GOVERNER

October 2, 2024

GOVERNOR

 Historical Context:

The governor of Rajasthan was historically known as the Rajpramukh until 1956.

 Constitutional Basis:

Article 153: Establishes the post of governor in each state.
Article 157: Qualifications for the role:
- Must be a citizen of India.
- Must be at least 35 years old.
- Cannot hold a seat in Parliament or the State Legislature.
- Cannot hold any profit-bearing government position.

 Selection and Appointment:

Selection: By the Central Government.
Appointment: Made by the President as per Article 155.

 Oath of Office:

Administered by the Chief Justice of the High Court or the senior-most judge.
Governor takes an oath to “preserve, protect, and defend” the Constitution.

 Tenure:

Typical term: 5 years.
Article 156: Governor serves at the pleasure of the President.
No specific provision for premature removal mentioned in the Constitution.

 Salary:

₹3.5 lakh per month.

 Executive Powers:

Appointments: Chief Minister, Council of Ministers, Advocate General, RPSC Chairman and Members, Vice-Chancellors, Lokayukta, State Election Commissioner, Human Rights Commission members.
Advises the President on High Court judge appointments.
Formulates rules for state administration (Article 166(2)).
Appoints tribal welfare ministers in states like Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, and Odisha.

 Legislative Powers:

Summons and prorogues the state assembly.
Nominates 1/6 of the Legislative Council members.
Assents to bills (Article 200).
Issues ordinances (Article 213) with a maximum validity of 6 months and 6 weeks.
Presents reports (State Finance Commission, RPSC, CAG) in the Legislative Assembly.

 Financial Powers:

Grants assent to money bills.
Constitutes the State Finance Commission (Articles 243I and 243Y).

 Judicial Powers:

Commutation, remission, and reprieve of punishments (Article 161).
Advises the President on the appointment of High Court judges.
Appoints District Judges (Article 233).
Note: Does not have the same power as the President regarding the death penalty and court-martial.

 Discretionary Powers (Article 163):

Refers bills to the President for approval (Article 201).
Recommends President’s rule in the state (Article 356).
Appoints Chief Ministers in case of no clear majority.
Can dissolve the state assembly prematurely (Article 174).

 Recommendations on Governor’s Role:

Sarkaria Commission (1983):
- Governor should be from outside the state.
- Appointed on the advice of the Chief Minister.
- Fixed tenure suggested.
Punchhi Commission (2007):
- Governor appointment should be based on recommendations from a committee including the Prime Minister, Lok Sabha Speaker, Home Minister, and the state’s Chief Minister.
- Removal should be possible through impeachment by the Legislative Assembly.

 Important Governors of Rajasthan:

Gurmukh Nihal Singh: First Governor and longest-serving.
Pratibha Patil: First female Governor.
Governors who passed away in office: Darbara Singh, Nirmalchand Jain, Shilendra Kumar Singh, Prabha Rao.
Governors during President’s rule: Dr. Sampoornanand, Sardar Hukum Singh, Dr. M. Chennaredy, Baliram Bhagat.
Chief Minister during the 1975 Emergency: Haridev Joshi.
Governor during the 1975 Emergency: Sardar Jogendra Singh.

 Key Facts:

Some governors have also held significant positions like Speaker of the Lok Sabha (e.g., Baliram Bhagat, Shivraj Patil) or served as Chief Ministers of other states (e.g., Kalyan Singh, Madanlal Khurana).
First female governor: Pratibha Patil.
Shortest tenure: T.V. Rajeshwar.
Sarojini Naidu referred to the governor as a “bird in a gold cage.”

 Constitutional Articles Related to Governor:

Article 153: Provision for a Governor in each state.
Article 154: Executive power vested in the Governor.
Article 155: Appointment by the President.
Article 156: Term during the President’s pleasure.
Article 157: Qualifications.
Article 158: Conditions of office.
Article 159: Oath of office.
Article 161: Power of pardon.
Article 163: Governor’s discretionary powers.
Article 213: Power to issue ordinances.

 Notable Committees on Governor’s Role:

First Administrative Reforms Commission (1966).
Rajamannar Committee of Tamil Nadu (1969).
Bhagwan Sahay Committee of Jammu and Kashmir (1970).
Sarkaria Commission (1983).
Venketchellaiya Commission (2000).
Punchhi Commission (2007).

 Notable Governors of Rajasthan:

Gurmukh Nihal Singh: First governor of Rajasthan and served the longest term.
Pratibha Patil: First female governor of Rajasthan.
Darbara Singh, Nirmalchand Jain, Shilendra Kumar Singh, Prabha Rao: Governors who passed away while in office.
Sampoornanand, Sardar Hukum Singh, Dr. M. Chennaredy, Baliram Bhagat: Governors who served during President’s rule in Rajasthan.
Mohanlal Sukhadia, Raghukul Tilak, Haridev Joshi, Bhairon Singh Shekhawat: Chief Ministers during President’s rule.

 Governors Holding Other High Offices:

Kalraj Mishra, Margaret Alva: Former members of both houses of Parliament.
Baliram Bhagat, Shivraj Patil, Sardar Hukum Singh: Served as Speaker of the Lok Sabha.
Pratibha Patil: Deputy Chairperson of the Rajya Sabha.
Darbara Singh: Speaker in a Legislative Assembly.
Kalyan Singh, Madanlal Khurana, M. Chennaredy, Vasantdada Patil, Sampoornanand, Gurmukh Nihal Singh: Governors who had also served as Chief Ministers in other states or Union Territories.

 Governors with Judicial Backgrounds:

Navrang Lal Tibrewal, Vedpal Tyagi, Milap Chand Jain, Swaroop Singh: Judges who served as acting governors.

 Notable Governors with Short Tenure:

T.V. Rajeshwar: Shortest-serving governor in Rajasthan.

 Famous Descriptions of the Governor’s Role:

Sarojini Naidu: Called the governor a “bird in a gold cage.”
Vijaya Lakshmi Pandit: Referred to it as a “charm of salary.”
Pattabhi Sitaramayya: Described the governor as a “guest hospitable.”
Margaret Alva: Viewed the position as a “headache.”

 Important Constitutional Articles Regarding Governor:

Article 153: Provides for a governor in each state.
Article 154: Executive powers of the state vested in the governor.
Article 155: Appointment of the governor by the president on the recommendation of the central government.
Article 156: Term of the governor’s office is subject to the president’s pleasure.
Article 157: Qualifications for the governor.
Article 158: Conditions for holding the office.
Article 159: Governor’s oath of office.
Article 161: Power to pardon.
Article 163: Discretionary powers of the governor.
Article 213: Power to issue ordinances during the recess of the legislature.

 Key Committees Addressing the Governor’s Role:

First Administrative Reforms Commission (1966)
Rajamannar Committee of Tamil Nadu (1969)
Bhagwan Sahay Committee of Jammu and Kashmir (1970)
Sarkaria Commission (1983)
Venketchellaiya Commission (2000)
Punchhi Commission (2007)

 Notable Governors and Chief Ministers During Key Historical Moments:

Haridev Joshi: Chief Minister during the Emergency of 1975.
Sardar Jogendra Singh: Governor during the Emergency of 1975.

 Governors Who Have Resigned Before Completing Their Terms:

Darbara Singh
Madanlal Khurana
Pratibha Patil

 Notable Former Governors Who Held Multiple Prestigious Positions:

Kalraj Mishra, Margaret Alva, Baliram Bhagat, Pratibha Patil: All held significant roles in the Parliament or the judiciary.
Sardar Hukum Singh, Baliram Bhagat, Shivraj Patil: Former Speakers of the Lok Sabha.
Pratibha Patil: Deputy Chairperson of the Rajya Sabha and later the first female President of India.

CHIEF MINISTER

 Constitutional Basis:

Article 164(1): The Chief Minister is appointed by the Governor.
The Chief Minister can be from either house in a bicameral legislature.
If not a member of either house, they must be elected within six months.
Article 164(4): A person convicted of corruption cannot be appointed as Chief Minister.
Tenure: Typically 5 years (subject to the Governor’s pleasure).
Salary: Determined by the State Legislature.

 Powers of the Chief Minister:

Related to the Council of Ministers:
- Formation of the Council of Ministers.
- Distribution of departments among ministers.
- Power to dismiss ministers.
- Acts as a liaison between the Governor and the Council of Ministers.
- Calls meetings of the Council of Ministers.
Legislative Powers:
- All government bills require the Chief Minister’s approval before being presented in the house.
- The Governor issues ordinances based on the Chief Minister’s advice.
- Can recommend the dissolution of the state assembly to the Governor.
- Calls assembly sessions.
As Head of Government:
- Typically retains responsibility for general administration, administrative reforms, and personnel departments.
- Coordinates between different government departments.
- Oversees the implementation of government programs, campaigns, and administrative activities.
- Serves on important committees (Inter-State Council, NITI Aayog).
- Chairs bodies such as the State Planning Board and Chief Minister’s Advisory Council.
Coordination via Various Media:
- The Chief Minister ensures coordination through different media channels.
Public Relations:
- Handles work related to public relations.
Constitutional Functions (Article 167):
- Communicates all decisions made by the Council of Ministers to the Governor regarding the administration and legislative proposals.
- Provides any information the Governor requests regarding state affairs.
- Places any unresolved issues before the Council of Ministers if required by the Governor.

