December 2025

Activists vow to fight for accountability, welfare

At a gathering at Amar Jawan Jyoti here Wednesday, activists from Soochna Evam Rozgar Adhikar Abhiyan (SR Abhiyan) said three major bills-the Rajasthan Platform-Based Gig Workers (Registration and Welfare) Bill, the Rajasthan Right to Health Care Bill, and the Rajasthan Minimum Guaranteed Income Bill-had remained stalled for over two years under the Bhajan Lal govt. Nikhil Dey from Mazdoor Kisan Shakti Sangathan (MKSS) said both Cong and BJP govts had failed the state’s most vulnerable workers. “Congress showed intent but lacked the courage to bring the bills forward. It has been two years of the BJP govt and they haven’t blinked on these legislations. People deserve clarity on whether the govt is even interested,” he said. Calling the padyatra that concluded Wednesday “the start of a long campaign,” Dey said the movement would continue “for 10 or 20 years if needed” and would enter villages in its next phase.Magsaysay awardee and Right To Information (RTI) activist Aruna Roy said democracy was incomplete without accountability. “The dignity and rights of individuals can be protected only when there is accountability. Without it, the dream of the Constitution remains unfulfilled,” she said, urging the state to enact an accountability law.Padyatra participant Shankar Singh, who walked for 15 days, said villages across Rajasthan were struggling with the same issues-water scarcity, pensions, schooling, and healthcare. “Schemes exist, laws exist, but no one is responsible for ensuring they work. Without accountability, justice will remain distant,” he said.

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Raj OBC commission to prepare report

Jaipur: Rajasthan State Commission for Backward Classes (RSBC) will launch a series of public dialogue programmes at all divisional headquarters from Nov 17. The commission will examine the nature of backwardness and understand problems faced by OBCs in the state based on these dialogues. Commission chairman Madan Lal Bhati will preside over these programmes that are scheduled till Dec 8. The programmes aim to gather comprehensive evidence on socio-economic challenges and barriers encountered by OBC communities. The exercise will include former and current public representatives (members, chairpersons, heads) of urban local bodies, zila parishads, and panchayat samitis, besides MLAs and MPs. Discussions will be held with all of them, and based on that, district-wise reports will be prepared.Based on the RSBC’s report, the state govt will recommend reservations for OBC seats in the upcoming municipal and panchayat elections.The public meetings are proposed in Udaipur on Nov 21, in Bharatpur on Nov 24, in Bikaner on Nov 27, in Ajmer on Nov 28, in Jaipur on Dec 2, and in Kota on Dec 8. The commission will submit its report to the state govt by the end of Jan or mid-Feb next year.

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Raj BLOs nearing SIR target completion: CEO

Although the deadline for the Special Intensive Review (SIR) has been extended in all 12 states and Union Territories by a week, election officials in Raj said Booth Level Officials (BLOS) in the state have already met over 95% of the target, making the extra time superfluous for officials here.Even in the 19 constituencies of Jaipur district-that has the highest number of voters-BLOs have completed enumeration of more than 91% of the voter list.Naveen Mahajan, CEO of Rajasthan, told TOI, “Out of 5.46 crore enumeration forms in the state, over 5.24 crore have been uploaded to ECI-Net, representing a 95.9% achievement. This success is the result of technical expertise, teamwork, and continuous monitoring at the district level. Going at this rate, the state could have achieved the 100% target even before the original deadline of Dec 4. The extension is applicable for a few other states where the process is going slow.” In Jaipur, deputy district election officer Meghraj Meena said over 90% of the forms had been digitised under the SIR. Till 6pm on Sunday, 43,89,700 (over 91%) of the enumeration forms had been digitised.Among the 19 assembly constituencies of Jaipur, Chomu recorded the highest completion rate at 99.48%.

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Woman Watches Web Series On Crimes, Studies Murder Cases Before Killing Husband

During investigation, it was found that the accused searched the internet and watched web series to plan e-rickshaw driver Manoj’s murder. Fed up of being subjected to physical assault and suspicion, a woman and her friends in Jaipur murdered her husband on Saturday. During investigation, it was found that the accused searched the internet and watched web series to plan e-rickshaw driver Manoj’s murder. The woman Santosh Devi befriended co-accused Rishi Srivastava at a bedsheet factory, where they both worked. As their relation grew thicker, they hatched a conspiracy to murder Manoj. Rishi’s friend Mohit Sharma joined the plan, and the three searched ways to kill a person and not get caught on Google. They also watched web series on crimes and famous murder cases to fine-tune their plan. The three accused bought new SIM cards and conducted a recce of spots where their plan can be carried out. On Saturday, Mohit hired Manoj’s e-rickshaw to go to the ISKCON temple. Around 10 minutes into the journey, Rishi met Mohit and the e-rickshaw was taken to a deserted farmhouse area, where Manoj’s throat was slit using a sharp bedsheet cutter. The two men then changed their clothes and appearances and switched off their SIM cards. Due to absence of CCTVs at the spot of the murder, the police scanned footage from nearby cameras to zero in on the accused. During investigation, the three accused said that planning for the murder began around a month ago.

