India.
• Twelve top start-ups from 9 Indian states working in agriculture, ed-tech, women’s livelihood, circular economy, and biodiversity were declared winners in the 5th edition of Youth Co/Lab National Innovation Dialogue India.
• Under the theme, Digital and Financial Literacy for Youth, Rajasthan’s Akashdeep Bansal’s start-up ‘Edubuild Experiments for Youth’ was declared the winner.

Rajasthan got JAM Excellence Award

• On June 26, 2023, Rajasthan was given the JAM Excellence Award at the Buyer Seller Gaurav Samman ceremony held at Vanijya Bhawan, New Delhi.
• The State was awarded the Silver Award for the better work of getting purchase orders for their products from SC-ST entrepreneurs through JAM portal.

Jungle Safari started in Tiger Reserve Ramgarh Vishdhari Wildlife Sanctuary

• On June 23, 2023, Ashok Chandna, Rajasthan’s Minister of State for Youth Affairs, Sports and Information & Public Relations, flagged off the first Jungle Safari at Tiger Reserve Ramgarh Vishdhari Wildlife Sanctuary in Dalelpura, Bundi, to take forward Bundi district in the tourism sector in the State.
• Tiger Reserve Ramgarh Vishdhari Wildlife Sanctuary has many features. It is about 1500 sq km with a core area of 500 sq km.
• In May 2023, Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot inaugurated the Jungle Safari’ at Jaisamand Wildlife Sanctuary through video conference in the Udaipur district of the state on International Biodiversity Day.

Neeraj Tambolia honored with ‘National Florence Nightingale Award-2022’

• On June 22, 2023, the President Mrs. Draupadi Murmu, awarded the National Florence Nightingale Award-2022 to Neeraj Tamolia for his dedication & outstanding service in the nursing sector.
• President Mrs. Draupadi Murmu has given the National Florence Nightingale Award to a total of 30 nurses for the years 2022 and 2023 at the function.
• Neeraj Tambolia, Senior Nursing Officer, working. in J.K. Lone Hospital has done excellent work in health services during his 31 years of service.

Rajasthan Awarded First Prize in the Field of Wind Energy by the Central Government

• On June 15, 2023, Rajasthan was awarded the first. prize by the Central Government’s Ministry of New and Renewable Energy for its exemplary work in the field of wind energy compared to other states.
• The award was given at a function organized in New Delhi on the occasion of ‘Global Wind Day’ (June 15) under the aegis of the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy.

Mukhymantri Chiranjeevi Shramik Sambal Yojana

• On June 14, 2023, Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot has approved the draft of ‘Mukhyamantri Chiranjeevi Shramik Sambal Yojana-2023’ to provide relief to active workers and identified street vendors registered under the Construction Workers Welfare Fund of the unorganized sector of Rajasthan during hospitalization.
• Under the ‘Mukhyamantri Chiranjeevi Shramik Sambal Yojana-2023, registered laborers and identified street vendors and their family members (registered active workers) aged 25 to 60 years will now get financial assistance for a maximum of 7 days during hospitalization.

66th National School Games

• In the team & individual sports events of the 66th National School Games that ended on June 13, 2023, the players of Rajasthan made a splash with their performance and won 6 gold, 12 silver & 15 bronze medals Rajasthan.

Irrigation Projects in Jhalawar, Bundi & Banswara

• On 8 June 2023, Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot gave financial approval of Rs 156.13 crore for 5 development works related to the Water Resources Department to strengthen the irrigation system in the state.
• With this amount, development work of the sprinkler system in the Rajgarh Medium Irrigation Project, construction work in the Ghughwa Minor Irrigation Project, and necessary irrigation facilities in the Gagarin Irrigation Project will be done in the Jhalawar district.

Rajasthan ranks 12th in the Jal Jeevan Mission Connection

• On 4 June 2023, Rajasthan Water Resources Minister Dr. Mahesh Joshi said that the total number of connections in the Jal Jeevan Mission has crossed 42.14 lakh so far and Rajasthan has reached the 12th position in the country.
• The Minister said that the state has reached the second position in terms of expenditure by spending Rs 16 thousand 36 crore under the Jal Jeevan Mission so far.

