Raje asks Rajasthanis in US to contribute to state

Rajasthan is looking beyond tourism to accelerate the pace of development in the desert state, Chief Minister Vasundhra Raje has said asking Indian Americans from the state to contribute their talent and capital in the effort.

At a function organised in New York on Tuesday by several organisations of Indian Americans from the state to congratulate her on her receiving the prestigious 'UN Women Together Award,' she said the state is now looking beyond tourism for which it is well known.

Her remarks came after she held several meetings with investors and professionals from the state who assured her of full support. She also invited ideas from them as to the areas in which they could help.

In an effort to improve efficiency, she said she had introduced a project 'Research Rajasthan' which would identify the projects lying unfinished for years as also their causes and ensure that they must be completed in the shortest possible time.

Raje said her government is giving priority to health and education and called on people of Rajasthani origin to participate in these important sectors. The state could not progress unless people are educated and healthy.

In this context, she detailed steps being taken by the government to keep children in schools including midday meal and rewards.

The award that she has won, Raje said, is a tribute to women of the state who work hard to produce high quality products including Khadi.

Talking about initiatives being taken by women, Raje said 130,000 women self help groups are efficiently dealing with micro credit worth Rs 1600 million and are fulfilling the needs of their families.