 Notable Chief Ministers of Rajasthan:

First Nominated Chief Minister: Hiralal Shastri.
First Elected Chief Minister: Tikaram Paliwal.
Longest Tenure: Mohanlal Sukhadia (17 years).
Shortest Tenure: Hiralal Devpura (16 days).
First Minority Chief Minister: Barkatullah Khan (died while in office).
First Non-Congress Chief Minister: Bhairon Singh Shekhawat.
First Woman Chief Minister: Vasundhara Raje.
Chief Minister during Indo-Pak War (1971): Barkatullah Khan.
Chief Minister during Emergency (1975): Haridev Joshi.
First Scheduled Caste Chief Minister: Jagannath Pahadia.
Chief Ministers who later became Governors: Haridev Joshi, Mohanlal Sukhadia.
Chief Minister who never lost an election: Vasundhara Raje.
Chief Ministers who were Rajya Sabha Members: Jai Narayan Vyas, Bhairon Singh Shekhawat.
Chief Ministers who were Lok Sabha Members: Hiralal Shastri, Vasundhara Raje, Ashok Gehlot.
Chief Minister who also served as Speaker of the Legislative Assembly: Hiralal Devpura.
Chief Ministers who served as Ministers at the Center: Vasundhara Raje, Ashok Gehlot.
Chief Minister who was also Deputy Chief Minister: Tikaram Paliwal.
Chief Minister with the most Deputy Chief Ministers: Ashok Gehlot.

 Deputy Chief Ministers of Rajasthan:

Tikaram Paliwal – Indian National Congress (1952–1954) under Jai Narayan Vyas.
Harishankar Bhabra – Bharatiya Janata Party (1993–1998) under Bhairon Singh Shekhawat.
Banwarilal Bairwa – Indian National Congress (2002–2003) under Ashok Gehlot.
Kamala Beniwal – Indian National Congress (2003) under Ashok Gehlot.
Sachin Pilot – Indian National Congress (2018–2020) under Ashok Gehlot.

 Key Facts about Chief Ministers in Rajasthan:

First Scheduled Caste Chief Minister: Jagannath Pahadia.
First Woman Chief Minister: Kamla Beniwal (also served as Governor).
Chief Ministers who were also Rajya Sabha Members: Jai Narayan Vyas, Bhairon Singh Shekhawat.
Chief Ministers who were also Lok Sabha Members: Hiralal Shastri, Vasundhara Raje, Ashok Gehlot.

Additional Constitutional Provisions and Powers:

Appointment and Role:
- The Chief Minister is appointed by the Governor, but they must have the confidence of the majority in the Legislative Assembly. If there is no clear majority, the Governor has the discretion to appoint a Chief Minister.
- The Chief Minister acts as the real executive head of the state, guiding the Council of Ministers in decision-making and implementing state policies.
Council of Ministers:
- The Chief Minister heads the Council of Ministers, and their advice is crucial in all matters of state governance. All significant decisions must be approved by the Council under the Chief Minister’s leadership.
- The Chief Minister can recommend the removal or reshuffling of ministers.
- The Chief Minister and the Council of Ministers are collectively responsible to the State Legislative Assembly.
Special Powers:
- Ordinances: The Chief Minister advises the Governor on the promulgation of ordinances under Article 213 during periods when the state assembly is not in session.
- Legislative Role: While not part of the legislature, the Chief Minister plays an essential role in steering government bills, formulating legislation, and addressing key policy issues in the assembly.
- State Finance Matters: The Chief Minister plays a vital role in the financial management of the state by advising on budget formulation, approval of financial bills, and expenditure of public funds.
Powers as Leader of the State Government:
- General Administration: The Chief Minister often keeps control over critical portfolios like the General Administration Department, which deals with government personnel and reforms.
- NITI Aayog: The Chief Minister represents the state at the NITI Aayog, collaborating with central and other state governments for national-level policy formulation.
- Inter-State Coordination: The Chief Minister engages with other states to resolve disputes, particularly concerning water sharing, resources, or infrastructural issues.

Important Historical Facts and Events:

Significant Reforms Under Chief Ministers:
- Mohanlal Sukhadia’s Tenure (1954–1971): Sukhadia, with the longest tenure as Chief Minister, is credited with transforming Rajasthan’s political landscape by implementing agrarian reforms, expanding education, and modernizing the state.
- Bhairon Singh Shekhawat (1977–1980, 1990–1998): A pivotal leader who led the state’s first non-Congress government, he was instrumental in promoting industrialization and rural development in Rajasthan.
- Vasundhara Raje (2003–2008, 2013–2018): As the first female Chief Minister of Rajasthan, Raje is known for her efforts in infrastructure development, healthcare reforms, and launching welfare schemes such as the “Bhamashah Yojana” to empower women financially.
Critical Events During Chief Ministerial Tenures:
- Emergency of 1975: During the national Emergency imposed by then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, Haridev Joshi was the Chief Minister of Rajasthan, a period marked by political turmoil and central government dominance.
- Indo-Pak War (1971): Barkatullah Khan was the Chief Minister during the 1971 war, which saw active military participation from Rajasthan due to its border with Pakistan.

Interesting Facts About Chief Ministers of Rajasthan:

Youngest Chief Minister: Ashok Gehlot became Chief Minister for the first time at the age of 47, and he has since served multiple terms.
Longest Serving Chief Minister: Mohanlal Sukhadia holds the record for the longest continuous tenure as Chief Minister (1954–1971), leading the state for 17 years.
Chief Ministers with Multiple Terms: Bhairon Singh Shekhawat, Vasundhara Raje, and Ashok Gehlot have all served multiple terms, showcasing their strong political influence in Rajasthan’s history.

Deputy Chief Ministers in Rajasthan:

Notable Deputy Chief Ministers: Apart from Sachin Pilot, who served as Deputy Chief Minister under Ashok Gehlot from 2018–2020, there have been five other Deputy Chief Ministers in the state’s history, including Tikaram Paliwal (the first) and Kamala Beniwal (one of the few female Deputy Chief Ministers in India).

Women in Leadership:

Vasundhara Raje: The first and only female Chief Minister of Rajasthan, she broke multiple barriers and became one of the most influential political leaders in the state’s history. She has also served as a union minister and continues to be a prominent figure in Indian politics.
Kamala Beniwal: While not the Chief Minister, she made her mark as the Deputy Chief Minister and later served as the Governor of multiple states, showcasing the growing role of women in Rajasthan’s political sphere.

Election and Political Trends:

Electoral Dominance: The Congress and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) have alternated power in Rajasthan over the years. Leaders like Ashok Gehlot and Vasundhara Raje have been central figures in these parties, shaping the political landscape with their policies and leadership styles.
First Non-Congress Government: Bhairon Singh Shekhawat’s tenure as Chief Minister marked a significant shift in Rajasthan’s political history, with the rise of the BJP in the state. His tenure is often cited for bringing about structural changes in governance.

Other Important Constitutional and Legal Aspects:

Oath of Office: The Chief Minister, along with other ministers, takes the oath of office and secrecy as per the Third Schedule of the Constitution, administered by the Governor.
Collective Responsibility: The Chief Minister and their Council of Ministers are collectively responsible to the Legislative Assembly, meaning they must retain the confidence of the assembly to stay in power.
Limit on Number of Ministers: As per the 91st Constitutional Amendment, the total number of ministers, including the Chief Minister, cannot exceed 15% of the total strength of the state legislative assembly.

Previous Exam Questions:

