Jaipur, April 16 (NationPress) The Chief Minister of Rajasthan, Bhajan Lal Sharma, declared on Thursday the formation of a high-level panel tasked with reviewing promotions and pay scales for state employees. This committee will also discuss the recommendations put forth by the 8th Pay Commission in due time.

He reaffirmed the state's dedication to employee welfare, emphasizing significant measures taken over the last two years aimed at enhancing service conditions and boosting administrative efficiency.

During the oath-taking ceremony for the Rajasthan Secretariat Service Officers' Association at the Government Secretariat, the Chief Minister characterized the Secretariat as the foremost institution of state governance, responsible for crafting policies and programs geared towards public welfare.

He stressed that the committed and effective performance of officers and staff significantly accelerates governance and serves the public interest. Underlining the necessity for a responsive administration, he urged employees to prioritize addressing public complaints and maintain their commitment to good governance.

On this occasion, CM Sharma administered the oath of office to the new President, Abhimanyu Sharma, along with the executive committee members. He extended his best wishes and encouraged the office-bearers to fulfill their duties with integrity and dedication.

Highlighting the significance of public service, the Chief Minister echoed PM Modi’s focus on citizen-centric governance, mentioning initiatives like ‘Mission Karmayogi’, which aims to enhance government employees' efficiency and capabilities.

He motivated state personnel to fully leverage such initiatives and embrace the principle of “Nagarik Devo Bhava” to ensure ongoing improvements in public service.

Discussing employee welfare, Chief Minister Sharma noted that the government has implemented time-bound promotions and raised the gratuity limit from Rs 20 lakh to Rs 25 lakh.

Through the Rajasthan Government Health Scheme (RGHS), employees can now choose to include either their parents or parents-in-law for medical coverage.

He mentioned that the 2026–27 Budget includes multiple provisions for employees and pensioners, along with plans for introducing international-standard training programs to transition towards a role-based work culture.

Moreover, the Chief Minister highlighted welfare initiatives such as extending compassionate appointment benefits to daughters-in-law, allowing single female employees to take Child Care Leave in six installments, and establishing 'Mukhyamantri Shishu-Vatsalya Sadan' to foster a supportive work environment for women.

Referring to the broader development agenda of the state, Sharma stated that progress is being made across various sectors, including agriculture, power, and water supply.

Key projects like the Ram Jal Setu Link Project, Dewas Project, Yamuna Water Agreement, and Som-Kamla-Amba Project are underway to secure irrigation and drinking water access.

He noted that farmers in 24 districts are now receiving daytime electricity and a new Youth Policy has been launched to encourage entrepreneurship.

To date, the government has provided over 1.25 lakh government jobs and initiated processes for an equal number of additional recruitments.

Additionally, the Chief Minister announced that 15 new posts of Assistant Government Secretary were created in 2025 to broaden promotion opportunities, with another 15 posts to be added.

He also revealed a two-year relaxation for cadres previously excluded from promotion exemptions and instructed the Chief Secretary to evaluate departmental needs and report back promptly.

The ceremony was attended by Public Health Engineering Minister Kanhaiya Lal, Chief Secretary V. Srinivas, and numerous Secretariat officers and employees.