Rajasthan General News

[Yagya]

Oprah may attend Jaipur Literature Festival

JAIPUR: TV talk show host, actress, producer and philanthropist Oprah Winfrey may attend the Jaipur Literature Festival scheduled for later this month, organizers said on Monday.

JLF organizers said Oprah had agreed to attend but hadn't yet sent a written confirmation. Imtiaz Alam of Teamworks, the festival organizer, said he should know for sure in next three to four days. The festival is scheduled for January 20 to 24. Oprah might also be shooting a travel show during her visit. She had reportedly promised prince Manvendra Singh Gohil of Rajpipla during a visiting his palace in Gujarat.

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[Yagya]

Pravasi Divas: L N Mittal among star delegates

JAIPUR: The delegation of 1,500 NRIs representing 65 countries will arrive here to attend the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas, a three-day jamboree to be held between January 7-9. However, Pink City being the place of the event is also attracting a lot of Rajasthani diaspora.

A delegation which is coming form the United States has many Rajasthani faces. Haridas Kotahwaka, president of Rajasthan Association of North America (RANA) is leading a huge delegation of non-resident Rajasthanis (NRR). Similar participation of NRRs from Canada, Australia and Germany is also expected.

"This time lot many people who belong to Rajathan will be attending the PBD. It is like homecoming for them and they would surely like to visit their native towns and villages," said the official from ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs (OIA).

"The major push came from the CM's visit to RANA last year where he requested OIA minister Vayalar Ravi to get the PBD organised in Rajasthan" added the official.

The Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), organizing partner of PBD too feels making Jaipur as the venue for the 10th edition of PBD helped in attracting many NRIs.

"This time registration for the event broke all records. The month of December witnessed maximum registrations so far," said Nitin Gupta, state head, CII.

However, the major attraction of the event would remain the son of the soil - L N Mittal. Born in Churu district, Mittal went on to become one of the biggest steel magnets in the world.

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Education dept eager to tap Pravasi Divas' potential

JAIPUR: The education department - including schools, higher education and technical education - are at their wit's end to portray Rajasthan as the potential education hub before the Pravasi Bhartiya Divas (PBD) delegates for attracting investment in education sector.

Education minister, Brij Kishore Sharma is rolling up his sleeves to highlight the department's schemes, policies, achievements and potential in elementary, secondary and senior secondary education.

"Of the total 1,500 delegates, many of them are business honchos, technocrats and academicians and can provide us technical, intellectual and financial support for nurturing our schemes and system," added Sharma.

The technical education department is going through a bad phase with 150 engineering and 134 management colleges vying for students. They are hoping for collaborations and tie-ups to enhance quality of education and give a fillip to the job opportunities for students.

Even the private education players want to take advantage of the event. Dr Balvir Tomar, chancellor of NIMS University in Jaipur and associate sponsor of the event, feels growth of medical, engineering and management institutes is a remarkable achievement of the state.

"I don't see any reason why we can't get assistance from our fellow Indians residing abroad. They are always eager to contribute to the development of India in whatever way they can. The presence of educationists, especially Chancellor and president of Houston University, Renu Khatore, will be an enriching experience for the host city," said Tomar.

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Slew of cultural events planned for mega event

JAIPUR: Kathak, Bharatnatyam, qawwali and contemporary dances from Bollywood, all will be a part of the cultural events that is planned for the delegates of Pravasi Bharatiya Divas-2012.

The cultural night on January 7 will have performances by artists of Indian Council for Cultural Relations. The dance performance on that day will be based on the theme 'Riturang' depicting three seasons - grishma, varsha and vasant through Tagore's poetry.

Geetanjali Lal, the group's choreographer said, "Our main focus is to showcase the vastness and depth of Indian culture and heritage through dance. In our performance we will present the ferocity of summer, Radha's love for Krishna through rains and gentleness of spring. Dancers will interpret the songs through interweaving various rhythmic patterns - the main feature of Kathak."

On Jaunary 8, Rajasthani folk dances and songs would be showcased for the guests. The tourism department has selected the artists who are practicing for the event. "Since the event will be in Rajasthan, its vibrant culture will be showcased through our traditional dances and songs. Performance by Rajasthani artists will mesmerize our guests," said an official for the department.