Who is the real executive head of the state?
(a) Governor (b) Chief Minister (c) Cabinet (d) Chief Secretary
Under which Article is the Chief Minister appointed?
(a) Article 164 (b) Article 154 (c) Article 153 (d) Article 163
The Chief Minister is made by the process of:
(a) Election (b) Appointment (c) Selection (d) Nomination
Under which schedule does the Governor administer the oath of office and secrecy?
(a) First Schedule (b) Second Schedule (c) Third Schedule (d) Fourth Schedule
If a person is appointed as a minister but is not a member of the state legislature, what is the provision?
(a) Must be elected within six months (b) Must resign (c) Removed by the Governor (d) Removed by no-confidence motion.
 Before whom does the ‘Parliamentary Secretary’ take an oath or affirmation in the state?
(a) Governor
(b) Chief Minister
(c) Speaker of the Legislative Assembly
(d) Chief Justice of the High Court
 Salary and allowances of the Chief Minister are determined by:
(a) Parliament
(b) Governor
(c) State Legislative Assembly
(d) Third Schedule of the Constitution
 The duties of the Chief Minister are prescribed under which article of the Constitution?
(a) Article 163
(b) Article 213
(c) Article 157
(d) Article 167
 Which Constitutional amendment added a provision after Article 164(1), limiting the number of ministers (including the Chief Minister)?
(a) 89th Amendment
(b) 93rd Amendment
(c) 98th Amendment
(d) 91st Amendment
 What is the maximum percentage of members of the Legislative Assembly (including the Chief Minister) that can serve in the Council of Ministers in Rajasthan?
(a) 10%
(b) 15%
(c) 20%
(d) 25%
 The maximum number of members in the Council of Ministers of Rajasthan is:
(a) Subject to the Chief Minister’s discretion.
(b) Subject to the Governor’s discretion.
(c) Up to 15% of the Rajasthan Legislative Assembly.
(d) 15% of the members of the ruling party.
 What is the minimum number of ministers required in the Council of Ministers, including the Chief Minister, in Rajasthan?
(a) 29 + 1 CM
(b) 11 + 1 CM
(c) 15 + 1 CM
(d) 12 + 1 CM
 What is the maximum number of members (including the Chief Minister) allowed in the Council of Ministers in Rajasthan?
(a) 12
(b) 20
(c) 30
(d) 35
 Who was the first elected Chief Minister of Rajasthan?
(a) Hiralal Shastri
(b) Narottamlal Joshi
(c) Tikaram Paliwal
(d) Kamalkant Sharma
 Which Chief Minister of Rajasthan has also held the post of Deputy Chief Minister?
(a) Mohanlal Sukhadia
(b) Tikaram Paliwal
(c) Haridev Joshi
(d) Ashok Gehlot
 Arrange the following Chief Ministers of Rajasthan in descending order based on their tenure (longest term first):
 Mohanlal Sukhadia
 Haridev Joshi
 Bhairon Singh Shekhawat
 Ashok Gehlot
(a) 1, 2, 3, 4
(b) 1, 3, 2, 4
(c) 1, 2, 4, 3
(d) 1, 3, 4, 2
 Who has been sworn in as Chief Minister of Rajasthan the most times?
(a) Mohanlal Sukhadia
(b) Bhairon Singh Shekhawat
(c) Vasundhara Raje
(d) Ashok Gehlot
 Under which article does the Governor appoint the Chief Minister of a state?
(a) Article 163
(b) Article 164
(c) Article 167
(d) Article 166
 Who among the following Chief Ministers of Rajasthan has served the longest continuous term?
(a) Ashok Gehlot
(b) Mohanlal Sukhadia
(c) Vasundhara Raje
(d) Bhairon Singh Shekhawat
 Which of the following Chief Ministers of Rajasthan was also a member of both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha?
(a) Vasundhara Raje
(b) Bhairon Singh Shekhawat
(c) Hiralal Shastri
(d) Jai Narayan Vyas
 Which Chief Minister of Rajasthan was in office during the Indo-Pak War of 1971?
(a) Mohanlal Sukhadia
(b) Bhairon Singh Shekhawat
(c) Barkatullah Khan
(d) Vasundhara Raje
 Who was the Chief Minister of Rajasthan during the Emergency in 1975?
(a) Haridev Joshi
(b) Ashok Gehlot
(c) Vasundhara Raje
(d) Bhairon Singh Shekhawat
 The Chief Minister of Rajasthan who was also the Speaker of the Rajasthan Legislative Assembly:
(a) Haridev Joshi
(b) Bhairon Singh Shekhawat
(c) Hiralal Devpura
(d) Tikaram Paliwal
 Which Chief Minister of Rajasthan was the first from the Scheduled Caste community?
(a) Barkatullah Khan
(b) Jagannath Pahadia
(c) Hiralal Shastri
(d) Haridev Joshi
 Who was the first non-Congress Chief Minister of Rajasthan?
(a) Tikaram Paliwal
(b) Bhairon Singh Shekhawat
(c) Vasundhara Raje
(d) Jai Narayan Vyas
 Which Chief Minister of Rajasthan served during the 1977 Emergency?
(a) Bhairon Singh Shekhawat
(b) Vasundhara Raje
(c) Haridev Joshi
(d) Barkatullah Khan
 Who among the following Chief Ministers of Rajasthan never lost an election as an MLA?
(a) Ashok Gehlot
(b) Mohanlal Sukhadia
(c) Vasundhara Raje
(d) Bhairon Singh Shekhawat
 Who was the first woman Chief Minister of Rajasthan?
(a) Vasundhara Raje
(b) Kamala Beniwal
(c) Pratibha Patil
(d) Indira Gandhi
 Which Chief Minister of Rajasthan has also held the position of a minister at the center?
(a) Ashok Gehlot
(b) Bhairon Singh Shekhawat
(c) Vasundhara Raje
(d) Mohanlal Sukhadia
 Who among the following has served as both Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Minister of Rajasthan?
(a) Ashok Gehlot
(b) Haridev Joshi
(c) Tikaram Paliwal
(d) Vasundhara Raje

COUNCIL OF MINISTERS

Types of Ministers in the Council of Ministers:
1. Cabinet Minister
2. Minister of State
3. Deputy Minister
4. Parliamentary Secretary
Constitutional Provisions:

- Article 164: The Governor constitutes the Council of Ministers based on the advice of the Chief Minister.
- Article 164(1)(a): The Council of Ministers, including the Chief Minister, cannot exceed 15% of the total number of members of the Legislative Assembly.
- Minimum Members: The Council must have at least 12 members (11 Ministers + 1 Chief Minister), except in Sikkim, Mizoram, and Goa.
- Article 164(1)(a) – Defection: A member disqualified for defection cannot become a minister.
Responsibilities:
- The Council of Ministers is collectively responsible to the Legislative Assembly, ensuring they act as a unified body in governance.
Oath of Office: Ministers take an oath of office and secrecy administered by the Governor.
Salary and Allowances: These are fixed by the State Legislature.
Tenure: Indefinite, but they usually serve for 5 years or during the Governor’s pleasure.

Key Principles:

Collective Responsibility:
- Decisions in the cabinet are generally taken unanimously. In case of differing opinions, decisions are made through mutual consultation.
- All decisions are considered collective, and the entire Council is responsible for them.
Confidentiality:
- Each member takes an oath of confidentiality. Cabinet decisions are to be kept secret, and violation of this confidentiality requires the resignation of the minister involved.

Functions and Powers of the Council of Ministers:

Policy Formulation: Responsible for creating policies that guide the state’s governance.
Addressing Social and Economic Issues: Find solutions to the state’s key social and economic challenges.
Legislative Responsibilities: Responsible for law-making and introducing bills in the Legislative Assembly.
Budget Preparation: Play a vital role in preparing the state’s budget.
Advisory Role to the Governor: The Council advises the Governor on appointments to important positions.
Control Over Personnel Administration: Exercise authority over the state’s personnel and administrative functions.
Answering Legislative Questions: Responsible for addressing any questions raised by legislators in the Assembly.

Difference Between the Council of Ministers and the Cabinet:

Size:
- Council of Ministers: Includes all types of ministers and is larger.
- Cabinet: Includes only senior, key ministers and is smaller.
Members:
- Council of Ministers: All members (Cabinet, Ministers of State, Deputy Ministers, and Parliamentary Secretaries).
- Cabinet: Only the Cabinet Ministers, who hold significant portfolios.
Roles:
- Council of Ministers: Responsible for broader government administration.
- Cabinet: The decision-making core of the Council, focusing on key policies and governance.
Maximum Size:
- Council of Ministers: Constitutionally limited to 15% of the total strength of the Legislative Assembly.
- Cabinet: No fixed limit; it’s decided by the Chief Minister based on need.

Additional Facts:

91st Constitutional Amendment (2003): Limits the size of the Council of Ministers to 15% of the Legislative Assembly’s strength, with a minimum of 12 members. This amendment took effect on January 1, 2004.
Current Council of Ministers in Rajasthan: Comprises the Chief Minister, 10 Cabinet Ministers, and 10 Ministers of State, totaling 21 members.
Kitchen Cabinet (Internal Cabinet): Composed of 2-4 loyal ministers closely trusted by the Chief Minister, often influencing key decisions.
Shadow Cabinet: Formed by the opposition party to monitor the government’s decisions. First inaugurated in Rajasthan’s 13th Assembly by Smt. Vasundhara Raje.
History of Ministerial Roles in Rajasthan:
- The posts of Minister of State and Parliamentary Secretary were first introduced in the 4th Legislative Assembly (1967-1972) under the Chief Ministership of Mohanlal Sukhadia.

Additional Facts about the State Council of Ministers:

Eligibility to Become a Minister:
- A person can be appointed as a minister even if they are not a member of the state legislature, but they must be elected to either the Legislative Assembly or Legislative Council within six months. If not, they must resign from their ministerial position.
Resignation and Removal:
- A minister can resign voluntarily or be removed by the Governor on the advice of the Chief Minister.
- Ministers are collectively accountable to the Legislative Assembly, meaning that a vote of no-confidence in the Assembly can result in the resignation of the entire Council of Ministers.
Cabinet Meetings:
- The Cabinet, the core group within the Council of Ministers, meets regularly to discuss and decide on major policies, legislative proposals, and government programs.
- Cabinet meetings are presided over by the Chief Minister and involve discussions on the governance of the state, addressing social and economic challenges, and formulating the state’s policies.

