Fair wages, safety, skill of workers our priority: CM at Stonemart

Jaipur: Inaugurating the four-day dimensional stone exhibition Stonemart Thursday, chief minister Bhajan Lal Sharma said that the world today views India not only as a major investment destination but also as a vast market, with natural resources such as marble and sandstone emerging as promising sectors for global investors.Describing the event as a collective platform that reflects Indian culture, craftsmanship, and industrial strength, Sharma noted that Rajasthan is home to 85 different types of minerals, with almost every district possessing its own distinct stone identity.
He underlined that Rajasthan stone was used in some of the nation's most iconic structures, including Rashtrapati Bhavan, Parliament House, and the Supreme Court. "One of the greatest strengths of Rajasthan stone is its durability—once constructed properly, it requires minimal maintenance," he remarked.Outlining the vision of One District–One Product and One District–One Stone, the chief minister stressed the importance of providing special encouragement to MSMEs and small and medium industries. He emphasised that respect for workers, fair wages, safety measures, and skill enhancement programmes remain among the govt's foremost priorities.Sharma urged industry stakeholders to move forward collectively, adopt modern technology, and expand the reach of Rajasthan stone to global markets, assuring them that the govt stands firmly alongside the sector in this endeavour.Industries minister Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore highlighted the international stature of the exhibition, pointing out that 66 overseas companies from Iran, Italy, Turkey, and China are participating in Stonemart this year.As part of India Stonemart 2026, the Shilpgram organised by the Rural Non-Farm Development Agency (RUDA) emerged as a major attraction. Artisans and craftsmen from across Rajasthan showcased traditional art forms, handicrafts, and construction techniques in a vibrant and engaging manner.The inauguration was attended by education minister Madan Dilawar, chief secretary V Srinivas, ACS (Industries) Shikhar Agrawal, principal secretary (Mines) T Ravikant, RIICO executive director Akash Tomar, and Centre for Development of Stone (CDOS) vice president Deepak Ajmera.