Bollywood cannot be ignored in such a high profile event. On January 9 a special troop from Mumbai will present the classics and contemporary Indian cinema.

"Bollywood is the most popular export to the world. It's something that represents India and its colourful, multi-dimensional and unity in diversity," said the organizer.

The show would be divided in three segments, dances based on classical form, the traditional Indian folk and festival dances and the great Indian wedding dances. Each segment will have a medley of popular Bollywood songs.

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Finally, Pravasi meet venues get ready

JAIPUR: After chief minister Ashok Gehlot expressed displeasure over the ongoing preparations for the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas 2012, the state machinery has geared up and is working relentlessly to ensure a successful meet. The event venues have been revamped and are all set to welcome guests from 65 countries.

Birla Auditorium, the main venue, has gone for a complete facelift. The inaugural session by the Prime Minister and valedictory address by the President will be held here. The governing body of the auditorium has installed new light and sound system with 32 channels along with a 950 KV generator. The interiors, too, have been refurbished with new carpets and chairs.

"We are working round the clock to give the visitors the best facilities. The premises have been handed over to the organisers to add final touches," Seema Chopra, executive officer of the auditorium, said. The main hall here would seat 1,350 people while other three halls will add to the seating capacity. To avoid space crunch at lunch time, two lawns have been assigned which can accommodate 800 people. Similarly, for the VVIP guests a separate open dining space has been created.

The City Palace, venue for cultural evenings, will represent the rich heritage of the city. The ministry of external affairs will also host dinner for the delegates here.

"We were asked to just provide space and the arrangements would be made by the organizers. However, our people will be there to provide and security," said Lt. Col PS Rathore, marketing head, City Palace.

Similarly, Sisodia Rani Bagh, which was in shambles when the chief minister inspected it, too, is getting spruced up. Chief minister Ashok Gehlot is to host dinner here.

The walls are being painted and the garden trimmed.

"We are following the ministers' instructions and the venue will be ready soon. We will ensure that guests enjoy their stay here," BD Garg, executive director of Amber Development & Management Authority, said.

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[nikh.mittal]

Finalisation of investments worth Rs 70,000cr soon

JAIPUR: The state government might have switched to a defensive mode in terms of probable investments during the upcoming Pravasi Bharti Divas (PBD), however, industries minister Rajendra Pareek claims that over Rs 1 lakh crore investments is expected to flow into the state soon. Pareek further claimed that investments worth Rs 70,000 crore would be finalised within a month.

"The environment for investment in the state is extremely favorable now and we expect a flow of over Rs 1 lakh crore. Since the state introduced the single-window system, proposals worth Rs 80,000- Rs 85,000 crore have been received. Proposals worth Rs 70,000 crore are expected to be cleared within a month,'' Pareek said while interacting with the media after the state cabinet meeting on Wednesday.

Pareek informed that during the meeting, the cabinet gave its approval to an investnment proposal of Regen Powertech Private Limited and L M Wind Power Blades (India) to establish a manufacturing unit for Wind Electric Generators and Rotor blades near Udaipur. The companies would be provided facilities of 75% VAT/CST reimbursement over a period of five years, exemption in entry tax on plant and machinery for five years besides others according to the provisions of RIPS-2010. "Another proposal of Rs 15,000 crore investment by one Baba Kalyani Group to set up a 700 MW captive power plant in the state,'' he said.

Pareek said the state is likely to get some major investments for the first time in steel, ceramics and cement sectors. "A major steel plant is expected to come up in Karauli district while Bhilwara is expected to become a major hub in the sector. Cement plants are expected in districts like Jaisalmer, Nagaur, Sikar and Chittorgarh,'' the minister said.

He further said that in order to felicitate investments in the ceramics sector, the state government has developed a gas grid in Alwar district. "Raw material for the industry is all available in the state, which is currently being sent to Gujarat. The gas grid will ensure that the industry flourishes in the state,'' Pareek added.

