Welfare

Rajasthan Governor Haribhau Bagde, on Friday, has given the approval for a series of major initiatives aimed at enhancing the welfare of war veterans, war widows, and their dependents in the state. Chairing the 18th meeting of the State Military Board at Raj Bhavan, the Governor emphasised a time-bound approach and a positive mindset in executing welfare policies for the state’s ex-servicemen community. Governor Bagde approved the establishment of an old-age home for war veterans in Jaipur, an integrated military complex in Jodhpur, and a uniform policy for naming schools and public institutions after martyred soldiers. He directed officials to expedite all pending decisions related to military welfare and ensure effective, transparent, and compassionate implementation. “Soldiers safeguard the nation and enable citizens to live in peace. Society must remain eternally grateful to them and work tirelessly for their welfare,” the Governor said, urging all departments to work wholeheartedly for war veterans and their families. Old-age home for war veterans has been approved which will be set up in Jaipur under a time-bound plan. Also, an integrated complex in Jodhpur will be set up in which development will be undertaken at the Military Welfare Department complex in Raika Bagh, with feasibility studies and funding under Central and state schemes. Military Welfare Office has also been set up with in-principle approval granted for a new office at Rajgarh in Churu district,” Governor Bagde said.

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.