Functions and Responsibilities of Cabinet Ministers:

Formulation of Policies:
- Cabinet Ministers are responsible for formulating and approving key policies that govern the state’s economic, social, and political landscape.
Administration of Departments:
- Each minister is in charge of a particular portfolio, such as health, education, agriculture, or finance. They oversee the functioning of their departments and ensure policies are implemented efficiently.
Advising the Governor:
- The Council of Ministers advises the Governor on key appointments, including constitutional positions like the Advocate General and State Election Commissioner, as well as recommending ordinances during legislative recesses.
Budget Approval:
- The Cabinet is responsible for preparing the annual state budget. The Finance Minister presents the budget to the Legislative Assembly, and the Cabinet ensures proper allocation of resources.
Answerability to the Legislature:
- Ministers are responsible for answering questions from members of the Legislative Assembly during sessions. They must explain the government’s actions, policies, and decisions to the Assembly and justify them if questioned.
Law-Making:
- While the Legislative Assembly passes laws, the Cabinet plays a crucial role in initiating and steering legislation, particularly bills related to the state’s finances, development, and administration.

Principles of Cabinet Government:

Cabinet Solidarity:
- Once the Cabinet takes a decision, all ministers are expected to support it publicly, even if they privately disagreed during discussions. This principle ensures the government presents a united front.
Collective Responsibility:
- The entire Council of Ministers is collectively responsible for government policies and decisions. If the Assembly loses confidence in the Council, all ministers, including the Chief Minister, must resign.
Confidentiality:
- Cabinet meetings are conducted behind closed doors, and the discussions are kept confidential. Breaches of confidentiality could result in the resignation of the minister involved, as it undermines trust and the functioning of the government.

Additional Information about the Ministerial System in Rajasthan:

Kitchen Cabinet (Internal Cabinet):
- The Kitchen Cabinet is an informal group of close and loyal ministers, usually consisting of 2 to 4 trusted ministers, who are consulted by the Chief Minister on key decisions. These ministers wield significant influence within the state government.
Shadow Cabinet:
- A Shadow Cabinet is formed by the opposition party to mirror the sitting government’s Cabinet. It scrutinizes and challenges the government’s policies. In Rajasthan, the concept was introduced by Smt. Vasundhara Raje during her time in the opposition.
91st Constitutional Amendment (2003):
- This amendment introduced a cap of 15% on the number of ministers, relative to the total membership of the Legislative Assembly, to curb excessive ministerial appointments and promote efficiency in governance.

Key Ministerial Positions in Rajasthan:

Cabinet Ministers: These are the most senior ministers, typically in charge of important departments like Finance, Home, and Education.
Ministers of State: These are junior ministers who assist Cabinet Ministers in their respective departments. They may handle smaller portfolios or assist in large ministries.
Deputy Ministers: These ministers usually assist a Cabinet or State Minister and handle specific aspects of a department’s work.
Parliamentary Secretaries: They are appointed to assist ministers in managing legislative business and policy matters but do not hold independent charge of a ministry.

Role of the Governor in Relation to the Council of Ministers:

The Governor appoints ministers based on the recommendation of the Chief Minister and ensures the proper functioning of the Council of Ministers.
The Governor also administers the oath of office and secrecy to the ministers and holds discretionary powers in certain cases, such as a hung assembly or a minister losing their seat in the legislature.

State-Level Coordination and National-Level Representation:

Inter-State Council: The Chief Minister and senior ministers represent Rajasthan in the Inter-State Council, a constitutional body that facilitates coordination between states and the central government on policies, disputes, and resource sharing.
NITI Aayog: The Chief Minister and ministers may participate in meetings of NITI Aayog, the central government’s policy think-tank, which focuses on strategic planning for national and state-level development.

Key Questions Asked in Previous Years:

The State Council of Ministers is collectively responsible to:
- (a) Governor
- (b) Legislative Assembly
- (c) Parliament
- (d) The people of the state
If a person becomes a minister but is not a member of the state legislature, what is the constitutional provision?
- (a) They must be elected within six months.
- (b) They must resign.
- (c) They are removed by the Governor.
- (d) They are removed by a no-confidence motion.
Before whom does the ‘Parliamentary Secretary’ take an oath or affirmation in the state?
- (a) Governor
- (b) Chief Minister
- (c) Speaker of the Legislative Assembly
- (d) Chief Justice of the High Court
Which amendment to the Constitution added the provision limiting the number of ministers in the Council of Ministers, including the Chief Minister?
- (a) 89th Amendment
- (b) 93rd Amendment
- (c) 98th Amendment
- (d) 91st Amendment
What percentage of the total number of members in the Legislative Assembly, including the Chief Minister, can be in the Council of Ministers in Rajasthan?
- (a) 10%
- (b) 15%
- (c) 20%
- (d) 25%
What is the maximum number of ministers allowed in the Council of Ministers in Rajasthan?
- (a) Determined by the wishes of the Chief Minister.
- (b) Determined by the Governor.
- (c) Up to 15% of the Legislative Assembly’s strength.
- (d) 15 ministers from the ruling party.
When was the post of Minister of State and Parliamentary Secretary introduced in Rajasthan?
- (a) Fourth Assembly
- (b) Seventh Assembly
- (c) Fifth Assembly
- (d) Third Assembly

Questions Asked in Previous Years (Continued):

What happens if a minister is not a member of the Legislative Assembly at the time of appointment?
(a) Must be elected within six months
(b) Must resign immediately
(c) Governor removes them from the post
(d) Vote of no-confidence leads to removal
Which amendment set the limit on the size of the Council of Ministers?
(a) 89th Amendment
(b) 91st Amendment
(c) 98th Amendment
(d) 93rd Amendment
What percentage of members of the Legislative Assembly, including the Chief Minister, can be in the Council of Ministers in Rajasthan?
(a) 10%
(b) 15%
(c) 20%
(d) 25%
What is the maximum size of the Council of Ministers in Rajasthan?
(a) Up to 15% of the strength of the Legislative Assembly
(b) Determined by the Chief Minister
(c) Determined by the Governor
(d) 15 members from the ruling party
In which Assembly session was the post of Minister of State and Parliamentary Secretary introduced in Rajasthan?
(a) Fourth Assembly
(b) Seventh Assembly
(c) Fifth Assembly
(d) Third Assembly

ORGANIZATION SYSTEM OF ADMINISTRATION IN RAJASTHAN

Organization of District Administration:

Divisional Commissioner:
- Acts as a liaison between district and state governments.
- Established: 1829 by William Bentinck to supervise the Collector’s work.
- States with Divisional Commissioners: Rajasthan, Assam, Bihar, Jammu & Kashmir, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Odisha, Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal.
- States without Divisional Commissioners: Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Gujarat, etc.
- Divisional System in Rajasthan:
  - Initially, Rajasthan had five divisions (Jodhpur, Ajmer, Udaipur, Bikaner, Kota).
  - Post abolished in 1962 but re-established in 1987.
  - Current Divisions: Jaipur (added in 1987), Bharatpur (added in 2005), and a total of 7 divisions.
- Appointment: Senior IAS officer appointed by the state government.
- Tenure: Not fixed.

Functions of the Divisional Commissioner:

- Organizes meetings with key district officers and provides guidance.
- Ensures coordination among various departments.
- Conducts inspections of government offices.
- Monitors development schemes within the division.
- Evaluates performance (e.g., confidential reports) of the District Collector and other officers.
- Oversees land revenue disputes and laws under acts like the Rajasthan Land Revenue Act and Rajasthan Excise Act.
- Division-specific responsibilities: e.g., Indira Gandhi Canal Project in Bikaner, Desert Development in Jodhpur.
District Collector (Deputy Commissioner or District Magistrate in some states):
- Post Established: 1772 by Warren Hastings.
- First Collector: Rolf Sheldon.
- Appointment: IAS officer with 5-7 years of experience, appointed by the state government.
- Tenure: Not fixed.
- Functions:

Administrative: Conducts elections, handles public grievances, manages district properties (e.g., Circuit Houses), and ensures food supply.
Revenue Functions: Collection of taxes (land revenue, agricultural tax, etc.), land acquisition, and maintaining land records.
Law and Order: Maintains law and order, supervises the police, grants arms licenses, and issues certificates (e.g., caste and residence).
Development Functions: Manages district development plans, monitors implementation of development projects, and collaborates with Panchayati Raj Institutions.
Disaster Management: Acts as the Chairperson of the District Disaster Management Authority, handling disaster responses like floods, droughts, and earthquakes.
Protocol Duties: Receives dignitaries and conducts elections as the Returning Officer.