The state industries minister might be portraying a colourful picture in terms of probable investments but continued to play safe when it came to expectations from the PBD. "It is a Central government event; all states would have a stall showcasing the facilities provided there for investors. There would be a special session on Rajasthan,'' Pareek said.

Source: http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/c...w/11370764.cms

[Yagya]

[Yagya]

[nikh.mittal]

Overseas Min opens new office in Jaipur to assist emigrants

Jaipur: The Ministry of Overseas Affairs, on Sunday, opened its office in the city, the ninth in the country, under POE (Protector of Emigrants), to provide assistance to people of the state going abroad for work.
Minister of Overseas Affairs Vayalar Ravi and the state chief minister Ashok Gehlot inaugurated the office at Sitapura industrial area.


With the opening of this office, prospective emigrants from Rajasthan will not have to travel to Delhi anymore to gain emigration clearance.
POE offices were set up under the Emigration Act of 1983 to provide assistance to emigrants going abroad for work to 17 designated countries.
The registered recruiting agents of the state will file online applications for emigration clearance at the POE office.

[nikh.mittal]

Tenth Pravasi Bharatiya Divas biggest event so far

JAIPUR: The 10th Pravasi Bhartiya Divas (PBD), currently being held in the Pink City, is the biggest edition so far with around 2,000 delegates from 60 countries, said Union minister for overseas Indian affairs Vayalar Ravi on Sunday.


Ravi addressed mediapersons at the event venue and said the important announcements made by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh made the event even larger. "The announcements made by PM Manmohan Singh like the pension scheme for workers outside India and life insurance of Rs 1 lakh for them are important decisions taken,'' he said.


He applauded the arrangements and management of the event by the state government. "The decision to hold the 10th PBD in Jaipur has paid off. It was taken after a formal request made by the state's chief minister during the RANA meet, which he attended last year,'' Ravi added.

Source:http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/c...w/11419734.cms

[nikh.mittal]

Gehlot asks for more funds for development

JAIPUR: Chief minister Ashok Gehlot on Sunday requested a financial assistance of Rs 1,92,000 crore from the Centre for the 12th Five Year Plan. The request was made to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Sunday, who held a meeting with the state council of ministers and parliamentary secretaries at the Raj Bhavan.


Addressing the meeting, the PM said that Rajasthan is one of the leading states in terms of achieving financial parameters and in achieving the targets of the 11th Five Year Plan. Deputy chairman of the Planning Commission Dr Montek Singh Ahluwalia and Union minister for rural development Jairam Ramesh were also present at the meeting.
Ramesh said that under the Prime Minister Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) approval has been given for the project for construction of 3,600 kilometre-long roads in the state worth Rs 900 crore. He said the Centre has also accepted Gehlot's suggestion regarding cement concrete blocks to strengthen the internal roads in villages under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MNREG).
The Prime Minister was briefed on the projects in the state and on the implementation of the flagship programmes of the UPA government. Gehlot once again advocated the request for special status to the desert state. He urged Singh to clear the state's long pending demand for a special package for drinking water as the state suffers from severe water crisis because of its geographical conditions.


Gehlot also requested the Prime Minister to allocate coal blocks and coal linkage for the proposed power projects in the state, to start bullet train between Delhi-Jaipur, construction of Delhi-Jaipur expressway, setting up refinery in the state, increasing financial assistance for Jaipur Metro, to fast track the Ratlam-Dungarpur-Banswara rail line project and electrification of the Delhi-Ahmedabad rail route.


Gehlot repeated his suggestion of Right to Shelter and said that under Total Sanitation Programme funds should be provided to construct toilets for all regardless of BPL or APL families. Union minister for rural development Jairam Ramesh too urged Montek Singh Ahluwalia to provide additional funds for it, said Gehlot.


Gehlot also suggested that rural housing scheme should be included in MNREG and works of permanent nature should also be permitted under the scheme. He also requested that a scheme should be prepared on the line of MNREG to create employment for poor in the urban area.