Status Report of Drinking Water Quality in Urban Towns 2022-23′ released

• On 31 May 2023, Dr. Subodh Agarwal, Additional Chief Secretary, Public Health Engineering Department, Rajasthan released the ‘State Report on Drinking Water Quality in Urban Towns of Rajasthan 2022-23’ at a state-level workshop of chemists of the Engineering Department.
• In the workshop, the Additional Chief Secretary informed that in the year 2025-26, drinking water will be available through taps in 1 crore 7 lakh households of the state.
• A survey of 235 urban areas of the state has been done to prepare this report.
• In 89 towns, drinking water supply is based on surface water sources, in 70 towns based on both surface and groundwater and in 76 towns only based on groundwater.

Augustine George Masih became the 41st Chief Justice of the Rajasthan High Court

• On May 30, 2023, Governor Kalraj Mishra administered the oath of office to Justice Augustine George Masih as the Chief Justice of the Rajasthan High Court at the Raj Bhavan. Justice Augustin George Masih was sworn in as the 41st Chief Justice of the Rajasthan High Court.
• Justice Augustin George Masih, former judge of the Punjab and Haryana High Court, took the oath in the English language.

Rajasthan Housing Board received ‘The Golden Globe Tiger Awards’ in 2 categories on foreign soil

• On 23 May 2023, Rajasthan Housing Board Commissioner Pawan Arora was presented with a trophy and citation by officials who received 2 international awards The Golden Globe Tiger Awards’ from Malaysia.
• It is worth mentioning that on May 16, the Rajasthan Housing Board in Malaysia was awarded “The Golden Globe Awards for Excellence & Leadership’ for ‘Best Environment-Friendly Projects’ and ‘Best Innovative Project of the Year’ by the jury of the World HRD Council.

PM lays the Foundation Stone and Dedicates Various Infrastructure Projects at Nathdwara

• On 10 May 2023, Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone, inaugurated and released various projects worth more than Rs 5500 crore in Nathdwara, Rajasthan.
• In addition, the Prime Minister inaugurated three national Highway projects, which include 114km long six-lane project from Udaipur to Shamlajiunder NH-48; a widening & strengthening project of110 km long road to 4 lanes with widening of road for two-wheelers etc. (paved shoulder) in Bar-Bilara- Jodhpur section of NH-25 and two-landing project of 47 km long road with paved shoulder section in NH 58E.

Raj Matsya Yojana Portal

• On April 21, 2023, Rajasthan’s Agriculture, Animal Husbandry and Fisheries Minister Lalchand Kataria inaugurated the Raj Matsya Yojana portal online at Pant Bhavan.
• Now the application process for schemes related to fisheries departments in the state will be completely online.

Rajasthan gets honored for Excellent Work under PM Crop Insurance Scheme

• Rajasthan has been honored for doing excellent work under the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana in a two-day national conference that started in Raipur, Chhattisgarh on 14 April 2023, to review the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana.
• It is worth mentioning that under the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana in Rajasthan, insurance claims worth more than Rs 18 thousand 500 crores have been distributed so far during the tenure of the present government.
• Under this scheme, Rajasthan State has been awarded the first prize by the Agriculture Secretary, Government of India.

Rajasthan’s 1st Vande Bharat Train

• On 12 April 2023, Prime Minister Narendra Modi (via video conferencing), Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnav, Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot and Governor Kalraj Mishra inaugurated the state’s first Vande Bharat Train at Jaipur Railway Station and flagged off the train.
• The first train of Vande Bharat Express for Rajasthan will run between Jaipur to Delhi Cantt Railway Station.

