Rajasthan BJP draws up plans for rural connect

JAIPUR: BJP WILL HOLD FARMERS WELFARE WORKSHOP ON MAY 2 AND SKILL DEVELOPMENT FAIR WILL BE HELD ON MAY 5

The Rajasthan BJP has drawn up a plan to connect with rural masses in the state as part of the central government’s ‘Gram Swaraj Abhiyan’. The campaign will begin from April 14, on the occasion of the birth anniversary of Dalit icon BR Ambedkar.

“Public representatives from the level of village panchayat to the members of Parliament will take part in this campaign,” state BJP president Ashok Parnami said.

The party has already lined up a series of events in rural areas.

On April 18, BJP leaders will create awareness about cleanliness as part of Swachh Bharat Parv. On April 20, LPG cylinders will be distributed to the beneficiaries of Ujjwala Yojna. On April 24, events will be held to mark Panchayati Raj Diwas. On April 28, the focus will be on beneficiaries of Gram Shakti Abhiyan. On April 30, a health awareness programme will be held in the villages.

In line with the party’s focus on farmers, BJP will hold farmers welfare workshop on May 2 and skill development fair will be held on May 5.

The state government has also instructed different departments to take up issues related to farmers on a priority basis. As part of this initiative, the Jaipur Discom had taken several farmerfriendly decisions in March. It has followed it up by making use of five-star rated water pumps for 20 HP connections optional for the farmers. Earlier, it was compulsory for farmers to installed energy efficient five star rated pumps if they wanted to get the power connection sanctioned for 20 HP motor. However, the discom has now relaxed the norms.

Sources said the chief minister has asked the officials concerned to give priority to issues related to the agriculture sector and brief her daily about the situation. The complaints by farmers on not getting minimum support price for rabi crops has the party worried and officials have been asked to keep track of the procurement process.

In February, after chief minister Vasundhara Raje announced one-time crop loan waiver of up to Rs 50,000 for small and marginal farmers apart from a slew of sops, the state government has taken some follow-up steps.

With the procurement season in full swing, the government does not want a repeat of farmers’ protests following non-procurement of the produce on MSP.