Jaipur, Feb 26 (NationPress) Former Chief Minister of Rajasthan, Ashok Gehlot, has addressed a letter to Prime Minister Modi prior to his upcoming visit to Ajmer on February 28, voicing deep concerns regarding the halting and diminishing of various public welfare initiatives that were started by the earlier Congress administration.

In his correspondence, Gehlot highlighted the commitment made by the Prime Minister on October 2, 2023, during his visit to Chittorgarh, where he assured that any future BJP government would not only maintain existing public welfare schemes but would also enhance them.

Gehlot emphasized that the citizens of Rajasthan perceived this promise as “Modi’s guarantee.”

He wrote, “I extend a warm welcome to you on your upcoming visit to Ajmer, a revered location in Rajasthan, on February 28. Through this letter, I wish to remind you of the ‘guarantee’ you made to the people of Rajasthan in Chittorgarh on October 2, 2023.”

Gehlot pointed out that, contrary to this promise, numerous schemes esteemed as national benchmarks have been either discontinued, weakened, or rendered ineffective due to budget reductions and administrative alterations.

He mentioned the Right to Health Act, stating that while the legislation has been passed, its execution remains incomplete, thus hampering citizens' access to free medical care.

Furthermore, the Gig Workers Welfare Act intended to provide social security for app-based workers is yet to be operational, with no board established and funds not allocated.

Concerning the Rajiv Gandhi Scholarship for Academic Excellence, Gehlot noted that after its renaming, the number of beneficiaries has significantly decreased, limiting opportunities for students aspiring to study abroad.

He also discussed the Indira Rasoi Yojana, which has been renamed Annapurna Rasoi, asserting that its implementation has faltered, restricting access for beneficiaries.

Additionally, the second phase of the Indira Gandhi Smartphone Scheme, which aimed to boost digital empowerment among women, has been halted.

Gehlot remarked on the Indira Gandhi Urban Employment Guarantee Scheme, noting that its execution has been limited despite its aim to provide employment in urban regions.

Regarding the Chiranjeevi Health Insurance Scheme and the Rajasthan Government Health Scheme (RGHS), he pointed out that both programs are experiencing operational difficulties due to delays in payments to healthcare facilities and service providers.

He expressed concerns about the free electricity scheme, mentioning that eligibility criteria have restricted access for certain customers.

Gehlot noted that the distribution of Annapurna ration kits has reportedly stopped, adversely affecting beneficiaries who depended on this support amidst rising inflation.

He also referred to the Indira Gandhi Credit Card Scheme, stating that new applications for the interest-free loan initiative have been ceased.

Moreover, Gehlot listed several infrastructure projects initiated during his leadership that remain unfinished or inactive.

He pointed out that the Mahatma Gandhi Institute of Governance and Social Sciences in Jaipur has yet to be inaugurated despite its completion.

He mentioned a coaching hub established in Jaipur to oversee coaching institutes, which has not been fully utilized.

Gehlot further indicated that the construction of a superspecialty inpatient department (IPD) tower in Jaipur has reportedly come to a standstill, and that planned satellite hospitals in Kanota and Achrol have not become operational.

He also stated that hospitals in Shivdaspura and Balmukundpura remain inactive despite being completed.

In Jodhpur, he noted that facilities—including the Chaupasni Housing Board Hospital, Pratap Nagar Hospital, Digari Hospital, Rajasthan State Sports Institute, and Sumer Library—are not yet functional despite readiness.

Moreover, he stated that several newly constructed schools across the state remain unfinished.

In his letter, Gehlot urged the Prime Minister to take action to ensure that the commitments made to the people of Rajasthan are fulfilled, advocating for the effective implementation of public welfare programs and developmental projects.