Rajasthan Health Minister Enforces Strict Rules for Government Building Plaques
In a significant announcement during the Assembly session on Thursday, Health Minister Gajendra Singh Khimsar declared that, as per state regulations, only the names of elected representatives should be inscribed on the plaques of government buildings. This directive aims to uphold protocol and prevent unauthorized inclusions.
Strict Action Against Violations
During Question Hour, Minister Khimsar emphasized that any deviation from this rule would result in appropriate action against the responsible officials and staff. He stated, "Any violation of this regulation will be met with strict consequences to ensure compliance across all government departments." This move is part of a broader effort to maintain transparency and accountability in public infrastructure projects.
Kekri District Hospital Case Highlighted
Responding to a query from MLA Shatrughan Gautam, the minister provided an update on the Kekri district hospital. He revealed that the work on the mother and child health unit at the hospital is nearly complete and ready for inauguration. However, he pointed out a critical issue: the unit was inaugurated prematurely during the former Congress government's rule, before construction was fully finished.
Moreover, the plaque at this unit contained names that violated the established regulations, including those of non-elected individuals. Khimsar confirmed that such unauthorized plaques will be removed from other healthcare buildings statewide to enforce the rule consistently.
Protocol for Plaque Inscriptions
The minister clarified that, according to official protocol, the names inscribed on government building plaques should exclusively include elected representatives, ranging from Members of Parliament to village heads (sarpanch). "This rule is designed to honor democratic processes and ensure that only those with public mandates are recognized on public properties," he explained.
He further noted that the previous government inaugurated the unfinished building of the mother and child health unit just days before the Model Code of Conduct came into effect in September 2023, adding to the irregularities.
Assembly Speaker Supports the Directive
Assembly Speaker Vasudev Devnani also weighed in, supporting the minister's stance. He asserted that all government building inaugurations must adhere to the rule of inscribing only elected representatives' names on plaques, regardless of political affiliation. This bipartisan endorsement underscores the importance of maintaining standards in public commemorations.
The enforcement of this rule is expected to streamline practices and prevent future controversies, ensuring that government buildings reflect the principles of democratic representation.
