Jaipur: Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma has announced the appointment of Atal Preraks in 11,500 gram panchayats across the state, alongside the establishment of Atal Knowledge Centers. The initiative, revealed on the 100th birth anniversary of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, aims to enhance rural development by providing support for accessing government schemes and preparing for competitive examinations.
Chief Minister Sharma emphasized that Atal Preraks would assist families in availing government benefits and managing libraries at these centers. The centers will also offer training and counseling services, creating opportunities for youth empowerment. The state government has allocated ₹500 crore for the scheme.
This initiative replaces programs introduced by the previous Congress-led government, which included the Mahatma Gandhi Seva Prerak Scheme and the Rajiv Gandhi Yuva Mitra program. These schemes were aimed at promoting peace and non-violence while helping residents access government schemes. However, the Bhajanlal government canceled these programs a year ago, alleging they were designed to benefit Congress workers. The termination of 5,000 Rajiv Gandhi Yuva Mitras sparked protests, which have continued for the past year.
The Atal Preraks initiative is positioned as a step towards rural empowerment, aligning with Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s legacy. While it seeks to redefine the state’s approach to community development, the overlap with previous programs has drawn both attention and criticism. The success of this ambitious project will depend on its ability to deliver tangible benefits and address concerns raised by critics.
