Raj govt announces benefits

Jaipur, Mar 1 (UNI) Rajasthan government has announced several sops like recruitment of over 17000 teachers, opening of more courts, upgradation of health centres and expansion of grant of Rs 50,000 for house construction under the Indira Awas Yojna Scheduled Castes (SCs).

Replying to the four-day long general debate on the state Budget 2008-2009 in the assembly yesterday, Ms Raje said 15000 teachers in the Grade II and 1750 lecturers and/or Science teachers would be recruited in the next six months to fill vacancies in government schools.

She said 60,000 teachers had already been recruited by her government in the state.

Ms Raje said ACJ courts would be opened in different towns of the state for strengthening judicial adminsitration.

Likewise, health services would also be strengthened with upgradation of 24 primary health centres (PHCs) into community health centres (CHCs), besides addition of 350 beds in different district hositals and CHCs.

The Chief Minister said under the Indira Awas Yojna, Scheduled Tribes were being provided Rs 50,000 for house construction, but now this facility would be extended to SCs also.

She also announced that the state government was all prepared to extend benefits of the sixth pay commission as and when granted by the Centre.

Ms Raje talked about her government's achievements and answered all points raised by the opposition members in the House during the debate.

Prior to this, Leader of the Opposition Hemaram Chaudhary delivered a two-hour-long speech which invited a flak from the Treasury Benches.

UNI SS KD KN1448