Rajasthan State PCS

• 18 Jul 2023

Rajasthan University Teachers (Temporary Teachers) (Amendment) Bill, 2023 passed by Voice Vote

Why in News?

On July 17, 2023, the Rajasthan Universities Teachers (Appointment of Temporary Teachers) (Amendment) Bill-2023 was passed by voice vote after discussion in the Rajasthan Legislative Assembly. Eligible temporary teachers can be regularised by screening through this bill.

Key Points:

• It is known that earlier in the year 2008, the Teachers (Appointment of Temporary Teachers) Ordinance of Rajasthan Universities was introduced. Later, a bill to replace the ordinance was passed in the Assembly.
• Under this Ordinance and Act, more than 300 teachers working temporarily in the universities were made permanent in the service of the concerned universities after being found eligible through the screening committee.
• It is to be known that before the year 2008, some temporary teachers/yoga instructors working in the university were left out from being covered in the 2008 ordinance. Therefore, the state government has decided to make such teachers and yoga instructors permanent after they are found eligible through the screening committee.
• For this, the Rajasthan Universities Teachers (Appointment of Temporary Teachers) (Amendment) Bill-2023 has been brought by amending the definition of temporary teacher in the Amalgamation Act, 2008 and giving relaxation in the period of 180 days fixed for appointment by the original Act.

Rajiv Gandhi Fintech Digital Institute Bill-2023 passed by Voice Vote

Why in News?

On July 17, 2023, the Rajasthan Assembly passed the Bill by voice vote after a discussion on the Rajiv Gandhi Fintech Digital Institutions Bill-2023.

Key Points:

• Rajasthan Education Minister Dr. B.D. Kalla said in the Assembly that the Rajiv Gandhi Fintech Digital Institute being set up in Jodhpur will set world-class standards in the field of financial technology. This institute is being set up to train the youth of the state in this field.
• This world-class institution will prove to be a new revolution in the digital world. This will create experts in the technical field like Artificial Intelligence, who will be able to get employment opportunities worldwide.
• The institute is being established in the name of Bharat Ratna Late Rajiv Gandhi, the architect of the IT revolution.
• In the current era where cyber crimes are increasing rapidly and people are needing expert advice for tasks like investment and insurance, this institute will create digitally knowledgeable financial technology experts.
• The state government has made a provision of Rs 672.45 crore for the institute from its financial resources, out of which an amount of Rs 130 crore has been spent. For this, 97 bighas of land have been allotted, on which construction work is going on.  
• Diploma, degree courses recognized by UGC and AICTE will be available in the institute. This institute will develop into a Digital State University, where cyber experts and digital experts will be prepared.
• Also, the institute will be developed as per the standards of IIT, AIIMS. The management here will be fully autonomous.
• Earlier, the House rejected the proposal to circulate the bill for public opinion by voice vote.

A grant of Rs 3 crore 37 lakh for the establishment of 11 Millets & Food Processing Units

Why in News?

On July 17, 2023, Rajasthan Agriculture Minister Lalchand Kataria informed the Legislative Assembly that a grant assistance of Rs 3.37 crore has been given for the establishment of 11 millets and food processing units in the state.

Key Points:

• The Agriculture Minister said that no application has been made by the farmers from any district for the establishment of Millet Processing Units under the Rajasthan Millets Promotion Mission. As many as 20 applications have been received from private companies for processing units of millets and other food items. Out of these, a grant-in-aid of Rs 3.37 crore has been given for setting up 11 processing units.
• It is worth mentioning that the Rajasthan Millets Promotion Mission has been announced by the Chief Minister in the budget for the year 2022-23.
• Under the mission, provisions have been made to establish the Millets Centre of Excellence under Jodhpur Agricultural University, with a view to provide free seeds of advanced varieties, distribution of micronutrients and bio-insecticide kits at a subsidized rate, grant on establishment of the first 100 processing units of millets, promotion for the modification of Bajra and other millets, encouragement and latest technical information to small and marginal farmers.
• It is known that Ragi, Kangni, Sawan, Cheena, Kodo, and Kutki crops are included under Millets. Public awareness programs have been proposed regarding their nutritional quality.
• State seed-producing organizations like Rajasthan State Seed Corporation Limited and Rajasthan State Oilseed Producer Cooperative Union Limited, do not have the improved seeds of small grains like Ragi, Kangni, Sawan, Cheena, Kodo, Kutki. Seeds have been procured from the Indian Institute of Millet Research, Hyderabad by the state government to develop these seeds in the state itself.