Rajasthan to Introduce Bill to Curb Illegal Conversions

Jaipur– Rajasthan's state cabinet has given the green light to the Rajasthan Prohibition of Unlawful Conversion of Religion Bill-2024, which seeks to curb religious conversions carried out through fraud, inducement, or coercion. The bill is set to be introduced in the upcoming Assembly session, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Jogaram Patel announced on Saturday.

Highlighting the need for such legislation, Minister Patel stated that Rajasthan currently lacks a law specifically addressing illegal conversions. The proposed legislation includes stringent provisions, such as declaring marriages conducted for the purpose of forced conversions invalid. Offenses under this act will be non-bailable and cognizable, bringing Rajasthan in line with similar laws enacted in other states.

The cabinet meeting, chaired by Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma, also saw the approval of several other significant initiatives aimed at boosting the state's economic and industrial growth. Among these were nine new policies, including the Rajasthan MSME Policy, Export Promotion Policy, One District One Product Policy, Rajasthan Tourism Unit Policy, and Integrated Cluster Development Scheme.

Deputy Chief Minister Premchand Bairwa and Minister Patel outlined the government’s vision to accelerate development through these initiatives. The Rajasthan MSME Policy-2024 aims to enhance the global competitiveness of micro, small, and medium enterprises by offering a 2% interest subsidy on loans, financial support of up to ₹15 lakh for accessing SME Exchange funding, and grants for adopting advanced technologies, quality certification, and marketing.

The Export Promotion Policy-2024 targets exports worth ₹1.50 lakh crore over the next five years. It includes incentives such as reimbursement of up to 75% or ₹3 lakh for international event participation, subsidies for e-commerce fees, and support for technical upgrades and certifications.

The cabinet also approved ordinances to establish development authorities in Bikaner and Bharatpur under the Bikaner Development Authority Ordinance-2024 and Bharatpur Development Authority Ordinance-2024. These authorities aim to ensure systematic urban development in both cities.

Additionally, the government accepted recommendations from the Khemraj Committee to address pay discrepancies, implement salary reforms, and enhance promotional opportunities for state employees. The reforms, effective from September 1, 2024, will address longstanding issues in the state’s civil service structure.

With the Rajasthan Tourism Unit Policy and One District One Product Policy, the state aims to enhance its tourism potential and promote regional crafts, handlooms, and specialty products. These measures seek to position Rajasthan as a hub for industrial development, tourism, and exports.

Deputy CM Bairwa emphasized the government’s commitment to creating a thriving industrial ecosystem while supporting local communities, thereby ensuring balanced growth across sectors.