Source : http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/c...w/11419155.cms

[Yagya]

प्रवासी युवाओं को तोहफा: राजस्थान आने पर 90% किराया देगी सरकार

प्रवासी युवाओं को राजस्थान सरकार ने एक तोहफा दिया है। मुख्यमंत्री अशोक गहलोत ने ‘अपने राजस्थान को जानिए’ कार्यक्रम शुरू करने की घोषणा की। इसके तहत राजस्थान आने वाले 18 से 28 साल के प्रवासी भारतीयों के किराये की 90% राशि राज्य सरकार वहन करेगी। इसके अलावा आंतरिक परिवहन और आवास-प्रवास का खर्चा भी राज्य सरकार देगी।

इस मौके पर मुख्यमंत्री ने कहा कि बिड़ला, बांगड़, बजाज, गोयनका, सिंघानिया, पोद्दार तथा मित्तल आदि घरानों की उपलब्धियों को कौन नहीं जानता। ये सभी घराने राजस्थान का गौरव हैं।

अब तक 100 ने दिखाई निवेश में रुचि


दो दिन में 100 प्रवासी भारतीयों ने निवेश की रुचि दिखाई है। निवेश को लेकर प्रवासी भारतीयों द्वारा की जा रही पूछताछ और प्रो-एक्टिव होकर राज्यों द्वारा दी जा रही योजनाओं के लिहाज से राजस्थान अब भी पांचवें स्थान पर है। पांच सालों में ओवरसीज इंडियन फैसिलिटेशन सेंटर (ओआईएफसी) के पास आईं क्वेरीज से यह खुलासा हुआ है। गुजरात, कर्नाटक, पंजाब और केरल के लिए सबसे अधिक क्वेरीज आती हैं। ओआईएफसी केंद्र सरकार और सीआईआई के साथ पीपीपी मोड की वह बॉडी है जो निवेश की राह दिखाती है।

http://www.bhaskar.com/article/RAJ-J...9.html?C3-JAI=

[Yagya]

फरवरी से 396 दवाएं फ्री मिलेंगी

फरवरी से 396 दवाएं फ्री मिलेंगी

कलेक्टरों के साथ वीडियो कॉन्फ्रेंसिंग में मुख्यमंत्री ने की घोषणा, अब तक मिल रही थीं 232 दवाएं निशुल्क

मुख्यमंत्री ने पूछे तीन सवाल

वीडियो कॉन्फ्रेंसिंग में मुख्यमंत्री ने सभी कलेक्टरों से तीन सवाल पूछे। योजना की स्थिति क्या है? क्या इसमें कोई कमी है? उसमें सुधार के लिए सुझाव क्या है? मुख्यमंत्री गहलोत ने कहा कि फरवरी से 396 प्रकार की दवाएं मिलने लगेंगी। गहलोत ने बताया कि जननी शिशु सुरक्षा योजना को ठीक से लागू करने के कारण संस्थागत प्रसव में 9 प्रतिशत की बढ़ोतरी हुई है। इस योजना में हनुमानगढ़, जयपुर, जोधपुर और बीकानेर में उल्लेखनीय काम हुआ है। लोक सेवा गारंटी कानून पर चर्चा के दौरान बैठक में बताया गया कि इसमें प्रदेश में 17 लाख लोगों से अधिक के प्रार्थना पत्र मिले, जिसमें से 16 लाख के निस्तारण कर दिए गए। इस कानून में 108 सेवाएं शामिल थीं, जिनको बढ़ाकर 124 किया और 53 कामों की बजाय 60 काम कर दिए गए। मुख्यमंत्री ने कहा कि प्रार्थना पत्रों की गुणवत्ता कैसी रही, इसे देखना जरूरी है। गहलोत ने कहा कि 24 फरवरी को प्रदेश के सभी जिलों में जन सुनवाई रखी जाए, जिसमें सभी प्रभारी मंत्री शामिल हों, तब इसकी गुणवत्ता स्पष्ट होगी।

source:e bhaskar

[Yagya]