Notable Facts:

- Ramsay MacDonald: Described the Collector’s post as the “tortoise on whose back the Government of India is riding.”
- Lakhina Pattern: Introduced by Anil Kumar Lakhina in 1984 in Maharashtra to simplify district administration with innovations like the Single Window System.
- District Government Concept: Introduced in Madhya Pradesh by Chief Minister Digvijay Singh in 1999-2000, making a minister in charge of the district.
Sub-Divisional Officer (SDO):
- Functions as an administrative unit between the district and tehsil levels.
- Appointment: By the state government, usually RAS (Rajasthan Administrative Service) officers.
- Tenure: Not fixed.
- Total Subdivisions in Rajasthan: 299.
- Functions:

As a land revenue officer: manages land records, inspects tehsildar offices, collects revenue, and prevents land encroachment.
As a magistrate: maintains law and order, inspects police stations, implements Section 144.
As an administrative officer: identifies Below Poverty Line (BPL) families, monitors distribution of essential commodities, and organizes revenue campaigns.
As an election officer: arranges elections and acts as the Assistant Returning Officer for Lok Sabha and Vidhan Sabha elections.
As a judicial officer: handles land disputes, pasture and forest land disputes, and land transfer issues.

Tehsildar:
- Total Tehsils in Rajasthan: 368 (including 29 new tehsils).
- Appointment: By the Revenue Board, Ajmer.
- Training: 6½ months at Revenue Research and Training Institute (RRTI) Ajmer or APRTS Tonk.
- Functions:

Land revenue collection and maintaining Jamabandi (land records).
Magisterial duties, including the imposition of fines and short-term imprisonment.
Administrative duties, such as conducting census, issuing domicile certificates, and preparing electoral rolls.
Acts as a Sub-Registrar, handling property registrations.
Manages relief operations during disasters (e.g., famine, flood, epidemics).

Patwari:
- Recruitment: Through Rajasthan Staff Selection Board, Jaipur, under the recommendation of the Revenue Board.
- Training: Conducted at Patwari Training Schools in cities like Udaipur, Jaipur, and Kota.
- Functions:

Maintenance of land records, including Jamabandi, mutation registers, and crop conditions.
Collection of land revenue and other taxes.
Implementing land reforms and conducting revenue campaigns.
Reporting encroachments, assisting in elections, and conducting censuses.
Helping with natural calamity assessments and welfare schemes at the village level.

Jail Administration:

Managed by the Superintendent of Police (SP) in coordination with the District Collector.

Police Administration:

Superintendent of Police (SP):
- Creation: 1808 AD.
- Appointment: Through direct recruitment or promotion.
- Tenure: Not fixed.
- Functions:
  - Maintains law and order in the district.
  - Coordinates with the District Collector.
  - Inspects police stations and controls district police.
  - Executes operations like Operation AAG and Operation Milap.
Additional SP: Assists the SP in maintaining law and order.
Deputy SP (DySP): Assists in the administration and supervision of police operations at the sub-divisional level.

Revenue and Development Administration:

Chief Executive Officer (CEO): Heads the development activities in the district, often working closely with Panchayati Raj Institutions.
Block Development Officer (BDO): Supervises development projects at the block level, ensuring effective implementation of state policies.
Patwari: Plays a crucial role in rural development, maintaining land records and assisting in implementing welfare programs.

Additional Relevant Facts and Information on District Administration:

Role of District Collector:

Historical Context:
- The District Collector is considered the most pivotal figure in district administration, often referred to as the Mini-Government due to their extensive powers and responsibilities.
- Ramsay MacDonald once remarked that the “Collector is the tortoise on whose back the Government of India rides,” reflecting the importance of this role in British India and continuing in modern-day India.
Authority in Crisis Management:
- During natural disasters, epidemics, riots, or other crises, the District Collector becomes the focal point of administration, ensuring immediate relief measures.
- Disaster Management Act of 2005: The Collector serves as the Chairman of the District Disaster Management Authority, responsible for coordinating relief efforts, evacuating affected populations, and managing disaster-related compensation and resettlement.
Judicial Role:
- In their capacity as District Magistrate, the Collector holds judicial powers related to maintaining law and order under Section 144 of the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC). This includes the authority to impose curfews or restrictions on assemblies when public peace is at risk.
- The Collector also acts on issues like arms licensing, handling complaints related to public nuisance, smuggling, drug trade, and preventing terrorism.
Electoral Duties:
- As Returning Officer, the Collector is responsible for conducting elections at various levels, including Lok Sabha (MP), Vidhan Sabha (MLA), Panchayati Raj, and urban local bodies. The Collector also oversees the electoral roll updating process.
Coordination with Armed Forces:
- The District Collector is the key point of contact between civil administration and military units during times of military exercises or operations within their district. They ensure smooth coordination for logistics, supplies, or local support when required.

Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) / Sub-Divisional Officer (SDO):

Bridge Between District and Tehsil:
- The SDM, also referred to as the Sub-Divisional Magistrate, acts as a bridge between the district-level administration and the tehsil. They manage law and order, revenue collection, and development schemes at the sub-divisional level.
- Judicial Functions: The SDM has the authority to preside over civil cases such as land disputes, boundary issues, and encroachments. They may also oversee criminal matters related to public order and peace under Section 144.
- Revenue Functions: The SDM plays a crucial role in land revenue administration, ensuring land records are updated, taxes collected, and disputes resolved at the local level. They conduct inspections of tehsildar and patwari offices.
Key Fact:
- The SDM is often called the “Eye and Ear of the District Collector” due to their on-ground presence and frequent reporting on local issues.

Tehsildar and Naib Tehsildar:

Tehsildar:
- The Tehsildar oversees revenue collection in their tehsil and is responsible for maintaining accurate land records (Jamabandi), managing property disputes, and executing land-related reforms such as land redistribution and conversion.
- Magisterial Role: The Tehsildar can impose fines and short-term imprisonment for minor offenses in their jurisdiction and also handles public grievance redressal.
- Property Registration: The Tehsildar acts as a Sub-Registrar, handling the registration of sales and purchases of land and other property.
Naib Tehsildar:
- Functions as a deputy to the Tehsildar and performs similar duties on a smaller scale, ensuring the smooth administration of revenue laws, land records, and collection of taxes.

Patwari:

Rural Administration Backbone:
- The Patwari is one of the most critical figures in the rural administrative structure, tasked with maintaining and updating land records, collecting land revenue, and assisting in various administrative tasks such as surveys and inspections.
- Functions in Revenue Collection: Patwaris are responsible for maintaining village revenue records, ensuring land revenue is collected, and reporting land transactions or disputes to higher authorities.
- Role in Government Schemes: Patwaris play a significant role in the implementation of rural development schemes by identifying eligible beneficiaries, distributing resources, and overseeing agricultural welfare programs.
- Emergency Assistance: In cases of natural calamities (floods, droughts, etc.), the Patwari assesses damage to crops and property and helps identify families in need of relief.

Jail Administration:

Superintendent of Jail:
- The Superintendent of Police (SP), under certain administrative setups, also supervises jail administration, ensuring security and the welfare of prisoners.
- The Superintendent of Jail is responsible for the overall functioning of the prison, which includes maintaining discipline, ensuring safety, and managing resources like food, healthcare, and vocational training for inmates.

Police Administration:

Superintendent of Police (SP):
- The SP heads the district police force, overseeing law enforcement, crime prevention, and public safety.
- The SP is responsible for maintaining law and order and ensuring police stations function efficiently. They report to both the District Collector and the Home Department.
- Cooperation with the Collector: The SP works closely with the District Collector, especially in cases related to public order, curfews, or emergencies.
Role in Major Operations:
- The SP leads district-wide police operations, such as anti-smuggling efforts or anti-terrorist operations. For instance, Operation AAG and Operation Milap are examples of special initiatives taken to curb illegal activities.

Revenue Administration:

Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM):
- Oversees revenue collection in the sub-division, including taxes on land, irrigation, stamp duty, etc.
- Ensures that government land is not encroached upon and that any disputed or government land is properly marked and recorded.
Tehsildar:
- As the head of revenue administration at the tehsil level, Tehsildars ensure accurate land revenue collection and manage land records.
- They are also responsible for land boundary demarcation, issuing residence and caste certificates, and handling public complaints.

Development Administration:

Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Zila Parishad:
- The CEO plays a crucial role in rural development, managing schemes related to health, education, agriculture, and infrastructure at the district level.
- The CEO ensures that funds allocated for rural development are utilized effectively and monitors the progress of various government welfare schemes.
Block Development Officer (BDO):
- The BDO is responsible for implementing development schemes at the block level, ensuring local infrastructure projects and agricultural reforms are carried out effectively.
- They coordinate with various Panchayats within their block and submit regular reports on developmental progress to higher authorities.

Commissionerate System:

Powers of the Police Commissioner:
- In metropolitan cities like Jaipur and Jodhpur, the Commissionerate system grants the Police Commissioner magisterial powers, allowing them to issue arms licenses, enforce curfews, and implement sections of the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC).
- Commissioner System Established in Rajasthan:
  - First introduced in Jaipur and Jodhpur on January 1, 2011, under the leadership of Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot.
  - The system was designed to reduce the burden on the District Collector and provide quicker administrative decisions related to law and order.
Present Commissioners:
- Jaipur Commissioner: Anand Srivastava
- Jodhpur Commissioner: Jose Mohan

Key Facts and Innovations in District Administration:

Lakhina Pattern (1984):
- Introduced by Anil Kumar Lakhina in Maharashtra, this pattern emphasizes innovations such as work simplification and the Single Window System, aiming to streamline district administration.
District Government Concept (1999-2000):
- Initiated by Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Digvijay Singh, this concept aimed to decentralize power by assigning ministers to oversee districts, providing greater autonomy and efficiency in district administration.