Rajasthan ranks 1st in the State Energy Efficiency Index 2021-22

• On 10 April 2023, the Union Minister for Power and New & Renewable Energy, R.K. Singh released the State Energy Efficiency Index (SEEI) 2021-22 report during the RPM (Review, Planning and Monitoring) meeting of States and State Utility Companies in New Delhi, in which Rajasthan topped the category along with four other states (> 60 marks).
• In the SEEI 2021-22, 5 states – Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala, Rajasthan and Telangana are in the front-runner category (>60 points), while 4 states Assam, Haryana, Maharashtra and Punjab are in the achievers’ category (50-60 marks).

4 Celebrities of the State Honored with Padma Shri

• On 5 April 2023, President Draupadi Murmu honored 4 personalities from Rajasthan with Padma Shri at the Padma Awards (second edition) held at Rashtrapati Bhavan, New Delhi.
• The awardees of the state include Ahmed Hussain & Mohammad Hussain for their excellent work in the field of ghazal singing & classical music, social worker Moolchand Lodha of Dungarpur for social work, and Laxman Singh Lapodia of Jaipur for excellent work in the social sector itself.

Pipalkhunt High-Level Canal’

• On March 28, 2023, Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot approved a financial proposal of Rs 2000 crore for the construction of the Pipalkhunt High-Level Canal’ in Pratapgarh district. With this scheme, irrigation facilities will be available in the 5000-hectare area of the district.
• Under the ‘Pipallhunt High-Level Canal’, an irrigation facility will be provided in the Ankamand area of Pratapgarh district with surplus water from the Mahi basin.

19 New Districts, and 3 New Divisions will be Formed in Rajasthan

• On 17 March 2023, Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot announced the creation of 19 new districts and 3 new divisions in the state during his course of the discussion on the Finance and Appropriation Bill in the Legislative Assembly
• After the announcement of Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot, there are 50 districts and 10 divisions in the state now.
• An announcement was made by Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot to make Anupgarh, Balotra, Beawar, Deeg, Didwana-Kuchaman, Dudu, Gangapur City, Jaipar North, Jaipur South, Jodhpur East, Jodhpur West, Kekri, Kotputli-Behror, Khairthal, Neem Ka Thana, Phalodi, Salumbar, Sanchor and Shahpura districts. Along with this, he announced the Banswara, Pali, and Sikar divisions.

Protected Forest Area Increased to 3.92 Percent in the State

• On 15 March 2023, Rajasthan Forest and Environment Minister Hemaram Chaudhary informed that in the year 2018 of the geographical area of the state, 2.91 percent was under protected forest area, which has increased to 3.92 percent at present.
• Forest and Environment Minister Hemaram Chowdhary said that the Vidhan Sabha has passed the demand for a grant of Rs 16 billion 78 crores 24 lacks 36 thousands of Forest and Environment Department by voice vote.
• He said that 9.7 percent of the total area of Rajasthan is forest area.

India-Singapore Joint Military Exercise Bold Kurukshetra’ Concluded in Jodhpur

• The 13th edition of the bilateral exercise ‘Bold Kurukshetra’ between the Indian Army and the Singapore Army was held at Jodhpur Military Station from March 06-13, 2023.

Rajasthan Millets Conclave-2023

• On 13 March 2023, Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot inaugurated the Rajasthan Millets Conclave-2023 at the State Institute of Agricultural Management at Durgapura in Jaipur city of the state.

President honored Gayatri Devi Yadav with Water Warrior Category

• On March 4, 2025, President Draupad honored volunteer Gayatri Devi Yadav, who played the role of water woman in Rajasthan, with the water warrior category.
• Gayatri Devi has been honored for her outstanding work done through rural women’s self-help groups to make farm ponds in the Sambhar block area of Jaipur, Rajasthan.

The President Honored Rajasthan’s Pantomime Artist Vilas Janve with the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award

• On February 23, 2023, President Draupadi Murmu awarded the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award for the year 2021 to Rajasthan’s senior artist Vilas Janve at a function held at Vigyan Bhawan in New Delhi.
• On this occasion, 128 artists of the country were honored with the Academy Award.

