Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma on Thursday, 21 May directed state officials to take strict action against individuals involved in illegal religious conversions, while also ordering action against government employees found engaging in political activities. The directives were issued during a district-level review meeting held at the Banswara Collectorate auditorium on the second day of his three-day tour of Banswara and Dungarpur districts.

Key Directives from the Review Meeting

Chairing the meeting, CM Sharma reviewed the progress of government schemes, budget announcements, infrastructure projects and public welfare programmes being implemented across Banswara district. He directed officials to work with sensitivity, accountability and dedication to ensure welfare scheme benefits reach eligible beneficiaries at the grassroots level without delay.

Sharma expressed dissatisfaction over the functioning of Banswara Municipal Council Commissioner Durgesh Singh Rawal, directing that action be initiated against him. Shortly after the meeting, the Local Self-Government Department issued orders placing the commissioner under Awaited Posting Order (APO) status.

Water Conservation and Monsoon Preparedness

Emphasising water self-sufficiency ahead of the monsoon season, the Chief Minister directed officials to ensure proper cleaning and maintenance of canals, ponds, reservoirs and other water bodies. 'There is no alternative to water. Every drop of Mahi river water must be utilised properly and should not go to waste,' he said.

Sharma reviewed works under the Chief Minister Jal Swavalamban Abhiyan and called for long-term projects related to water conservation, irrigation and rural infrastructure to be completed on priority while maintaining quality standards. He also reviewed progress under the Jal Jeevan Mission and drinking water distribution systems.

Environment, Agriculture and Development Push

The Chief Minister announced the development of sandalwood forests in Banswara, with 11,000 sandalwood saplings to be planted in each designated forest area under the Hariyalo Rajasthan campaign. He instructed the Forest Department to accelerate plantation drives and intensify forest conservation efforts.

Sharma stressed the district's immense development potential and called for greater promotion of tourism, citing its favourable climate, natural landscape and tourism prospects. Referring to welfare schemes for farmers, he said the state government was implementing several initiatives aimed at improving agricultural livelihoods across Rajasthan.

Administrative and Social Priorities

The Chief Minister directed officials to make sustained efforts to improve school enrolment and student retention during the current academic session, especially in rural and tribal areas. He also reviewed healthcare services, heatwave management, road construction and repair works, and measures to tackle seasonal diseases, instructing departments to ensure immediate repairs of damaged roads and prompt resolution of drinking water issues.

Among those present at the meeting were Tribal Area Development Minister Babulal Kharari, MLA Kailash Meena, Divisional Commissioner Pragya Kewalramani, Udaipur Range IG Gaurav Srivastava, District Collector Dr Indrajit Singh Yadav and Superintendent of Police Sudhir Joshi, along with public representatives and district-level officials.

The Chief Minister is scheduled to continue his administrative tour of the region as part of his broader push to strengthen governance and public service delivery at the district level.