Important Roles and Functions in Disaster Management:

Chairperson of District Disaster Management Authority:
- The District Collector acts as the head of the District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA), coordinating relief efforts during natural and man-made disasters.
- They are responsible for planning, preparedness, and response activities during disasters like floods, droughts, earthquakes, and terrorist attacks.

Rajasthan Public Service Commission (RPSC)

First Public Service Commission in Rajasthan: Formed in Jodhpur.
Constitutional Body: Mentioned in Part 14 of the Constitution, from Article 315 to 323.
Establishment: August 20, 1949, in Jaipur. Later shifted to Ajmer on the recommendation of the Satyanarayan Rao Committee.
First President: S.K. Ghosh (Chief Justice).
First Full-Time President: S.C. Tripathi.
Current President: Bhupendra Yadav.
First Acting President: Shri L.L. Joshi.
First Secretary: Shri Shyamsunder Sharma.
First Lady Secretary: Smt. Autima Bordia.
Current Secretary: Shubham Choudhary (IAS).
Longest Tenure as President: D.S. Tiwari.
Shortest Tenure as President: P.S. Yadav (37 days).
Number of Members: 7 (Since 2011).

Organization of RPSC:

Provision: Chairman and 7 members.
Appointment: Chairman and members are appointed by the Governor on the advice of the Chief Minister under Article 316(1).
Composition: At least half the members must come from public services of the Union or state. Other members can be educationists, social workers, politicians, or lawyers.

Term of Office:

Tenure: 6 years or until the age of 62, whichever is earlier (age limit increased from 60 to 62 by the 41st Amendment).
Post-Term Restrictions:
- After completing their term, the Chairman and members cannot hold any other office of profit in the state.
- Members cannot be appointed to any other State Public Service Commission.
- However, they can be appointed to the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) or other State Public Service Commissions in different capacities.

Resignation and Removal:

Resignation: Addressed to the Governor.
Removal Grounds:
1. Malpractice
2. Misuse of office
3. Holding an office of profit
4. Bankruptcy
5. Physical or mental incapacity
Removal Process:

- The President can initiate an inquiry by the Supreme Court, which can recommend removal after investigation.
- The Governor has the authority to suspend the Chairman or members during the inquiry.

Salary and Allowances:

Chairman’s Salary: ₹2,25,000 per month.
Members’ Salary: ₹2,15,000 per month.
Source: Paid from the consolidated fund of the state.

Source of Powers:

Rajasthan Public Service Commission (Condition of Service) Regulations 1951.
Rajasthan Public Service Commission (Delimitation of Functions) Regulations 1951.
Rajasthan Public Service Commission Rules and Regulations 1963.
Rajasthan Public Service Commission Act 1976.

Functions of RPSC:

Organizes various state-level recruitments (e.g., RAS, SI, RFS).
Advises the state government on:
1. Recruitment Methods.
2. Promotion and Transfer Principles.
3. Disciplinary proceedings against employees.
Submits annual reports to the Governor under Article 323(2).
Manages Departmental Promotion Committees (DPC).

Key Articles Related to Public Service Commissions:

Article 315: Establishment of Public Service Commissions.
Article 316: Appointment of members.
Article 317: Dismissal and suspension of members.
Article 320: Duties and functions of Public Service Commissions.
Article 323: Report submission by the Commission to the Governor.
Article 315(2): Joint Public Service Commissions for two or more states, constituted by the President on the request of those states.

Important Historical Facts:

RPSC First Chairman: S.K. Ghosh.
RPSC Transfer to Ajmer: Based on Satyanarayan Rao Committee’s recommendation after the reorganization of the state in 1956.
Current Composition: 1 Chairman + 7 Members.
Joint Public Service Commission: Established by the President on the request of two or more states under Article 315(2).

Additional Relevant Facts and Information about the Rajasthan Public Service Commission (RPSC):

Historical Context:

First Public Service Commission in British India: Established by the Government of India Act, 1935, to ensure a merit-based recruitment process for civil services.
Role of Public Service Commissions: Created to ensure that recruitment for government jobs is transparent, meritocratic, and free from political influence. The Constitution of India, through Articles 315 to 323, provided for the establishment of Public Service Commissions at both Union and State levels.

RPSC’s Role and Impact in Rajasthan:

Recruitment Process:
- The Rajasthan Public Service Commission conducts recruitment exams for various posts in the state administration, including Rajasthan Administrative Services (RAS), Sub-Inspectors (SI), Rajasthan Police Service (RPS), and other state-level positions in education, health, and other departments.
- The recruitment is typically done through written exams followed by interviews and document verification.
RPSC Reforms and Digitalization:
- Over the years, RPSC has implemented various reforms to streamline the recruitment process. This includes online application systems and digital examination processes to enhance transparency and reduce the likelihood of malpractices.
- The introduction of online exam platforms for preliminary exams has significantly reduced logistical delays, making the process more efficient.
Constitutional Safeguards for Fair Recruitment:
- Article 16 of the Constitution ensures equal opportunity for all citizens in matters of public employment. RPSC upholds this principle by conducting exams that are open and transparent.
- Article 320 lays down the duties of the Public Service Commission, including the conduct of exams for appointments to services and posts, advising the Governor on disciplinary matters, and consulting on recruitment processes and promotion policies.

Recruitment Exam Structure:

Preliminary Examination: Usually an objective-type exam that acts as a screening test. For instance, in the RAS exam, candidates are tested on General Knowledge, Current Affairs, and General Science.
Main Examination: Candidates who clear the preliminary exam appear for the descriptive Main Exam, which assesses their in-depth knowledge of subjects like History, Geography, Polity, and Economics, particularly concerning Rajasthan.
Personal Interview: After clearing the Main Exam, candidates are interviewed to assess their personality, communication skills, and suitability for public service.

Promotion and Disciplinary Role of RPSC:

RPSC plays an important role in advising the state government on promotions, transfers, and disciplinary matters for state service officers.
The Commission is involved in overseeing Departmental Promotion Committees (DPCs) to ensure that promotions within the state services are carried out fairly and based on merit.
Article 320(3) mandates the RPSC to consult with the state government on disciplinary actions initiated against civil servants. This includes advice on suspension, termination, and other disciplinary measures.

Significant Regulations Governing RPSC:

Rajasthan Public Service Commission (Condition of Service) Regulations 1951: Defines the service conditions, salaries, and tenure of RPSC members.
Rajasthan Public Service Commission (Delimitation of Functions) Regulations 1951: Specifies the functions of the Commission, including the conduct of exams, consultation on appointments, promotions, and disciplinary actions.
Rajasthan Public Service Commission Rules and Regulations 1963: Lays down detailed procedures for recruitment and examination processes.
Rajasthan Public Service Commission Act 1976: Strengthens the powers of the Commission and defines its duties in more detail, ensuring transparency in recruitment and selection processes.

Governance and Autonomy of RPSC:

Independence of RPSC: As a constitutional body, the RPSC operates independently of the state government in its day-to-day functioning. While the Governor appoints the Chairman and members of the RPSC on the advice of the Chief Minister, the Commission functions autonomously when it comes to recruitment and disciplinary matters.
Protection under the Constitution: Article 317 of the Constitution provides protection to the Chairman and members of the Public Service Commission from arbitrary dismissal, ensuring that they can function without political pressure.

Article 316 – Appointment Process:

The Governor of Rajasthan, on the advice of the Chief Minister, appoints the Chairman and members of RPSC under Article 316 of the Indian Constitution.
The President of India has the power to appoint the Chairman and members of a Joint Public Service Commission, should two or more states choose to share such a body, under Article 315(2).

Annual Reporting and Accountability:

Article 323 mandates that the RPSC submits an annual report to the Governor of Rajasthan. This report details the activities undertaken by the Commission, including recruitment processes, promotions, transfers, and disciplinary actions.
The report is tabled in the State Legislature, allowing the government to assess the Commission’s performance and take any necessary corrective measures.

Joint Public Service Commission (JPSC):

A Joint Public Service Commission can be created for two or more states. This is provided under Article 315(2), and such a commission is appointed by the President of India on the recommendation of the concerned states.
Currently, Rajasthan operates its own State Public Service Commission, but the provision for a JPSC exists if required.

Ethics and Conduct Guidelines for Members:

Members of RPSC, including the Chairman, must adhere to strict ethical guidelines. These include:
- Not holding any office of profit after retirement or resignation.
- Not engaging in activities that could be seen as a conflict of interest.
- Being impartial and transparent in all recruitment processes.

Challenges Faced by RPSC:

Backlog of Recruitment: Due to various administrative reasons, there is often a backlog of pending recruitments. RPSC has been working on streamlining the process to reduce delays.
Litigation and Disputes: RPSC’s recruitment exams and decisions sometimes face legal challenges, particularly in cases related to reservation policies, exam malpractices, or discrepancies in results.
Reservation Issues: Ensuring a fair and just implementation of reservation policies as per the constitutional mandate is a complex challenge, particularly with evolving judicial interpretations on quotas and merit.
Digital Reforms: Although steps have been taken towards digitalization, expanding the reach of online recruitment processes and making the examination process more transparent remains a priority.

