Sonia Gandhi campaigns for assembly polls

Last time I was here to launch a railway project and today I have come to speak to you on the occasion of assembly elections. I am proud for that fact that you always have given your warm love and affection to the Congress party and I am confident that this relationship will continue in the future too.

With your support and co-operation, the Congress government has transformed Rajasthan to a progressive state. Congress is always committed for the welfare of the people and development of the country. The UPA Government at the centre, under the leader ship of Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh, has launched several schemes and policies aimed at inclusive growth. We have given priority for the upliftment of the backward classes and underprivileged.

I know people of Adivasi and Tribal communities have assembled here in large numbers. I want to assure them that Congress government have always gives priority for their upliftment and welfare. UPA government at the Centre realises that the only hope and wealth of Adivasis is the forest and its crops. We, therefore, enacted right to forest act to protect their interests and to ensure their rights in forest lands and its crops. Under this law, more than 25000 Adivasi families could avail benefits in Rajasthan. The Congress government here has launched several schemes for the welfare of SC/ STs and also have initiated various programmes to tackle malnutrition and various diseases among them. Not only Adivasis, the Congress government takes care of all other back ward communities also in the state. As most of you are aware, education is the key to development. That is why we have opened a central university here so that your children could get better education to have a bright career.

The UPA Government at the Centre enacted historic land mark legislation – the new Land Acquisition Bill which prevents any forceful land grabbing of Adivasi lands without their consent and after giving proper compensation. To make sure that no one lives hungry in our country and also to free people from the menace of malnutrition, we implemented Food Security Bill.

Rajasthan has been progressing rapidly. It has now an oil refinery at Barmer, Rail coach factory at Mewar and new rail project has been initiated at south Rajasthan’s adivasi dominated region.

The effort to solve the issue of water scarcity is in progress. To tackle the serious drinking water issues in Mewar, a project to take water from River Chambal to that region has already been launched. Rajasthan has become the first state to ensure social security to its entire people.

I feel very happy that the Rajasthan government effectively utilized all the central funds sent under various schemes and the people here could avail its benefits.

We know that empowerment of women is utmost necessary for development and the UPA Government has initiated several schemes in this direction. Self Help Group movement launched by us is helping the women in our country to become self reliant. We have assured steps for women empowerment during our Jaipur Sammelan and we have already started launching them, one of such scheme - a health care scheme- has recently been launched at Maharashtra.

I feel happy to note that the Rajasthan government also have given priority for women empowerment and I appreciate it for various schemes and programmes to achieve it. Rajasthan has implemented Janani Suraksha Yojana in a commendable manner and about 25 lakh of women and 5 lakh infants availed its benefit. I also congratulate the Congress Government here for its Chief Minister’s Shubh Lakshmi programme aimed at helping the girl child. The Congress government in Rajasthan under the leadership of Sh. Ashok Gehlot has initiated several such pro-poor welfare schemes, which has set an example for others.