Jaipur, April 11 (NationPress) Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma officially inaugurated and laid the groundwork for 213 development initiatives totaling Rs 607.66 crore in Bandikui, located in the Dausa district, in honor of Mahatma Jyotiba Phule's birth anniversary.

Sharma emphasized that the legacy of Mahatma Jyotiba Phule was devoted to uplifting marginalized groups in society, including women, farmers, and laborers.

He noted that PM Narendra Modi is advancing Phule’s mission, and under his guidance, India is swiftly progressing towards social unity and harmony.

During the program in Bandikui, coinciding with the celebration of Phule's 200th birth anniversary, Sharma also inaugurated various development projects.

He acknowledged that Mahatma Gandhi referred to Jyotiba Phule as a “true Mahatma,” and Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar considered him one of his three mentors.

The Chief Minister remarked that Phule sparked the movement for social justice and education for women and backward classes, initiating reforms by educating Savitribai Phule.

He mentioned Phule's efforts to visit slums and settlements to promote girls’ education, establish shelter homes for widows and orphans, and be a strong advocate for women’s rights.

Phule also created Mangalashtakas (auspicious verses) to support women’s empowerment, alongside his extensive work for the welfare of distressed farmers and laborers.

Sharma recalled that last year, from the Red Fort, PM Modi had called for the nation to celebrate Phule's 200th anniversary with pride.

To honor this legacy, the period until April 10, 2027, will be recognized as the Bicentenary Year of Mahatma Jyotiba Phule.

He stated that many welfare schemes initiated by the Prime Minister, inspired by Phule’s vision, have markedly improved the lives of backward classes, Dalits, and women.

Sharma pointed out that initiatives such as the PM Awas Yojana, Swachh Bharat Mission, Jal Jeevan Mission, PM Ujjwala Yojana, and Jan Dhan Yojana have benefitted millions, lifting over 250 million people out of poverty due to pro-poor policies.

The Chief Minister affirmed that the state government is fully committed to the welfare of the poor, farmers, youth, and women. He announced an increase in annual assistance under PM Kisan Samman Nidhi from Rs 6,000 to Rs 9,000, with a bonus of Rs 150 per quintal on wheat procurement at the Minimum Support Price.

He added that 20 lakh women have been trained, with 16 lakh becoming ‘Lakhpati Didis’.

The government is actively implementing drinking water and irrigation projects throughout the state, providing farmers in 24 districts with daytime electricity.

Sharma noted that while paper leaks previously shattered the aspirations of youth under the former government, such incidents have not occurred under the current administration. To date, over 1.25 lakh government jobs have been created, with a recruitment calendar issued for an additional 1.25 lakh posts.

He also highlighted the promotion of employment in the private sector, with initiatives like the Mangala Pashu Bima Yojana and Gopal Credit Card Yojana empowering livestock farmers, alongside a subsidy of Rs 5 per litre for milk producers under the Dudh Utpadak Sambal Yojana.

The Chief Minister confirmed that Rajasthan is receiving full backing from the Central Government.

Under the Prime Minister's leadership, major projects including the revised cost of the HPCL Rajasthan Refinery and Phase 2 of the Jaipur Metro have been approved in a single Cabinet meeting.

He reiterated the government's commitment to fulfilling all public promises and taking strict action against those involved in paper leaks, the Jal Jeevan Mission scam, and corruption.

Deputy Chief Minister Premchand Bairwa expressed that the lives of Mahatma Jyotiba Phule and B. R. Ambedkar inspire society to confront challenges through courage and determination.

He emphasized that their teachings promote equality and girls’ education, which the current government is actively endorsing.

State Minister Avinash Gehlot noted that development is advancing across all regions of Rajasthan under Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma's leadership.