Notable Recruitments by RPSC:

Rajasthan Administrative Services (RAS): One of the most prestigious exams conducted by RPSC. It selects candidates for administrative positions across the state.
Rajasthan Police Service (RPS): Conducted to recruit officers for Rajasthan’s police force.
Lecturer and Teacher Recruitments: RPSC also conducts exams for recruiting lecturers and teachers in various government schools and colleges in Rajasthan.

Recent Developments in RPSC:

Use of Technology: RPSC is increasingly adopting online examination systems and digital evaluation methods to enhance transparency and efficiency.
Focus on Gender Equality: RPSC has introduced measures to ensure gender equality in recruitment, offering opportunities to women across different sectors of public service.
Transparency Measures: To ensure transparency, RPSC has made provisions for candidates to access answer keys and contest any discrepancies in results through proper channels.

Key Articles and Related Provisions:

Article 16: Equality of opportunity in matters of public employment.
Article 315: Public Service Commissions for the Union and States.
Article 316: Appointment of Chairman and members of State Public Service Commissions.
Article 317: Removal and suspension of a member or Chairman.
Article 320: Functions of Public Service Commissions.
Article 323: Reports submitted by Public Service Commissions to the Governor.

Contribution of RPSC to State Development:

Capacity Building: By selecting skilled and qualified personnel for government services, RPSC contributes directly to the capacity building of the state administration.
Merit-Based Recruitment: Ensures that government departments are staffed with individuals selected based on merit, enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of state services.
Support for Educational Institutions: RPSC plays a key role in the recruitment of educators, ensuring that schools, colleges, and universities in Rajasthan have qualified teachers and professors, thereby improving the state’s education system.

Questions Asked in Previous Years:

In which article is it stated, “Subject to the provisions of this article, there shall be a Public Service Commission for the Union and a Public Service Commission for every State”?
1. Article 174
2. Article 248
3. Article 315
4. Article 310

The Chairman and members of the Rajasthan Public Service Commission are appointed by:
1. The Union Council of Ministers
2. The President on the advice of the Governor
3. The Governor on the advice of the Chief Minister
4. The President on the advice of the Prime Minister

What is the tenure of the members of the Rajasthan Public Service Commission?
1. 6 years
2. 6 years or 62 years of age, whichever ends earlier.
3. Subject to the age of 62 years
4. 6 years or 65 years of age, whichever ends earlier

If the Chairman of the Rajasthan Public Service Commission wants to be relieved from his post, he will address his resignation to:
1. The Prime Minister
2. The President
3. The Governor
4. The Chief Minister

The Chairman of the Rajasthan Public Service Commission can be suspended by:
1. The Chief Minister of Rajasthan
2. The Chief Secretary of Rajasthan
3. The Governor of Rajasthan
4. The Chief Justice of the Rajasthan High Court

Who determines the number and service conditions of the members of the Rajasthan Public Service Commission?
1. The Governor
2. The President
  3. The State Assembly
  4. The Chief Minister

Under which article does the State Public Service Commission submit its report to the Governor of the respective state?
1. Article 315
2. Article 316
3. Article 320
4. Article 323

When was the Rajasthan Public Service Commission constituted?
1. 20th August 1949
2. 1st November 1956
3. 30th March 1948
4. 26th January 1950

Who was the first Chairman of Rajasthan Public Service Commission?
1. K. Ghosh
2. C. Tripathi
3. S. Tiwari
4. M. Verma

After the reorganization of the state in 1956, on the recommendation of which committee was the Rajasthan Public Service Commission transferred to Ajmer?
1. Satyanarayan Rao Committee
2. Administrative Reforms Commission
3. Sadiq Ali Committee
4. None of these

The total permitted number of members of the Rajasthan Public Service Commission, including the Chairman, is:
1. 5
2. 6
3. 7
4. 8

Rajasthan Public Service Commission consists of a Chairman and how many members?
1. Five
2. Six
3. Seven
4. Eight

Who appoints the Chairman of a Joint Public Service Commission for two or more states?
1. The President of India on the recommendation of the Governors concerned.
2. A committee of governors of all the states concerned.
3. The President of India
4. The Governor of the largest state

Who among the following had the longest tenure as the Chairman of the Rajasthan Public Service Commission?
1. C.R. Chowdhary
2. D.S. Tiwari

Yatindra Singh

Mohammad Yacob

State Election Commission of Rajasthan

One-Member Commission: The State Election Commission is a one-member body responsible for overseeing local elections.
Establishment: Formed in July 1994 under the 73rd and 74th Constitutional Amendment Acts.
Constitutional Provisions: Governed by Article 243(K) and 243ZA of the Indian Constitution.

Key Features:

Qualification: The State Election Commissioner is typically appointed from senior public service ranks, equivalent to the level of a Principal Secretary.
Appointment: The Governor appoints the State Election Commissioner based on the recommendation of the Chief Minister.
Tenure: The Commissioner serves for 5 years or until the age of 65, whichever comes earlier.
Power of Removal: The Commissioner can only be removed by the President of India through a process similar to the impeachment of a High Court judge.
Salary and Allowances: The Commissioner’s salary is charged to the Consolidated Fund of the State, ensuring independence from external pressures.

Historical Information:

First State Election Commissioner: Amar Singh Rathod was the first State Election Commissioner of Rajasthan.
Current State Election Commissioner: Prem Singh Mehra has been serving since July 2017.

Key Functions:

Delimitation and Reservation: In charge of the delimitation of constituencies and ensuring proper reservation in accordance with legal requirements.
Voter List Renewal: Responsible for the updating and renewal of voter lists to ensure accurate electoral rolls.
Election Symbols: The Commission handles the allotment of election symbols and resolves any disputes regarding symbol assignments.
Model Code of Conduct: Implements and ensures compliance with the Model Code of Conduct during elections to maintain fairness and transparency.
Peaceful Conduct of Elections: Ensures that elections are conducted peacefully and manages any disputes or issues that arise during the election process.
Election Officers: Appoints and supervises Election Officers to oversee the administration of elections across the state.
Request for Staff: Can request the Governor to appoint sufficient staff to aid in fulfilling the Commission’s duties.
Postponing Elections: Has the authority to postpone elections if it receives legitimate complaints or concerns regarding the conduct of elections.
Media Time for Political Campaigns: The Commission allocates time for political parties to campaign on Doordarshan and All India Radio during national elections.

First Elections in Rajasthan:

Panchayati Raj Elections: The first Panchayati Raj elections in Rajasthan were held in 1960.
Municipal Elections: The first municipal elections in the state were conducted by the Local Self-Government Department in 1960, and the first election managed by the Election Department was in 1963.

Organizational Structure:

State Election Commissioner ↓
Secretary ↓
Deputy Secretary ↓
District Election Officer (usually the District Collector)

List of State Election Commissioners:

S.No.	Name of Commissioner	Tenure
1	Amar Singh Rathod	July 1, 1994 to July 1, 2000
2	NR Bhasin	July 2, 2000 to July 2, 2002
3	Indrajit Khanna	December 26, 2002 to December 26, 2007
4	Ashok Kumar Pandey	October 1, 2008 to September 30, 2013
5	Ram Lubhaya	October 1, 2013 to April 2, 2017
6	Prem Singh Mehra	July 3, 2017 to Present

The State Election Commission ensures the smooth conduct of local elections, upholding the principles of democracy through fair and transparent election processes.

Additional Relevant Facts and Information about the State Election Commission of Rajasthan:

73rd and 74th Constitutional Amendments:

The 73rd Amendment (1992) brought constitutional status to Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs), mandating regular elections to rural local bodies (Panchayats).
The 74th Amendment (1992) provided constitutional recognition to Urban Local Bodies (ULBs), ensuring democratic elections for municipalities.
These amendments led to the formation of State Election Commissions (SECs), with the responsibility of conducting free, fair, and regular elections for local bodies.

Legal Framework for State Election Commissions:

Article 243(K): Empowers the State Election Commission to supervise, direct, and control the preparation of electoral rolls and the conduct of elections to Panchayats.
Article 243ZA: Provides similar powers for the conduct of elections to Municipalities, ensuring their autonomy in local election matters.

Autonomy and Independence of the State Election Commission:

The State Election Commission (SEC) operates independently of the State Government to ensure impartiality in conducting elections for Panchayati Raj Institutions and Urban Local Bodies.
The Constitutional safeguards provided to the SEC, such as fixed tenure, security of tenure, and salary paid from the Consolidated Fund of the State, enhance its autonomy and protect it from political interference.

Process of Delimitation and Reservation:

Delimitation: The SEC is responsible for defining the boundaries of electoral constituencies for Panchayats and Municipalities before elections.
Reservation of Seats: The SEC ensures proper reservation of seats for Scheduled Castes (SCs), Scheduled Tribes (STs), Other Backward Classes (OBCs), and women, as per constitutional provisions and state laws.

