Department of Overseas Rajasthani Affairs to be established: CM Sharma
Jaipur, Nov 19
The Cabinet, chaired by Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma, has approved the establishment of a Department for Overseas Rajasthani Affairs.
The decision was taken at a Cabinet meeting held on Wednesday at the Chief Minister’s Office.
Several key proposals were cleared, including the Rajasthan Global Capability Centre (GCC) Policy-2025 and the creation of a joint venture between RVUNL and Singareni Collieries Company Limited (SCCL).
Sharing details of the Cabinet decisions at a press conference, Deputy Chief Minister Premchand Bairwa, Industry and Commerce Minister Colonel Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore, and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Jogaram Patel said the new department will act as a strong platform for dialogue and cooperation between the state government and the global Rajasthani diaspora.
The department will develop a policy framework enabling Overseas Rajasthanis to benefit from state government schemes while addressing their grievances.
It will also play a key role in promoting ‘Brand Rajasthan’ internationally through cultural, economic, and community outreach programmes.
The department will organise Pravasi Rajasthani Diwas, Pravasi Rajasthani Samman Samaroh, and exchange programmes for diaspora communities. A dedicated portal will also be launched for registering diaspora Rajasthani associations.
The announcement fulfils a commitment made by the Chief Minister during last year’s Pravasi Rajasthani Conclave.
Colonel Rathore announced that the Cabinet has approved the Rajasthan Global Capability Centre Policy-2025, which seeks to establish the state as a prominent global innovation and investment hub. The policy targets the establishment of over 200 GCCs by 2030, generating 1.5 lakh jobs and contributing significantly to India’s expanding $100 billion GCC market.
Under the policy, RIPS-2024 benefits will be extended to GCCs, a 30 per cent capital investment subsidy (up to Rs 10 crore) will be provided, excluding land and building costs, up to 50 per cent reimbursement of land/lease costs (capped at Rs 1 crore), a 30 per cent payroll subsidy (up to Rs 1.25 lakh per employee per year) for three years, rental assistance: 50 per cent of rent for the first three years and 25 per cent for the next two years (up to Rs 5 crore per GCC per year) and skill development assistance of 50 per cent of training cost (up to Rs 2.5 crore per GCC per year).
Deputy Chief Minister Bairwa informed that the Cabinet has approved the formation of a new joint venture between Rajasthan State Power Generation Corporation Limited (RVUNL) and Singareni Collieries Company Limited (SCCL).
RVUNL will hold 26 per cent, while SCCL will hold 74 per cent in the JV. The joint venture will establish an 800 MW coal-based thermal power project at a mine site, costing Rs 9,600 crore. a 1,500 MW solar power project in Rajasthan, costing Rs 6,000 crore.
The Cabinet has approved renaming Government College, Kalandri (Sirohi) as Sanghvi Hirachandji Phoolchandji Government College, Kalandri and Government College, Kailash Nagar as Matushree Puribai Punmaji Mali Torso Government College, Kailash Nagar.
The move aims to honour donors and encourage philanthropic contributions to educational institutions.
Parliamentary Affairs Minister Jogaram Patel announced the allotment of 161.45 hectares of land in Karanisar, Bhatiyan (Pugal tehsil, Bikaner district), and 356.25 hectares in Kharnai (Rawatbhata tehsil, Chittorgarh district). These lands have been allotted at a conditional price for setting up solar power projects.
Additionally, 70.6 hectares have been allotted to Powergrid Barmer-1 Transmission Limited at Sokhru in Barmer for a 765 kV substation.
— IANS
Reader Comments
While the idea sounds good, I hope this doesn't become another bureaucratic department that just adds to government expenditure. Implementation is key - let's see if they actually deliver on these promises.
The GCC policy with 1.5 lakh jobs target is ambitious! This could really boost Rajasthan's IT sector and create great opportunities for our youth. The investment subsidies look attractive for companies too.
Pravasi Rajasthani Diwas and the dedicated portal are much-needed initiatives. Many NRIs want to invest in Rajasthan but face difficulties navigating government procedures. Hope this department simplifies things.
The power projects and solar energy focus is excellent! Rajasthan has so much potential for renewable energy. The joint venture with SCCL should help address our power needs while creating employment.
Good to see Rajasthan taking proactive steps to engage with its global community. The diaspora can bring valuable expertise and investments. Hope other states follow this model.
Renaming colleges after donors is a nice gesture to encourage philanthropy, but I hope the focus remains on improving education quality and infrastructure in these institutions. That's what really matters for students.
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