Jaipur, May 21 (IANS) Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma on Thursday directed officials to take strict action against those involved in illegal religious conversions and against government employees found participating in political activities.

During a district-level review meeting in Banswara, CM Sharma also announced the development of sandalwood forests in the district, with 11,000 sandalwood saplings to be planted in each designated forest area under the Hariyalo Rajasthan campaign.

He instructed the Forest Department to accelerate plantation drives and intensify efforts towards forest conservation and expansion. The Chief Minister also directed officials to conduct field inspections and rural visits more seriously and ensure timely resolution of public grievances.

During the second day of his three-day tour of Banswara and Dungarpur districts, the Chief Minister chaired a district-level review meeting at the Banswara Collectorate auditorium, where he reviewed the progress of government schemes, budget announcements, infrastructure projects and public welfare programmes being implemented in the district.

CM Sharma directed officials to work with sensitivity, accountability and dedication to ensure that the benefits of government welfare schemes reach eligible beneficiaries at the grassroots level without delay.

Expressing dissatisfaction over the functioning of Banswara Municipal Council Commissioner Durgesh Singh Rawal, the Chief Minister directed that action be initiated against him.

Following the meeting, the Local Self-Government Department issued orders placing the commissioner under Awaited Posting Order (APO) status.

The Chief Minister also instructed officials to increase field visits, independently take cognisance of local issues and ensure their timely resolution through regular monitoring and administrative coordination.

Emphasising the importance of water self-sufficiency ahead of the monsoon season, Sharma directed officials to ensure proper cleaning and maintenance of canals, ponds, reservoirs and other water bodies.

“There is no alternative to water. Every drop of Mahi river water must be utilised properly and should not go to waste,” he said, while stressing the need for adequate arrangements for drinking water supply and irrigation facilities.

The Chief Minister also reviewed works being undertaken under the Chief Minister Jal Swavalamban Abhiyan and called for long-term projects related to water conservation, irrigation and rural infrastructure development to be completed on priority while maintaining quality standards.

Reiterating the state government’s position on law and order and administrative discipline, Sharma instructed officials to take strict action against those involved in illegal religious conversions and against government employees found participating in political activities.

He also directed officials to conduct inspections and rural visits seriously and remain alert to local public concerns and requirements during field tours.

The Chief Minister further instructed officials to make concrete and sustained efforts to improve school enrolment and student retention during the current academic session, especially in rural and tribal areas.

He also reviewed the expansion of irrigation and lift irrigation projects, implementation of solar-powered schemes, rural and urban power supply, progress under the Jal Jeevan Mission, drinking water distribution systems, summer contingency planning, road construction and repair works, healthcare services, heatwave management and measures to tackle seasonal diseases.

Sharma instructed departments concerned to ensure immediate repairs of damaged roads and prompt action wherever drinking water-related issues arise.

He further said that Banswara district possesses immense development potential and stressed the need to promote tourism in the region because of its favourable climate, natural landscape and tourism prospects.

Referring to welfare schemes for farmers, Sharma said the state government was implementing several initiatives aimed at improving farmers’ livelihoods and enhancing agricultural prosperity across Rajasthan.

Among those present at the meeting were Tribal Area Development Minister Babulal Kharari, MLA Kailash Meena, Divisional Commissioner Pragya Kewalramani, Udaipur Range IG Gaurav Srivastava, District Collector Dr Indrajit Singh Yadav and Superintendent of Police Sudhir Joshi, besides public representatives and district-level officials.

–IANS

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