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Rajasthan Man Trying To Mediate Dispute Shot Dead, Case Filed

The incident took place on Tuesday night when two groups of people returning from a temple after attending a religious ceremony engaged in a quarrel over some past enmity, police said A 29-year-old man attempting to mediate an altercation between two groups was shot dead at Ramgarh village in Kota district, police said on Wednesday. Police have registered a case of murder against six persons, some of whom have been detained, including the key accused, they said. The victim has been identified as Shankar Charan (29), a resident of Ramgarh under the Mandana police station limits. The incident took place on Tuesday night when two groups of people returning from a temple after attending a religious ceremony engaged in a quarrel over some past enmity, Kota (Rural) SP Sujit Shankar said. Seeing the two groups fight, Shankar Charan tried to pacify them when a man belonging to one of the groups opened fire from a country-made pistol, hitting the victim from a close range, the SP said. Shankar Charan was rushed to the New Medical College Hospital in Kota, where he succumbed to his injuries during treatment, the officer said, adding that the key accused – identified as Shyamlal Charan – was a relative of the victim. Police have detained Shyamlal along with a few others for questioning, the officer said. Apart from Shyamlal, the other accused have been identified as Balram, Bhuriya, Bhanwarlal, Kishan and Balu, all from Ramgarh village. Shyamlal and Balram were recently released from prison in an attempt to murder case, the SP said. 

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Elephant Festival

Elephant Festival – A Majestic Celebration of Royal Grandeur, Culture & Festive Spirit The Elephant Festival of Jaipur is one of Rajasthan’s most visually striking and culturally rich celebrations, held every year on the eve of Holi. Known for its royal pageantry, decorated elephants, traditional performances, and festive atmosphere, the festival showcases the grandeur of Rajasthan’s heritage in a way that captivates both locals and tourists alike. Set against Jaipur’s historic backdrop, this vibrant event features elaborately adorned elephants painted with natural colors, draped in embroidered fabrics, and embellished with jewelry and anklets. The festival highlights the deep cultural bond between Rajasthan and its royal animals, making it a spectacular symbol of tradition, artistry, and celebration. The Elephant Festival is a joyful fusion of music, dance, and color that reflects Jaipur’s legendary hospitality and timeless cultural spirit — drawing visitors from across India and around the world. 🎨 Cultural Legacy and Significance The tradition of honoring elephants has been a part of Rajasthan’s royal culture for centuries. Historically, elephants played a key role in ceremonies, processions, warfare, and royal events. The Elephant Festival celebrates this heritage by presenting these majestic animals in their most regal form. The festival not only pays homage to Rajasthan’s history but also showcases the exceptional craftsmanship of local artists who decorate the elephants with intricate designs and traditional motifs using natural colors and eco-friendly materials. It is a living testimony to the respect, artistic brilliance, and cultural continuity that define the Pink City’s identity. 🎉 The Elephant Festival Celebrations in Jaipur Jaipur’s Elephant Festival is an exciting blend of traditional performances, cultural showcases, and interactive events that bring the city alive with festive charm. Major Highlights Include: The Elephant Festival is a breathtaking combination of tradition, creativity, and entertainment — making it one of Jaipur’s most unforgettable cultural spectacles. 🕉️ Cultural and Social Importance The festival serves as a tribute to Rajasthan’s royal traditions while also promoting the importance of animal care, cultural preservation, and community celebration. It creates opportunities for local artisans, performers, and craftsmen to showcase their talent and ensures that the folkloric traditions of Jaipur continue to thrive. The Elephant Festival also enhances Jaipur’s tourism appeal, drawing international attention to its unique blend of heritage and color. 📅 Festival Details Location: Jaipur Polo Ground / Rambagh Polo GroundMain Events: Elephant Parade, Polo Match, Beauty Contest, Folk ShowsDuration: 1 Day (Eve of Holi)Best Time to Visit: Afternoon to EveningOrganized By: Rajasthan Tourism Department ⭐ Why You Should Visit The Elephant Festival in Jaipur is a cultural experience unlike any other — a magnificent celebration filled with color, music, royal traditions, and breathtaking artistry. From the grand procession of decorated elephants to the unique polo matches and folk performances, the festival offers a rare glimpse into Rajasthan’s regal heritage. Witnessing this event is like stepping into a world where history and celebration meet — a truly unforgettable experience that showcases the vibrant spirit of Jaipur and its love for cultural festivities.

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