Prime Minister Inaugurated the First Phase of the Delhi-Mumbai Expressway in Dausa, Rajasthan

• On February 12, 2023, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the 246 km long Delhi-Dausa-Lalsot first section of the Delhi-Mumbai Expressway in the Dausa district of Rajasthan.
• The 246 km long Delhi-Dausa-Lalsot section of the Delhi-Mumbai expressway has been developed at a cost of more than Rs. 12,150 crores.
• In this, 67 kilometer-long four-lane minor road from Bandikui to Jaipur is to be developed at a cost of more than Rs 2000 crore, a lane minor road from Kotputli to Baraodanco is to be developed at a cost of about Rs 3775 crore, and approx.

First Composite Regional Center in the state

• On January 18, 2023, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between the Central Government and the State Government of Rajasthan to provide various types of services and facilities to disabled people, under which the first Composite Regional Center in the state will be established at Jamdoli, Jaipur.

Andaman and Nicobar Island was Named after Paramveer Chakra Winner Shaitan Singh of Rajasthan

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi named 21 large uncharted islands of the Andaman and Nicobar” Islands after the 21 winners of the Param Vir Chakra, the highest military decoration in India, on Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose’s birth anniversary (Valour Day) on January 23, 2022.
• The name of the Param Vim Chakra winner Major Shaitan Singh of Rajasthan is also included in this list.
• Born on December 1, 1924, in Jodhpur, Shaitan Singh’s father Hem Singh Bhati was a lieutenant colonel in the Indian Army.

Rajasthan became the First State in the Country to Implement the Policy for Control of Blindness

• On January 13, 2023, Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot said that in an innovative initiative towards realizing the vision of healthy Rajasthan in the state.
• The Medical and Health Department of the state has implemented the blindness control policy for the first time in the country with the objective of “Right to Sight Vision.

State-Level Tribal Sports Competition

• On January 5, 2023, Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot inaugurated the state-level tribal sports competition at Gandhi Ground in Udaipur district. of the state.

Rajasthan Budget 2023-24

Article 202 of the Constitution of India stipulates that the State Government shall, in respect of every financial year, present an Annual Financial statement before the state legislature consisting of details of receipts and expenditures of the government for that year. This is commonly known as ‘budget. On February 10, 2023, the Chief Minister of Rajasthan, Mr. Ashok Gehlot, who also holds the finance portfolio, presented the Budget for the state for the financial year 2023-24.

Important Budget Highlights

• The Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP) of Rajasthan for 2023-24 (at current prices) is projected to be Rs 15.7 lakh crore, amounting to growth of 11.5% over 2022-23.
• Total expenditure for 2023-24 is Rs. 39085647.95 lakh out of which Rs. 25888367.82 lakh is revenue expenditure and Rs. 13197280.13 lakh is capital expenditure.
• Total receipts for 2023 -24 is estimated to be Rs. 39094298.25 lakh, out of which Rs. 23398800.77 lakh is revenue receipts and Rs. 15695497.48 lakh is capital receipts.
• Fiscal deficit for 2023-24 is targeted at 3.98% of GSDP (Rs 62,772 crore). In 2022-23, as per the revised estimates, fiscal deficit is expected to be 4.33% of GSDP, marginally lower than the budget estimate (4.36%)
• The revenue deficit in 2023-24 is estimated to be 1.6% of GSDP (Rs 24,896 crore), lower than the revised estimates for 2022-23 (2.3% of GSDP). In 2022-23, the revenue deficit is expected to be 2.3% which is higher than the budget estimate (1.8% of GSDP).