सात जिलों में गंभीर रोगों की मुफ्त जांच होगी

सात जिलों में गंभीर रोगों की मुफ्त जांच होगी

जयपुरत्न राज्य के सात जिलों में डायबिटीज, ब्लडप्रेशर, हार्टअटैक, कैंसर और लकवा जैसी गंभीर बीमारियों की जांच मुफ्त की जाएगी। केंद्र सरकार के नेशनल प्रोग्राम फॉर प्रिवेंशन एंड कंट्रोल ऑफ कैंसर, डायबिटीज, कार्डियो वेस्कुलर डिजीज (एनपीसीडीसीएस) के तहत भीलवाड़ा, जैसलमेर, जोधपुर, बाड़मेर, नागौर, बीकानेर और श्रीगंगानगर में मरीजों की जांच की जाएगी। स्वास्थ्य विभाग में निदेशक (परिवार कल्याण) डॉ. प्रदीप कुमार शारदा ने बताया कि इस योजना योजना के तहत मरीजों को निशुल्क दवाइयां भी उपलब्ध कराई जाएंगी।

कार्यभार संभाला : डॉ. प्रदीप कुमार शारदा ने मंगलवार को निदेशक परिवार कल्याण का कामकाज संभाला। उन्होंने विभाग के अधिकारी और कर्मचारियों के साथ विस्तृत बैठक कर विभिन्न योजनाओं से जुड़ी जानकारी हासिल की। उनके पास निदेशक एड्स का अतिरिक्त कार्यभार भी है।

source: e bhaskar

[Yagya]

Doppler weather radar becomes operational in Rajasthan

Jaipur, Jan 28 (PTI) With an aim to provide more specific weather data and nowcasting, the meteorological centre here today operationalised its newly installed Doppler Weather Radar (DWR). Director General of Indian Meteorological Department Ajit Tyagi inaugurated the c-band DWR, which is the first in Rajasthan, at a function at the centre. "The radar is capable of weather surveillance up to 250 kms around Jaipur. It is installed here under the modernisation programme of the department," Tyagi said at the function. "Rajasthan has variety of weather - cloud burst, heavy rainfall, heatwaves, thunder storm, dust storm, so it will be very useful for the Met centre to provide more specific weather related information and warnings," he said. He said that the entire state will be covered by such radars so that severe weather conditions are properly predicted and forecasting is more accurate. The radar provides imageries derived from volume scan depicting location and intensity of clouds, expected rainfall from these clouds, horizontal winds, wind shear etc. Another official said the radar's data is automatically updated to IMD's website at 10 minutes interval. The radar is capable of providing information about the rate of rainfall and amount of rainfall within an effective range of 150 km from here. The official said that using this radar, now-casting of weather regarding occurrence of thunder storms within next one to three hours in small areas is possible. Director of Sanganer Airport RK Singh said that the weather information will be useful for flights operating from the airport. A proposal to install DWR at Jaisalmer, Jodhpur, Kota, Sriganganagar is also under consideration by the IMD. Secretary-Relief, government of Rajasthan Tanmay Kumar, Director Met Jaipur centre SS Singh and other officials were present in the function.

source

[Yagya]

In a first, 5 officers fined under public service guarantee Act

BIKANER: In a first of its kind, five officers, including SDM of Pugal, were penalized for delayed disposal of 'khatedaari' case under the provisions of Rajasthan Public Service Guarantee Act, 2011 by the Second Appellate Authority and the Bikaner district collector on Friday. These officers will have to pay an amount of Rs 1,000 each along with an additional Rs 200 each to be paid to applicant B N Kukkad, a resident of Sriganganagar district.

District collector Prithvi told TOI that Kukkad was a 'khatedaar' (owner of a farming land) duing demarcation of his land, acquired by the department of command area development, it was converted as revenue land. The department of revenue also asked Kukkad to deposit an amount as per the reserve price list applicable in Pugal by August 18, 2011, which he did in time.

As per the revenue procedure, the 'khatedaari' right was to be transferred in favour of Kukkad by convening a meeting of the advisory committee. But the authorities concerned failed to convene the meeting, Prithvi said. Kukkad then filed an application to SDM Yashwant Bhakhar which was also forwarded to the tehsildar, the reader, the girdavar and the patwari. They failed to give him a satisfactory reason for not convening the meeting. On hearing a second appeal filed by Kukkad, it was clearly observed that the delay was purely due to the negligence of the officers, the collector said.

