MAJOR PROBLEMS IN RAJASTHAN

Introduction

The Indian state of Rajasthan is dealing with a number of issues that have an effect on its socioeconomic environment. These difficulties include a number of societal issues, high rates of crime, and unemployment. Concerns about rape cases and child marriage are particularly highlighted in reports from the National Crime Records Bureau. The state’s image is defined by a special fusion of poverty and monarchy, resulting in a unique socioeconomic setting.

major problems in Rajasthan

unemployment in rajasthan

• Certainly, the largest problem in Rajasthan is unemployment. Lack of creativity and entrepreneurship abilities: Rajasthan is well-known for its Marwari business families, yet these families operate traditional businesses that need to adapt to the times.
• According to a report presented to the Rajasthan Assembly in September by the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG), just 37.35% of the postings made possible by the Rajasthan Skill and Livelihoods Development Corporation (RSLDC) from 2014 to 2017 were legitimate.

law and order in rajasthan

• Mob lynchings committed in the name of cow vigilantism are not unheard of in Rajasthan.
• Although Rajasthan passed a law this year that allows for the execution of child rapists, making it the second state in the nation to do so after Madhya Pradesh, the state has come under fire for the increase in sexual offenses against minors.
• The rule of law has crumbled. With an increase in social unrest, cow vigilantism, and mob lynchings, there is societal discord. the negative attitudes that are pervasive in society.

social issues: Rajasthan

child marriage

The National Family Health Survey for 2015–16 reports that the percentage of child marriages has decreased from 47% in 2005–06 to 27% in 2015–16. Nearly 1.5 million girls in India remain child brides, despite a reduction in the number of females getting married before turning 18.

Although the practice’s origins are different in many societies and cultures, poverty, a lack of educational opportunities, and restricted access to healthcare all contribute to its continuation.

• Some families choose to marry off their daughters at a young age in order to make ends meet or generate cash. Some think it will protect or ensure their daughters’ futures.
• Safety of the girl child from sexual violence and the incapacity of parents to provide such safety.
• There is a misconception that marriage shields girls from promiscuity and unwelcome attention from men. One technique to guarantee the bride’s chastity and virginity is through an early marriage.
• Inadequate knowledge and understanding of the repercussions of underage marriage.
• The administration’s lack of initiative and will, as well as the law’s poor execution.

To date, about 165 Rajasthani villages have decided not to allow child weddings. Recently, the gram panchayat of Diyatara village in Bikaner, Rajasthan, declared the village to be “girl child friendly,” promising to outlaw child marriage altogether and to put a stop to this social plague. In addition to promising to treat girls equally, guarantee that they complete Class XII, and support their higher education, the local panchayat issued a resolution.

female foeticide

In Rajasthan, female infanticide and female foeticide are widespread practices, particularly in areas like Jaisalmer. In the state, men have always been prioritized above women due to the outdated societal system. The state has a high rate of maternal mortality, 445 per 100,000 live births, in the recent past. A girl’s birth was considered bad luck, mostly because of the state’s high dowry system.

• The Indian Penal Code (IPC) contains Sections 312-316 that deal with miscarriage and the death of an unborn child. Depending on the severity and purpose of the crime, the punishments can range from seven years to life imprisonment for fourteen years, along with a fine.
• In collaboration with the Ministry of Woman and Child Development and the Ministry of Human Resource Development, the nationwide program “Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao” was introduced in 100 districts that are important for gender equality.
• Mukhyamantri Rajshree Yojna had to do with promoting girl childbirth. Prior to June 1, 2016, the government implemented the CM Rajshree Yojna in place of the Shubh Laxmi Yojna. For the schooling of a girl born at a government hospital or a hospital that is registered, the government would provide an installment payment of 50,000 rupees.

sati partha

• Since the Gupta Empire’s rule, the custom of sati, or the burning of widows, has been practiced widely throughout India. In 510 CCE, an ancient city in the state of Madhya Pradesh reported the practice of sati as it is known now.
• This custom extended throughout northern and central India over time, particularly among the Rajput people of the state of Rajasthan. Translations of the term “Sati,” also sometimes called “suttee,” in Hindi and Sanskrit scriptures mean “chaste woman.”
• The phrase “Satipratha,” which denoted the practice of burning widows alive, is also frequently used. For a very long time, this custom was the epitome of Hindu tradition.
• The last known example of sati in India, Roop Kanwar, is one such instance of sati that has attracted a lot of attention and sparked a fresh wave of discussions and actions.
• The large number of people who witnessed this event described it as something that was done voluntarily. This incident rocked the state of Rajasthan and sparked a massive national human rights movement.

Veil tradition

• A post-wedding ritual called Muh Dikhai (Devanagari) introduces the bride’s family to the groom’s relatives as well as extended family.
• When the bride arrives at her new house, the family members perform a ritual in which they lift the bride’s veil, present her a gift, and give her a welcoming gaze.
• Her mother-in-law gives her Shagun, which usually consists of clothes, silverware, and jewellery. Following the wedding, the bride wears her veil fully for several months, or until her in-laws give her the go-ahead to take it off.
• A legal demand to outlaw the veil has emerged throughout the state. The state has a higher prevalence of veil or curtain than other states, which further tarnishes the world’s perception of the magnificent Rajasthan.
• The bottom line of the human resources index represents the current condition of affairs.
• The state is viewed as ill or outdated in many respects. Therefore, it is crucial that the government and civic society abolish this wicked tradition.

Girls education

On December 22, 2023, the Rajasthan government announced its priorities. It has been determined to include free education for girls from kindergarten through postgraduate (PG) classes in these priorities. The state administration has also established numerous other priorities in addition to this.

• It has been decided to give state-sponsored female students free education.
• In addition, the government has decided to give 2.5 lakh young people jobs throughout the course of the following five years.
• For Rs. 450, the government would give gas cylinders to low-income people. The sum of the subsidy will be covered by the government itself.
• The amount of financial aid available to farmers under PM Kisan Samman Nidhi would rise to Rs 12,000 annually.
• With an investment of Rs 2,500 crore, the state will train five lakh youth. Youth in the tourism industry will receive training and be given job chances. The government will make an effort to permit young people to work for themselves in the tourism industry.
• Major cultural locations would see the establishment of regional history centers with an investment of Rs 800 crore.
• Women and farmers have received particular attention from the government as one of its top goals. In order to make up for the farmers whose property was auctioned off during the previous administration, the government has chosen to implement a policy.
• Care will be taken in this so that the farmers can reestablish their means of subsistence through land acquisition or other methods.

Conclusion

The social problems in Rajasthan are intricately linked, with every difficulty impacting and aggravating the others. A multifaceted strategy including community involvement, government policies, and the active involvement of civil society organizations is needed to address these concerns. The state’s overall growth depends on empowering marginalized people, encouraging sustainable development strategies, and guaranteeing fair access to opportunities and resources.