Receipts in 2023-24

• Total revenue receipts for 2023-24 are estimated to be Rs 2,33,988 crore, an increase of 8% over the revised estimate of 2022-23. Of this, Rs 1,38,454) crore (59%) will be raised by the state through its own resources, and Rs 95,534 crore (41%) will come from the center. Resources from the center. will be in the form of the state’s share in central taxes (26% of revenue receipts) and grants (15% of revenue receipts).
• Devolution: In 2023-24, the state’s share in central taxes is estimated at Rs 61,552 crore, an increase of 8% from the revised estimate of 2022-23.
• Grants from the centre in 2023-24 are estimated at Rs 33,982 crore, a decrease of 23% from the revised estimates for 2022-23.
• State’s own tax revenue: Rajasthan’s total own tax revenue is estimated to be Rs 1,14,169 crore in 2023 24, an increase of 23% over the revised estimate of 2022-23. Own tax revenue as a percentage of GSDP is estimated at 7.2% in 2023-24. For 2022-23, the state had estimated this ratio at 7.4%, however, as per revised estimates, it is expected to be lower (6.6%).

Expenditure in 2023-24

• Revenue expenditure for 2023-24 is proposed to be Rs 2,58,884 crore, an increase of 4% over the revised estimate of 2022-23. This includes the expenditure on salaries, pensions, interest, grants, and subsidies.
• Capital outlay for 2023-24 is proposed to be Rs 38,061 crore, an increase of 31% over the revised estimate of 2022-23. Capital outlay indicates the expenditure towards the creation of assets.
• Committed expenditure: Committed expenditure of a state typically includes expenditure on payment of salaries, pensions, and interest. In 2023-24, Rajasthan is estimated to spend Rs 1,29,963 crore on committed expenditure, which is 56% of its estimated revenue receipts.
• This comprises spending on salaries (31% of revenue receipts), pension (11%), and interest payments (14%). Committed expenditure is expected to increase by 7% over the revised estimate of 2022-23. In 2022-23, expenditure towards salaries is estimated to be 2% lower than the budget estimate.

Highlights of Schematic Outlay 2023-24

• Rs 1,84,311.57 crore are proposed under Schematic Outlay in Budget Estimates 2023-24. The sector-wise details of the scheme outlay an under:

S. No	Sector	Proposed Outlay	% of. Total
1	Agriculture & Allied Services	10580.89	5.74
2	Rural Development	19891,47	10.79
3	Special Area Programme	660.50	0.36

Rajasthan economic Survey

Profile of Rajasthan

• Rajasthan, “The Land of the Kings”, is the largest state in the country in terms of the area consisting of 10 divisions and 50 districts spread over the geographical area of about 3.42 lakh sq. km. which is10.41 percent of the total geographical area of the country.
• According to population projections by the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Government of India, the population of Rajasthan in 2022 is 8.01 crore and is the 7 most populous state of the country.
• The state has a total of 4 Smart Cities i.e. Jaipur, Udaipur, Kota, and Ajmer

Table: Key Indicators of the State vis-a-vis India
Indicators	Year	Unit	Rajasthan	India
Geographical Area	2011	Lakh sq. km.	3.42	32.87
Population	2011	Crore	6.85	121.09
Decadal Growth Rate	2001-2011	Percentage	21.3	17.7
Population Density	2011	Population per sq. kan	200	382
Urban Population to Total Population	2011	Percentage	24.9	31.2
Scheduled Caste Population	2011	Percentage	17.8	16.6
Scheduled Tribe Population	2011	Percentage	13.5	8.6
Sex Ratio	2011	Females per 1,000 Males	928	943
Child Sex Ratio (0-6 Year)	2011	Female Children per 1,000 Male Children	888	919
Literacy Rate	2011	Percentage	66.1	730
Literacy Rate (Male)	2011	Percentage	79.2	80.9
Literacy Rate (Female)	2011	Percentage	52.1	64.6
Work Participation Rate	2011	Percentage	43.6	39.8
Crude Birth Rate	2020	Per 1,000 mid year population	23.5	19.5
Crude Death Rate	2020	Per 1,000 mid year population	5.6	6
Infant Mortality Rate	2020	Per 1,000 Live births	32	28
Maternal Mortality Ratio	2018-20	Per lakh Live births	113	97
Life Expectancy at Birth	2016-20	Year	69.4	70

Gross State Domestic Product

• At current prices:14.14 lakh crore (2) At constant (2011-12) prices: Rs. 7.99 lakh crore.

