Law being drafted to protect khejri tree: CM

Jaipur: Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma said in the state Assembly Thursday that his govt was drafting a law to protect the khejri tree, which he described as the state's "Kalpavriksha"."In Aug, saints from Bikaner, Phalodi, Jodhpur and Nagaur met me. Following that, I instructed officials to prepare the draft legislation. The process is underway and it will soon be presented in the Assembly," he said.
The CM said he accepted the Opposition's challenge to an open debate on "5 years versus 2 years" of his and the previous Congress govt's performance. "Relevant documents detailing our work have been tabled before the House," he said.Praising Prime Minister Modi, Sharma termed him as "the world's most popular leader", and said India had emerged as one of the fastest-growing economies in the world under his leadership. Taking a dig at the Opposition, he remarked that if the Leader of Opposition could not see the development taking place, arrangements would be made for an eye check-up for him. The CM claimed his govt had inherited a debt of over Rs 5.79 lakh crore from the previous Congress regime, and yet it had accelerated the state's economic growth.Responding to criticism over his frequent visits to Delhi, Sharma said he travelled for the state's progress. "Your leaders went to Delhi to save the govt; I go to serve the public," he said.On recruitment issues, Sharma attacked Congress leaders without naming them, alleging that influence and recommendations in the past deprived hardworking youth of opportunities. He said his govt took strict action in paper leak cases. "So far, 140 FIRs have been registered and fair exams are being conducted. Young people do not want speeches; they want transparent exams. There will be no backdoor entry, and those involved will go to jail," he said.On policy matters, Sharma accused the previous Congress govt of having turned Jal Jeevan Mission into a "symbol of corruption" and reiterated his resolve to provide tap water to every household. Referring to hydro projects including ERCP, he also assured improved water supply to the Shekhawati region.