Rajasthan Assembly's 75-year Amrit Mahotsav session reviews landmark laws
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
The Rajasthan Legislative Assembly on Wednesday, 15 July held the second session of its Amrit Mahotsav — a commemorative series marking 75 years of the state legislature — with sitting and former members revisiting key legislations that have shaped Rajasthan's democratic and social landscape over seven and a half decades. The session was moderated by Assembly Speaker Vasudev Devnani, former Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje, and Commonwealth Parliamentary Association Secretary Sandeep Sharma.
Raje on Legislative Legacy and Preparedness
Former Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje reflected on the Assembly's democratic heritage, noting that its traditions have been consistently reinforced by parliamentary propriety, ideological maturity, and a steadfast commitment to public welfare. She invoked the intellectual leadership of former Chief Ministers Bhairon Singh Shekhawat and Mohanlal Sukhadia, arguing that the quality of legislative debate rises when members enter the House well prepared.
Raje urged legislators to make greater use of the Assembly library and build a sustained reading culture. She also called upon members to preserve Rajasthan's democratic tradition — one where, she said, ideological differences have historically never eroded mutual respect or personal relationships.
Key Legislations Revisited
Distinguished speakers shared perspectives on a range of landmark laws. Former MLA Rajendra Rathore described the Rajasthan Coaching Centres (Control and Regulation) Act, 2025 as a pioneering initiative that mandates accountability among coaching institutes, prohibits misleading advertisements, and enforces safety and fire protection standards — creating, he said, a safer and more transparent environment for students.
Jaipur Rural MP Rao Rajendra Singh spoke on the Rajasthan Tenancy Act, 1955, calling it a landmark post-zamindari reform that secured land rights for cultivators. He highlighted the Act's protections for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes under Section 42 as a reflection of the Assembly's progressive legislative vision.
Former Minister Kalicharan Saraf addressed the Rajasthan Prohibition of Unlawful Religious Conversion Act, 2025, stating that the legislation reinforces communal harmony and every citizen's constitutional right to religious freedom.
Gig Workers, Sati Prevention, and Education
Former Assembly Speaker Deependra Singh Shekhawat highlighted the Rajasthan Platform-Based Gig Workers (Registration and Welfare) Act, 2023, noting that Rajasthan became the first state in India to extend a social security framework to millions of platform-based workers associated with services such as Ola, Uber, Zomato, and Swiggy. He said the welfare board and dedicated fund established under the Act would provide greater security and stability to this workforce.
Former MLA Tara Bhandari recalled the Rajasthan Sati (Prevention) Act, 1987, describing it as a landmark social reform that strengthened women's rights and symbolised the state's commitment to progressive values. Former Minister Dr B.D. Kalla discussed the Rajasthan Primary Education Act, 1964, noting that the inclusion of vocational activities such as spinning and weaving in schools represented an early push toward practical education and self-sufficiency.
Other Laws in Focus
Former MLA Nathu Singh Gurjar reflected on the Rajasthan Panchayat Samiti and Zila Parishad Act, 1959; MLA Rajendra Pareek spoke on the Rajasthan Cooperative Societies Act, 1965; and former MLA Pradyuman Singh discussed the Rajasthan Land Revenue Act, 1956 — each underscoring the enduring administrative and developmental contributions of these statutes to the state.
The Amrit Mahotsav series is expected to continue as the Assembly marks its 75th anniversary, with further sessions likely to examine additional pillars of Rajasthan's legislative history.