"All five concerned officers were found guilty of negligence, hence as per provisions of the Rajasthan Public Service Guarantee Act, 2011, financial penalty has been imposed on them. Besides, they have been asked to dispose off the matter within a period of 30 days from today," Prithvi said.

The collector said after implementation of the Act, it is the first of its kind decision in the state, and it will give a message to the state machinery to work in a speedy manner for the welfare of the common man.

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[nikh.mittal]

Rajasthan Cabinet clears major proposals

Investments to create jobs, develop schemes for SC, ST
The Rajasthan Cabinet cleared several investment proposals on Wednesday while drawing the state’s budget.

The Cabinet will send a proposal to the Centre on allocation of iron-ore lease to Kalyani Mining Ventures and Kalyani Natural Resources in Karauli district. The company plans to start a steel manufacturing plant at an investment of
Rs 15, 000 crore. The Cabinet said the decision will create an investment-friendly atmosphere and create jobs.

The Cabinet also approved allocation of mining lease to Saint Gobain Glass to mine silica in Karauli district. Saint Gobain Glass has invested Rs 500 crore in Rajasthan so far.

Under the policy for land allotment at concessional rates to public, charitable and social organisations in urban areas, Manipal Education Foundation will get 59.32 acre at 40 per cent of the market price.

The Rajasthan Housing Board will also regulate land allotted to Bangalore-based Manipal Group of Hospitals. The Cabinet said this step will help provide super-speciality medical facility in the desert state.

A proposal to build an exhibition-cum-convention centre on 42 acre at Sitapura Industrial Area in Jaipur was also cleared. Bhaskar Industries will develop the building. The Cabinet will lease the land at a total annual premium of Rs 7.80 crore for 60 years.

The centre will be ready in two years. The Cabinet has approved a proposal to amend the Rajasthan Voluntary Rural Education Service Rules, 2010. After the amendment is made, persons appointed for government services under these rules will be governed by the provisions of the Rajasthan Civil Services (Contributory Pension) Rules, 2005.

Chief minister Ashok Gehlot presided over the meeting. An important decision the Cabinet took was the approval of guidelines for Schedule Caste Sub-Plan and Tribal Sub-Plan. These guidelines will help implement development schemes for SC and ST people in a transparent manner.

Source: http://www.deccanherald.com/content/...proposals.html

[Yagya]

This should be in the Rajasthan Projects thread nikhil.

[Yagya]

Fortified wheat flour, edible oil launched in state

JAIPUR: GAIN (Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition) and IHMR (Institute of Health Management) launched fortified wheat flour and edible oil on Friday. This variety, which aims at fighting malnutrition, will be available in the open market in the state. Food and civil supplies minister Prasadi Lal Meena was present at the launch.

Earlier, wheat flour fortified with iron, vitamin B12 and folic acid was only made available under the public distribution scheme.

"About 40 per cent of children under three years of age in Rajasthan suffer from chronic malnutrition as a result of insufficient food and essential micronutrients in their diet," said Marc Van Ameringen, executive director of GAIN, who was present at the launch ceremony. "The efforts we are initiating today will contribute in curbing high infant malnutrition rates," he added.

In addition, GAIN is supporting the setting up of seven mini-industrial plants managed by women's Self-Help Groups to produce fortified food for Integrated Child Development Scheme in partnership with Department of Women and Child Development, Government of Rajasthan and UN World Food Programme.

On the occasion, Akshaya Patra and IHMR also signed an MoU to serve fortified soya dal to children through mid-day meal.

source

[Euromast]

Jodhu, r u goin to Sufi festival in Jodhpur?

[Yagya]

Rajasthan minister refuses to inaugurate poorly constructed road

JAIPUR: Upset with the poor quality of a newly constructed road near here, Rajasthan Public Works Minister Bharat Singh refused to inaugurate it.

Singh, who was scheduled to take part in the function yesterday, suggested that the officers get the road, which connects Bhalni and Lalkhni villages, inaugurated by some local representatives.

"I was hesitant to do it because the quality of the construction seemed poor. My focus is on quality so I did not inaugurate the road," the minister, who is on tour to several districts to check the quality of road construction, told mediapersons today.

