Will keep coming to Raj, no matter what CM says: Dhankhar

Jodhpur: Continuing his confrontation with chief minister Ashok Gehlot, Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar said on Saturday here that despite Gehlot’s statements about his frequent visits to Rajasthan, he would keep coming to the state because he was committed to working for the welfare of people here, especially the farmers. Dhankhar was in Jodhpur on Saturday to attend a farmer-scientist conference at Central Arid Zone Research Center (CAZRI). “I don’t like such comments about my travel to Rajasthan. I assure you that irrespective of any such statements, I will continue to step forward for your interests,” Dhankhar said at the programme.“Whatever comments are made, whatever statements are given or if someone says why I come over and over again, I will keep coming. He (Gehlot) must think before saying so,” Dhankhar said.He said that the dignity of the Vice-President’s post must be maintained and not defiled by an exhibition of narrowmindedness. He added that he did not understand why some people did not like a farmer’s son’s devotion to the farmers and their issues. “They ask what difference my visits make? I tell you, they make a huge difference: they will bring a big change,” he said. The V-P interacted with farmers and scientists after his address and learnt about the work done by CAZRI and its impact on agriculture in Rajasthan.

Vice president Jagdeep Dhankhar slams Rajasthan CM for 'dragging him into petty politics'

Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar criticized the practice of involving constitutional positions in petty politics during his visit to Rajasthan. Without mentioning Rajasthan CM Ashok Gehlot, Dhankhar stated that respect should be given to constitutional positions and that statements should not be made in disregard of them. Gehlot had previously made comments in September, questioning the vice president's frequent visits to the state during election season. Dhankhar emphasized the need for collaboration and coordination to serve the people.

Farmer-scientist meet held on ICAR-NIBSM foundation day

The ICAR - National Institute of Biotic Stress Management (NIBSM) in Raipur, Chhattisgarh celebrated its foundation day with Dr. R. S. Paroda and Dr. S. N. Nigam as guest speakers. The event emphasized the need for scaling up innovations in agriculture, including hybrid technology, genetically modified crops, and cutting-edge technologies like genome editing and artificial intelligence. Publications on good agricultural practices were released, and scientists were awarded for their contributions. A farmer-scientist interaction meeting was also organized, and a virtual talk on rice protection was presented by Prof. Wolf B Frommer.

Centre must implement OPS in country: Rajasthan CM Ashok Gehlot

Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot has called on the central government to implement the Old Pension Scheme (OPS) for employees nationwide. Gehlot highlighted the disparity between the benefits received by the armed forces and those received by personnel in paramilitary forces. He also urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to guarantee the implementation of social security and health insurance schemes initiated by the Rajasthan government. In response, PM Modi stated that the BJP would not stop any existing schemes but would improve them.