Jaipur, April 16
Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma on Thursday announced that the state government will constitute a high-level committee to examine issues related to promotions and pay scales, which will also deliberate on the recommendations of the 8th Pay Commission in due course.
He reiterated the government's commitment to employee welfare, highlighting several key decisions taken over the past two and a quarter years to strengthen service conditions and improve administrative efficiency.
Addressing the oath-taking ceremony of the Rajasthan Secretariat Service Officers' Association at the Government Secretariat, the Chief Minister described the Secretariat as the apex body of state administration, from where policies and schemes are formulated for public welfare.
He emphasised that dedicated and efficient functioning by officers and employees directly accelerates governance and benefits citizens. Stressing the need for responsive administration, he called upon employees to prioritise the resolution of public grievances and uphold the pledge of good governance.
On the occasion, CM Sharma administered the oath of office to the newly elected President, Abhimanyu Sharma, and members of the executive committee. Extending his best wishes, he urged the office-bearers to discharge their responsibilities with sincerity and commitment.
Highlighting the importance of public service, the Chief Minister referred to PM Modi's emphasis on citizen-centric governance, noting initiatives such as 'Mission Karmayogi' aimed at enhancing the efficiency and capacity of government employees.
He encouraged state personnel to take full advantage of such initiatives and adopt the guiding principle of "Nagarik Devo Bhava" to ensure continuous improvement in public service delivery.
Detailing employee welfare measures, Chief Minister Sharma said the government has ensured time-bound promotions and increased the gratuity ceiling from Rs 20 lakh to Rs 25 lakh.
Under the Rajasthan Government Health Scheme (RGHS), employees have been given the flexibility to include either parents or parents-in-law for medical coverage.
He added that the 2026-27 Budget includes several provisions for employees and pensioners, along with plans to introduce international-standard training programmes to transition towards a role-based work culture.
The Chief Minister also highlighted welfare initiatives such as extending compassionate appointment benefits to daughters-in-law, allowing single female employees to avail Child Care Leave in six instalments, and establishing 'Mukhyamantri Shishu-Vatsalya Sadan' to create a supportive work environment for women employees.
Referring to the state's broader development agenda, Sharma said that work is progressing across sectors, including agriculture, power, and water supply.
Major projects such as the Ram Jal Setu Link Project, Dewas Project, Yamuna Water Agreement, and Som-Kamla-Amba Project are being implemented to ensure irrigation and drinking water supply.
He noted that farmers in 24 districts are now receiving daytime electricity, and a new Youth Policy has been introduced to promote entrepreneurship.
The government has so far provided over 1.25 lakh government jobs and initiated the process for an equal number of additional recruitments.
Making further announcements, the Chief Minister said that 15 new posts of Assistant Government Secretary were created in 2025 to expand promotion opportunities, and an additional 15 posts will now be created.
He also announced a two-year relaxation for cadres that had not previously received promotion exemptions and directed the Chief Secretary to assess departmental requirements and submit a report at the earliest.
The ceremony was attended by Public Health Engineering Minister Kanhaiya Lal, Chief Secretary V. Srinivas, and a large number of Secretariat officers and employees.
- IANS
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