New Delhi,Rajasthan's Minister for Education, Sanskrit Education and Panchayati Raj, Madan Dilawar, has reaffirmed the state's commitment to implementing the vision of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 by introducing foundational education in students' mother tongue and local dialects. He said the Rajasthan Government is moving rapidly to make early education more accessible and culturally rooted through regional languages.
Speaking at a felicitation ceremony organized by the Delhi Chapter of Rajasthan Foundation and Rajasthan Mitra Mandal at Anuvrat Bhawan on Deendayal Upadhyay Marg, New Delhi, the minister announced that the state has successfully completed the preparation of a comprehensive dictionary covering the dialects spoken across all regions of Rajasthan, a major step towards promoting linguistic heritage.
The minister was warmly welcomed with a traditional shawl and a commemorative memento. Among those present were CA Dr. Ram Avtar Kila, President of Rajasthan Foundation Delhi Chapter; Navratan Agrawal, President of Rajasthan Sanstha Sangh; Dr. Gaurav Gupta, Chairman of Rajasthani Academy; K.C. Jain (Retd. IRS), President of Anuvrat Nyas; social leader Prakash Lakhotia; and Jai Narayan Meena (RAS), Special Assistant to the Education Minister, along with representatives of several Rajasthani organizations.
Appeal to the Rajasthani Diaspora
Addressing the gathering, Dilawar urged Non-Resident Rajasthanis (NRRs) to actively contribute to the state's development. He emphasized that while Rajasthanis may build successful careers across India and around the world, their connection with their homeland remains invaluable.
He invited the diaspora to support initiatives in education, healthcare, sanitation, water conservation, environmental protection, and rural development, stating that collaboration between society and government can transform Rajasthan into one of India's leading states in education and overall development.
Highlighting the long-standing philanthropic tradition of the Marwari community, Dilawar praised Rajasthanis for establishing schools, hospitals, dharamshalas, and charitable institutions across the country and abroad. He encouraged them to continue this legacy by investing in educational infrastructure and village development projects in Rajasthan.
Rajasthan Climbs to Fourth Position in Education
The minister said that under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma, Rajasthan has made remarkable progress in the education sector. More than 72 lakh students are currently studying in nearly 65,000 government schools, and sustained reforms, dedicated teachers, and innovative educational practices have significantly improved learning outcomes.
He noted that according to the latest NITI Aayog assessment, Rajasthan has risen from 14th to 4th position nationally in education, reflecting the success of the state's education reforms. The Union Government has also appreciated Rajasthan's education model.
To prepare students for future careers, the government is expanding the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI), Smart Boards, and digital learning technologies across government schools.
Special Policy for School Infrastructure
Dilawar announced a special policy for rebuilding dilapidated school buildings and constructing new classrooms. Every school building will carry details of its year of construction and expected lifespan.
The state plans to invest nearly ₹2,000 crore to construct around one lakh new classrooms and strengthen school infrastructure. He appealed to NRRs to adopt villages and support the development of school buildings, libraries, laboratories, digital classrooms, and hostels.
"We are not asking for donations," the minister said. "If you build educational infrastructure and hand it over to the government, it will become a lasting contribution to society."
Modern Villages Through Panchayati Raj Initiatives
Speaking about Panchayati Raj initiatives, Dilawar said the government plans to develop modern street lighting systems from Gram Panchayat headquarters to villages, ensuring better safety and infrastructure in rural areas.
He added that under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Swachh Bharat Mission, sanitation is being transformed into a people's movement. Along with toilet construction, regular village cleaning systems and sanitation vehicles are being introduced, beginning with Gram Panchayat headquarters.
The minister also stressed the importance of water conservation, afforestation, and environmental protection, particularly in a water-scarce state like Rajasthan. After planting over 11 crore saplings last year—exceeding the target—the government aims to plant another 10 crore trees this year.
Schools to Lead Anti-Drug Awareness
Referring to Union Home Minister Amit Shah's call for a Drug-Free India, Dilawar said the most effective way to combat addiction is by instilling strong values in children.
School Management Committees across Rajasthan have been entrusted with conducting awareness campaigns against substance abuse and mobilizing communities to build a drug-free society.
Delhi Chapter Seeks Greater Government Engagement
Earlier, Dr. Ram Avtar Kila, President of Rajasthan Foundation Delhi Chapter, welcomed the Education Minister and requested the reopening of the Rajasthan Foundation office at Bikaner House in New Delhi. He also suggested that whenever Rajasthan ministers or senior officials visit Delhi, meetings with the Rajasthani diaspora should be included in their official schedules.
Dr. Kila shared that the Foundation is working to establish a Vishram Sadan at SMS Hospital, Jaipur, similar to facilities operating in Delhi and other cities, to provide accommodation, food, medicines, and support services to patients and their families. In collaboration with Bhaurao Deoras Seva Nyas, the organization currently operates six such facilities across India and has served over one crore free meals in Delhi alone.
He further noted that hundreds of patients from Rajasthan travel daily to premier hospitals like AIIMS and Safdarjung Hospital in New Delhi. Through the Sanjeevani Medical Service, volunteers assist these patients during their treatment.
Reflecting on the bond shared by Rajasthanis living in Delhi, Dr. Kila remarked that despite living away from home, the spirit, traditions, language, festivals, cuisine, and culture of Rajasthan continue to unite the community. He highlighted the annual Rajasthan Diwas celebrations in Delhi, where nearly 10,000–12,000 Rajasthani families participated this year, making the national capital feel like "a second Rajasthan."
The event also featured addresses by K.C. Jain, President of Anuvrat Nyas, and social leader Prakash Lakhotia, while Kanishk Yadav conducted the proceedings.