Gross State Domestic Product at Current Prices

• As per the advance estimates, the nominal GSDP for Rajasthan at Current Prices for the year 2022- 23 is likely to attain a level of Rs. 14.14 lakh crore, as against Rs. 12.18 lakh crore in the year 2021-22 showing a growth of 16.04 per cent in the year 2022-23 against 19.50 per cent in the year 2021-22
• In the same year, Rajasthan’s GSDP is estimated to contribute 5.18 percent to the nation’s GDP
• The nominal GSVA at Current Basic Prices for the year 2022-23 is likely to attain a level of Rs. 13.11 lakh crore, as against Rs. 11.34 lakh crore in the year 2021-22 showing a growth of 15.57 per cent in the year 2022-23 against 18.57 per cent in the year 2021- 22.
• The corresponding sectoral growths are 13.84 percent in Agriculture, 15.02 percent in Industry, and 17.11 percent in the Service sector in the year 2022-23 over the year 2021-22.
• The contribution of the Agriculture Sector (viz: Crops, Livestock, Forestry and logging, and Fishing) for the year 2022-23 is likely to be at 28.95 percent.
• • • The Industry Sector comprising Mining and quarrying, Manufacturing, Electricity, Gas, Water Supply and other Utility Services, and Construction is likely to be 27.31 percent during 2022-23.
    • The contribution of the Service Sector is expected to be 43.74 percent during 2022-23.

Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP) at Constant (2011-12) Prices

• As per the advance estimates, the real GSDP for Rajasthan at Constant (2011-12) Prices for the year 2022-23 is likely to attain a level of Rs. 7.99 lakh crore, as against Rs. 7.39 lakh crore in the year 2021-22 showing a growth of 8.19 percent in the year2022-23.
• In the same year, Rajasthan’s GSDP is estimated to contribute 5.07 percent to the nation’s GDP.

Gross State Value Added (GSVA) at Constant (2011-12) Basic Prices

• The real GSVA at constant (2011-12) basic prices for the year 2022-23 is likely to attain a level of Rs. 7.33 lakh crore, as against Rs. 6.80 lakh crore for the year 2021-22 showing an increase of 7.88 percent in 2022-23.
• The contribution of the agriculture sector, which includes crops, livestock, forestry & logging, and fishing sector is estimated to be 28.50 percent as per the advance estimates of the year 2022-23. The GSVA of this sector is likely to attain a level of Rs. 2,08,989 crore in the year 2022-23 showing a positive growth of 5.22 percent over the previous year.
• The contribution of the industry sector which includes mining & quarrying, manufacturing, electricity, gas, water supply & other utility services, and the construction sector decreased to 27.76 percent in the year 2022- 23 from 32.69 percent in the year 2011-12. The GSVA of this sector is likely to attain a level of Rs. 2,03,576 crore in the year 2022-23 showing a growth of 6.32 percent over the previous year.
• The contribution of the Service sector which includes Trade, Hotels and restaurants, Transport, Storage & Communication, Financial Services, Real Estate, Ownership of Dwellings and Professional Services, Public Administration, and Other Services increased to 43.74 percent in the year 2022-23 from 38.75 percent in the year 2011-12. The GSVA of this sector is likely to attain a level of Rs. 3,20,708 crore in the year 2022-23 showing a growth of 10.74 per cent over the previous year.

Per Capita Income

• As per the advance estimates, the per capita income at current prices for the year 2022-23 is estimated to be Rs. 1,56,149 as compared to Rs. 1,35,962 for the year 2021-22 registering a growth of 14.85 percent in 2022-23 over the previous year 2021-22.
• As per the advance estimates, the per capita income at constant (2011-12) prices for the year 2022-23 is estimated to be Rs. 86,134 as compared to Rs. 80,545 for the year 2021-22, showing a growth of 6.94 percent in 2022-23 over the previous year 2021-22.

