The Rajasthan government's ambitious plan to establish three new medical colleges in the districts of Rajsamand, Jalore, and Pratapgarh has failed to make any tangible progress over the past two years. Despite repeated announcements and commitments to bridge regional imbalances in healthcare and education, these crucial projects remain stuck largely on paper, even as the state adds capacity in other regions.
Promises on Paper, No Progress on Ground
The state has been actively pursuing the Central government's sanction for these three medical colleges since 2020. The push was driven by the need to correct the stark regional disparities in access to quality medical education and healthcare facilities. In a significant announcement in 2023, the state government confirmed that the new institutions would be established under the Rajasthan Medical Education Society (RajMES).
The financial blueprint for each college was substantial. The construction cost for each was estimated at approximately Rs 250 crore, with an additional Rs 75 crore allocated separately for essential equipment, furniture, and books. However, senior officials from the medical education department now concede that there has been no substantial movement, particularly in Jalore and Pratapgarh.
Contrast with Expansion in Other Districts
The lack of progress in these three districts stands in sharp contrast to the rapid development of medical education infrastructure elsewhere in Rajasthan. A senior official from the department highlighted this discrepancy, stating that while several new colleges have been started across the state in recent years, significantly boosting medical education, the projects in Jalore and Pratapgarh have seen no real advancement.
This expansion continues apace. From the 2025–26 academic session, two new medical colleges have already begun functioning in Tonk and Jaisalmer. Over the past eight years, Rajasthan has witnessed a sharp and notable expansion in its medical education infrastructure, making the stagnation in the three proposed colleges more conspicuous.
Persistent Regional Imbalance and the Road Ahead
The core rationale for establishing colleges in Rajsamand, Jalore, and Pratapgarh was to address the healthcare and educational gap in these regions. The state's persistent follow-up with the Centre since 2020 underscores the identified need. Yet, the continued delay means residents of these districts must still travel long distances for advanced medical care and educational opportunities, perpetuating the very imbalance the projects aimed to fix.
The situation presents a clear challenge for the state administration: to translate its announced policies and financial allocations into concrete, on-ground development in underserved areas. With new colleges becoming operational in Tonk and Jaisalmer, the pressure is mounting to deliver on the promises made to the people of Rajsamand, Jalore, and Pratapgarh and ensure equitable development across all regions of Rajasthan.
