Rajasthan Government Set to Introduce Legislation Against Illegal Conversions

Jaipur, Nov (NationPress) On Saturday, Rajasthan’s Parliamentary Affairs Minister Jogaram Patel revealed that the state cabinet has given the green light to a bill designed to prohibit religious conversions that occur through inducement, fraud, or coercion.

The proposed legislation, titled the Rajasthan Prohibition of Unlawful Conversion of Religion Bill-2024, will be presented in the upcoming Assembly session.

Minister Patel emphasized that the state currently lacks dedicated laws to tackle illegal conversions. Once enacted, this legislation will introduce severe penalties for such offenses, including rendering marriages conducted for forced conversions as invalid. Offenses categorized under this law will be non-bailable and cognizable, mirroring similar laws in other regions.

This bill received approval during a cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma. The meeting also yielded several significant resolutions aimed at propelling the state’s growth, encompassing the endorsement of nine new policies focused on enhancing industrial and economic development, the formation of the 7th State Finance Commission, and ordinances to establish development authorities in Bikaner and Bharatpur. Additionally, amendments to the Rajasthan Civil Services (Revised Pay) Rules-2017 were made in accordance with the Khemraj Committee recommendations.

During a press conference, Deputy Chief Minister Premchand Bairwa along with Minister Patel outlined the new policies approved, which include the Rajasthan MSME Policy, Export Promotion Policy, One District One Product Policy, Rajasthan Tourism Unit Policy, and the Integrated Cluster Development Scheme. These initiatives are envisioned to drive industrial growth, establish Rajasthan as an export hub, promote local tourism, support small enterprises, and showcase regional crafts, handlooms, and specialty products.

Deputy CM Bairwa indicated that the cabinet also sanctioned ordinances for the establishment of development authorities in Bikaner and Bharatpur. These authorities will facilitate structured and planned development in the respective cities under the Bharatpur Development Authority Ordinance-2024 and the Bikaner Development Authority Ordinance-2024.

The cabinet adopted the Khemraj Committee recommendations concerning the resolution of pay discrepancies, the implementation of pay reforms, and the improvement of promotional prospects for state personnel. Chief Minister Sharma had previously declared that these reforms would commence on September 1, 2024.

Minister Patel elaborated on the Rajasthan MSME Policy-2024, which aims to enhance the global competitiveness of MSMEs. Important components include a 2 percent supplementary interest subsidy on loans, support of up to Rs 15 lakh for securing funds from the SME Exchange, grants for adopting advanced technologies, quality certification, and marketing initiatives.

To stimulate exports, the Rajasthan Export Promotion Policy-2024 aims for a target of Rs 1.50 lakh crore in exports over the next five years. The policy includes incentives for exporters, such as up to 75 percent or Rs 3 lakh reimbursement for participation in international events, assistance for technical upgrades and certification costs, and subsidies for e-commerce platform fees and documentation.

Through these initiatives, the government aspires to cultivate a vibrant industrial ecosystem and position Rajasthan as a frontrunner in exports, tourism, and local handicrafts.