Gross Fixed Capital Formation (GFCF)

• The GFCF in the year 2021-22 increased by 26.63 percent over the previous year 2020-21.

Agriculture & Allied Activities and Irrigation

• Agriculture and allied Activities in Rajasthan still continue to be the backbone of the state’s economy by contributing 28.95 percent to the state’s total GSVA in 2022-23 at current prices.
• There has been a constant increase in the Gross State Value Added (GSVA) of Agriculture and the allied sector at constant as well as at current prices; it increased from Rs. 1.19 lakh crore in 2011-12 to Rs. 2.09 lakh crore in 2022-23, showing a compound annual growth rate 5.24 percent at constant (2011- 12) prices while at current prices, the GSVA of Agriculture and allied sector increased from Rs.1.19 lakh crore in 2011-12 to Rs. 3.79 lakh crore in 2022-23 showing a compound annual growth rate of 11.11 percent.
• As per the preliminary forecast for the year 2022-23, the total food grain production in the state is expected to be 253.99 lakh tonnes, which is an increase of 9.71 percent over the production of 231.52 lakh tonnes in the previous year
• Rajasthan has a large scope for the development of horticulture. It acts as a catalyst for agricultural and economic diversification. It improves livelihoods by increasing farmer’s profits. For the year 2022-23, a budget estimate of Rs. 1,439.49 crores has been kept under the state plan (including central share), against which a sum of Rs. 273.78 crores has been utilized up to November 2022.
• Under “Rajeev Gandhi Krishak Sathi Sahayata Yojana”, financial assistance of Rs. 21.63 crores has been disbursed.

Table: Comparative Status in Major Crop Production
S.N0.	Crops	First Position	Second Position	Third Position	Contribution of Rajasthan in production of Country (in percentage)
1	Bajra	Rajasthan	Uttar Pradesh	Haryana	41.71
2	Rape & Mustard	Rajasthan	Madhya Pradesh	Haryana	44.57
3	Nutri-Cereals	Rajasthan	Karnataka	Maharashtra	16.30
4	Total Oilseeds	Rajasthan	Maharashtra	Madhya Pradesh	22.00
5	Total Pulses	Madhya Pradesh	Rajasthan	Maharashtra	16.75
6	Groundnut	Gujarat	Rajasthan	Tamil Nadu	18.91
7	Gram	Madhya Pradesh	Maharashtra	Rajasthan	19.37
8	Jowar	Maharashtra	Karnataka	Rajasthan	12.35
9	Soyabean	Maharashtra	Madhya Pradesh	Rajasthan	8.49
10	Guar	Rajasthan	–	–	84.60
Source: Agriculture Statistics at a Glance 2021 published by Government of India. *Status of Gwar Crop in the year 2019-20.

Industries, Mines & Minerals, and Oil & Natural Gas

• The industry sector witnessed a growth of 6.32 percent at constant (2011-12) prices for the year 2022- 23. The sectoral contribution of the industry sector in the total GSVA of the state stands at 27.31 percent at current prices in the financial year 2022-23.
• “Rajasthan Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Policy 2022 (MSME Policy 2022) has been launched on September 17, 2022.
• Rajasthan Handicrafts Policy-2022 has come into force from September 17, 2022.
• Rajasthan State Industrial Development & Investment Corporation Limited (RIICO) is the apex organization engaged in fostering the growth of industrialization in the state

Exports

•  According to the Export Preparedness Index 2021 released by NITI Aayog, Rajasthan recorded an Export Preparedness Score of 47.13, securing an overall 11 rank in the country. An Export Performance Pillar Score of 40.23 is recorded for Rajasthan, securing an overall 6 rank in this category.
• In Rajasthan, engineering goods, textiles, metal, handicrafts, and chemicals & allied are the top five export items that account for more than 60 percent of exports from the state. The total exports for the financial year 2021-22 equaled Rs. 71,999.72 crore. Figure 0.3 below shows the contribution of various products in exports from Rajasthan 2021-22.
• One District One Product has been initiated to identify and promote the products and services with export potential from each of the 33 districts.