After the Minister backed out of the ribbon-cutting ceremony, village headman Ladu Singh inaugurated the road.

"I came to know that another road in the same district which was constructed last year got damaged due to poor quality. I asked a quality control team to collect the samples of the road which will be tested in laboratory," the minister said.

After the test report is received, further decision will be taken, Singh said.

A team of quality control is accompanying the minister which is collecting samples of roads from various places.

After returning to Jaipur, the samples will be sent to laboratory for testing, he said.

source

[nikh.mittal]

Delhi-Jaipur townships aim to boost key areas

The Road Transport and Highways (RTH) Ministry decided on Monday to establish integrated townships adjacent to the proposed greenfield expressway between Delhi and Jaipur. The townships would be created on the 230-km expressway for cross-subsidising the anticipated viability gap funding of the project.


The decision was taken after RTH Minister CP Joshi met road developers, builders and construction companies to explore the construction and innovative financing of the expressway. RTH Secretary AK Upadhyay, DG (Roads) C Kandasamy and senior officials of NHAI and Rajasthan also attended the crucial meeting.


The decision has been taken in view of the high cost implications on the construction as well as land acquisition. The Ministry’s innovative approach is an attempt to look beyond the conventional mode of implementation of a typical PPP project.


However, sources said, the Government would not play any role in the acquisition of land for the purpose. Instead, the concessionaires would have to seek permission for land acquisition.


According to the concept note on the project, the proposed expressway being access-controlled facility, the entry and exit to the township could be regulated through grade-separated interchanges, which will boost the economy of the adjacent areas, besides subsidising the high costing involved with expressway construction.
The consultants have identified a few such locations near Delhi, Gurgaon, Dharuhera, Rewari, Behror, Kotputli, Shahpura and Chomu. The proposed expressway not only envisages providing high-speed, access-controlled traffic flow between Delhi and Jaipur connecting important towns in Delhi, Haryana and Rajasthan, but also being a catalyst for economic development of the region as a whole.


The Delhi-Jaipur expressway is a part of the Centre’s approval for the construction of 1000-km expressway under NHDP VI on the basis of traffic volume. Delhi-Jaipur was identified as one of the high density corridors of the country for construction of expressway..


In addition to the townships, trauma centres and restaurants would also be constructed along the expressway. Unlike the construction of townships, the concessionaires would not be required to seek separate permission for land acquisition for trauma centres and restaurants. The NHAI would acquire land for these two facilities, the sources said.


In another meeting, it was decided to prepare a document for EPC (Engineering, Procurement and Construction) Agreement. The document would be prepared jointly by RTH Ministry and Planning Commission in consultation with the Finance and Law Ministries. The document might be included in the upcoming Budget, the sources added.

Source: http://dailypioneer.com/nation/42479...key-areas.html

[nikh.mittal]

Jaipur, Feb 14 (PTI) To enhance the bilateral cooperation with Mauritius, the Rajasthan government is planning to sign a Memorandum of Understanding with the Mauritius government in near future. Discussions were held with the Minister for Industry and Commerce of Mauritius, Cader Sayed Hossen, here yesterday to enhance the cooperation, an official said. "During the meeting yesterday, both the sides focused on cooperation in sectors of tourism, handicrafts, gems and jewellery, textiles," RIICO (Rajasthan State Industrial Development and Investment Corporation) Managing Director Rajendra Bhanawat said today. "These are some areas where both the sides can work together on skill development and capacity building. It was informed to the Mauritius delegation that in Rajasthan, important international fairs are organised in the areas of gems and jewellery, dimensional stones, handicrafts, ceremics and glass," he said. Bhanawat said that the government of Mauritius was also suggested to send a delegation to a textile and apparel 4-day fair 'Vastra' scheduled to be organised from November 22 here. "It will be an exposure for the delegation if they visit the fair. In the meeting, it was decided to sign MoU after identifying the areas of collaboration. However, no time limit was set and it would be done in near future," he added. Rajasthan Industry Minister Rajendra Pareek and other senior officials were present in the meeting.

Source : http://ibnlive.in.com/generalnewsfee...us/963355.html