Important decisions taken in Rajasthan Cabinet meeting

• 11 May 2022

Why In News?

On May 10, 2022, a meeting of the State Cabinet and the Council of Ministers chaired by Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot took a number of important decisions such as holding of a uniform eligibility test for competitive examinations with uniform eligibility including approval for necessary amendments in the rules for implementation of the old pension scheme.

Key Point

• The meeting has approved the proposal for amendments to the Rajasthan Civil Services (Pension) Rules, 1996, the Rajasthan Civil Services (Contributory Pension) Rules, 2005, various revised Pay Scales Rules and the Rajasthan Civil Services (Medical Care) Rules, 2013 for implementation of the Budget Announcement for implementation of old Pension Scheme (OPS) for all Government employees appointed on and after 1st January, 2004 .
• This will enable government employees appointed on and after 1st January, 2004 to be eligible for pensionary benefits on their retirement. At the same time, the Government of Rajasthan will also be able to get cashless medical facility under the Health Scheme (RGHS).
• Those who have exited their service before 31^st March, 2022 will also be payable pensionary benefits from April, 2022 as per the said rules.
• With a view to streamline, time-bound and integrate the recruitment process in the state, a Common Eligibility Test (CTET) will now be conducted in place of various competitive examinations (e.g., Village Development Officers, Patwaris, Ministerial Staff etc.) with the same eligibility criteria . For this, the Rajasthan Subordinate and Ministerial Services (Uniform Eligibility Test) Rules, 2022 will be framed.
• As per the announcement of Budget 2022-23, it has been decided to allot 25 bighas of land free of cost in the Indira Gandhi Canal Project area to the Paralympic medal winners resident of Rajasthan.
• A decision has been taken on allotment of valuable land to Adani Renewable Energy Park Rajasthan Limited, a joint venture set up by an agreement between Rajasthan Akshay Urja Nigam Limited and Adani Group, a state government undertaking, for setting up of 2000 MW solar park for 6,000 hectares of state-owned land in Jaisalmer district.
• In addition, a decision has been taken on the proposal for conditional allotment of 290.62 hectares of government land in Tehsil Fatehgarh of Jaisalmer to Eden Renewable Paci Private Limited. This decision will enable setting up of a 150 MW solar power project.