Labor and Employment

• e-Shram Portal was launched on 26 August 2021 to create a database of unorganized workers. A total of 127,11,351 unorganized workers have been registered on this portal in Rajasthan up to November 2022
  The state government vide its notification dated 28 June 2022 has revised the rates of minimum wages for unskilled, semi-skilled, skilled, and highly skilled workers to Rs. 259, Rs. 271, Rs. 283, and Rs. 333 per day respectively with effect from 1 July, 2021.
• Under Mukhya Mantri Yuva Sambal Yojana, an unemployment allowance worth Rs. 4,000 for males and Rs. 4,500 for females, transgenders, and specially-abled persons were being disbursed.

Infrastructure and Power

• The total road length in the state which was just 13,553 km in 1949 increased to 2,78,813.23 km up to March 2022. The road density in the state is 81.47 km per 100 sq. km of total area at the end of March 2022 whereas national road density stands at 165.23 km per 100 sq. km
• The iStart Rajasthan is the flagship program by the Government of Rajasthan to promote innovation and facilitate investment in the state
• Rajiv Gandhi Center of Advance Technology (R-CAT) was inaugurated by the Hon’ble Chief Minister on 20 August, 2022
  The installed capacity of power in the state as of 30 November 2022 is 23,487.46 MW
• The energy availability in the state from March 2019 to March 2022 has increased from 8,116.73 crore units to 9,080.92 crore units. The total energy availability has increased by 11.90 percent from 2018-19 to 2021-22. Likewise, total net energy consumption has also gone up by 15.53 percent.
• As per the assessment of the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE), Government of India, Rajasthan has a potential of 142 GW of electricity from solar generation.
• Jal Jeevan Mission is being implemented to provide potable water supply through Functional Household Tap Connections (FHTC) to every rural household by the year 2024

Tourism

• During the year 2022 (upto November 2022), 986.32 lakh (983.24 lakh domestic tourists and 3.08 lakh foreigners) tourists visited Rajasthan
• UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Rajasthan:

Hill Forts:

• • • Chittorgarh Fort
    • Kumbhalgarh Fort
    • Ranthambore Fort
    • Jaisalmer Fort
    • Amber Fort
    • Gagron Fort

Protected Site

• • • City Wall Rampart, Jaipur

Observatory

• • • Jantar Mantar

Health and Education

• Total enrollment in Government Schools is 71.79 lakh as per DISE Report 2021-22
• Right to Free and Compulsory Education Act, 2009 is st being implemented in the state since 1 April 2010. In this Act, 25 percent of seats are reserved in private schools for boys/girls of weaker sections and disadvantaged groups.
• The state is endeavoring to achieve the objective of total literacy and quality education through various programs/schemes like Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan, Continuing Education Programme, and New India Literacy Programme.
• To reduce the IMR and high mortality rate of women during childbirth, the state government is implementing the “Rajasthan Janani Shishu Suraksha Yojana”

Indicator	NFHS 4	NFHS 5
Total Fertility Rate (Children per woman)	24	20
Infant Mortality Rate (Per 1,000 live births)	41.3	30.3
Institutional Births (% of births occurring in health facilities in an area)	84.0	94.9%

Sustainable Development Goal

• There are 17 goals with 169 targets that are to be achieved by 2030.
• In the 3 versions of the SDGs India Index and Dashboard, released by NITI Aayog, India shows improvement in the overall score, moving from 60 in 2019-20 to 66 in 2020-21, Rajasthan has improved its overall SDGs score from 57 in 2019-20 to 60 in 2020.
• The third version of Rajasthan SDGs Indexs was launched in March 2022 and was computed on 75 indicators across 14 SDGs. In Rajasthan SDGs Index 3.0, district Jaipur is top of the list, while district Baran stands in the bottom position across 33 districts of Rajasthan.