Election Symbols and Disputes:

The allotment of election symbols to political parties and independent candidates is managed by the SEC. It resolves disputes related to symbol allotments during elections to local bodies.

Model Code of Conduct (MCC):

The Model Code of Conduct is implemented by the SEC during elections to ensure a level playing field for all political parties and candidates. This includes guidelines on campaigning, advertising, and use of government resources.
The MCC restricts any government activity that might unfairly influence voters during the election period. Violations are handled swiftly by the Commission, ensuring the integrity of the electoral process.

Election Monitoring and Staff Appointments:

The SEC appoints District Election Officers, typically the District Collectors, to supervise the electoral process at the district level. It also appoints Returning Officers and other staff necessary for conducting elections.
The SEC can request the Governor to deploy additional staff if required for smooth election management.

Handling Complaints and Postponing Elections:

The SEC has the authority to postpone elections if it receives substantial complaints about malpractices or irregularities. This ensures that elections are held in a free and fair manner.

Role in Voter Education and Awareness:

The State Election Commission undertakes voter awareness campaigns to ensure that the electorate is informed about the importance of voting and their rights.
Programs like SVEEP (Systematic Voters’ Education and Electoral Participation) are often launched by the SEC to increase voter turnout and ensure informed voting decisions, particularly for local elections.

Election Expenditure Monitoring:

The SEC sets guidelines on the election expenditure limits for candidates contesting Panchayat and Municipal elections, ensuring that there is a level playing field and preventing the influence of money power in elections.
The SEC monitors the candidates’ expenses and enforces strict penalties for overspending or non-compliance with expenditure regulations.

Significance of State Election Commission in Local Governance:

The State Election Commission plays a vital role in ensuring the democratic functioning of local self-governance. Through its impartial conduct of elections, it ensures that grassroots democracy in Panchayats and Municipalities remains robust.
Local Self-Government is the third tier of Indian democracy, and the SEC is crucial in strengthening this tier by conducting transparent elections, which empower citizens to elect representatives who manage local governance issues.

State Election Commission and Panchayati Raj:

Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs): The SEC organizes elections for the three tiers of Panchayati Raj:
1. Gram Panchayats (Village level)
2. Panchayat Samitis (Block level)
3. Zila Parishads (District level)
The SEC ensures proper representation and electoral fairness across these levels, vital for rural development and decentralized governance in Rajasthan.

State Election Commission and Municipalities:

The SEC oversees elections for Urban Local Bodies (ULBs), including Municipal Corporations, Municipal Councils, and Nagar Panchayats.
By ensuring that municipal elections are conducted fairly, the SEC supports urban governance, enabling elected representatives to manage local issues such as infrastructure development, sanitation, and public services.

Role in Electoral Reforms:

Over the years, the SEC has introduced several electoral reforms to ensure greater transparency and efficiency in local body elections. These reforms include the use of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs), online voter registration, and the deployment of polling observers to curb electoral malpractices.

Broadcasting Campaign Time Allocation:

The SEC allots airtime on national platforms like Doordarshan and All India Radio for political parties during local elections. This ensures equal opportunity for all parties to reach voters without undue financial advantage.

Challenges Faced by the State Election Commission:

Political Pressure: Despite constitutional safeguards, there can be challenges related to political interference, especially during closely contested local elections.
Election Delays: Due to administrative or legal reasons, elections to Panchayats and Municipalities may sometimes be delayed, affecting the functioning of local self-government.
Voter Apathy: Increasing voter participation in local elections remains a challenge, especially in urban areas where there is often voter apathy.
Logistical Challenges: Conducting elections in rural areas, especially in remote regions with limited infrastructure, poses logistical challenges for the SEC.

Recent Initiatives by the SEC:

Use of Technology: To modernize and streamline the election process, the SEC has started incorporating technology in areas such as voter registration, voter list management, and election result dissemination.
Voter Registration Drives: The SEC has been organizing special voter registration campaigns to ensure that all eligible voters are registered, with a focus on marginalized and rural populations.
Digital Campaign Regulations: With the increase in digital campaigning, the SEC has set guidelines to regulate online electioneering and ensure compliance with the Model Code of Conduct.

Notable Historical Elections in Rajasthan:

First Panchayati Raj Elections (1960): Rajasthan was among the first states in India to implement the Panchayati Raj system, with the first elections held in 1960.
First Municipal Elections (1960): Municipal elections in Rajasthan were initially conducted by the Local Self-Government Department, with the Election Department taking over in 1963.

Future of the State Election Commission:

Strengthening Local Governance: The role of the SEC will continue to grow as local governance structures in India become more robust. The SEC’s role in maintaining the credibility of local elections is essential for the development of democratic decentralization.
Electoral Integrity and Accountability: Ensuring that elections remain free of corruption, coercion, or malpractice is a critical focus area. The SEC’s emphasis on electoral accountability will help build public trust in local democratic institutions.

Lokayukta in Rajasthan

Establishment Date: The post of Lokayukta in Rajasthan was established on 3rd February 1973 based on the recommendation of the Harishchandra Mathur Commission and the First Administrative Reforms Commission.
Legislation: The Lokayukta and Uplokayukta Act, 1973 came into force to institutionalize the Lokayukta.
Historical Context:
- The first Lokayukta Act in India was passed in Orissa (1970), but the Lokayukta system was first established in Maharashtra (1971).
- The first Lokayukta of Rajasthan was I.D. Dua.

Important Lokayuktas and Tenures:

First Up-Lokayukta: K.P.U. Menon (Former Chief Secretary)
Shortest Tenure: Vinod Shankar Dave (26 days)
Longest Tenure: Sajjan Singh Kothari
Current Lokayukta: Justice P.K. Lohra (from March 2021)

Appointment Process:

Appointment Authority: Lokayukta is appointed by the Governor on the recommendation of the Chief Minister after consultation with the Leader of the Opposition and the Chief Justice of the Rajasthan High Court.
Qualification: A person eligible to be a Lokayukta must be a Judge of the Supreme Court or equivalent to the Chief Justice of a State High Court.
Tenure: Lokayukta serves a term of 5 years or until the age of 65, whichever is earlier. This was amended briefly to 8 years in 2018 but reverted to 5 years in 2019.

Roles and Powers of Lokayukta:

Jurisdiction: The Lokayukta can investigate complaints against:
1. Ministers
2. Public servants, secretaries, heads of departments
3. Chairpersons of Panchayat Samitis, Municipalities, and State corporations
4. District Heads, Deputy District Heads, and mayors
Investigative Powers:

- Can initiate investigations suo motu or based on complaints.
- Has the power to summon officials, demand records, and inquire into matters of corruption.
Exclusions from Jurisdiction: Lokayukta cannot investigate complaints against:

1. Chief Minister
2. Judges and judicial members of the High Court
3. RPSC Chairman and Members
4. Chief Election Commissioner
5. MLAs
6. Sarpanch and Panch

Resignation and Removal:

Resignation: Lokayukta submits resignation to the Governor.
Removal: Lokayukta can be removed prematurely by the Governor for reasons such as misconduct or inability to perform duties, following an inquiry by the Supreme Court.

Other Functions:

Reports to Governor: Lokayukta submits an annual report to the Governor, detailing investigations and recommendations for action.
Investigating Complaints: Lokayukta investigates complaints of corruption and maladministration in government departments, ensuring public officials are held accountable.
Public Complaint Guidelines:
- Complaints can only be made against public servants of Rajasthan.
- The complaint must be specific, with an affidavit submitted on a Rs. 10 Non-Judicial Stamp Paper.
- Cases older than 5 years are generally not accepted, except for ongoing issues.
Punishment for Malicious Complaints: Lokayukta can impose penalties on individuals who lodge complaints with malicious intent.

Lokayukta Structure:

Lokayukta and Upa-Lokayukta: Rajasthan has provisions for both a Lokayukta and Upa-Lokayukta. If the Lokayukta’s position is vacant, the Upa-Lokayukta steps in.

Notable Lokayuktas of Rajasthan:

Justice I.D. Dua (First Lokayukta)
Justice D.P. Gupta
Justice M.L. Joshi
Justice K.S. Sidhu
Justice M.L. Shrimal
Justice Milap Chand Jain
Justice G.L. Gupta
Justice P.K. Lohra (Current)

Important Committees and Recommendations:

Narpatmal Lodha Committee (2014): Formed to strengthen the Lokayukta’s powers in Rajasthan, ensuring greater autonomy and effectiveness in curbing corruption.

Questions Asked in Previous Years:

The institution of Lokayukta is: (a) Statutory and advisory body
(b) Statutory and judicial body
(c) Non-constitutional and advisory body
(d) Non-constitutional and judicial body
Under which act was the Lokayukta Sansthan formed in Rajasthan? (a) Rajasthan Lokayukta and Up-Lokayukta Act, 1970
(b) Rajasthan Lokayukta and Up-Lokayukta Act, 1973
(c) Rajasthan Lokayukta and Up-Lokayukta Act, 1976
(d) Rajasthan Lokayukta and Up-Lokayukta Act, 1980
Who was the first Lokayukta of Rajasthan? (a) V.S. Dave
(b) D.P. Gupta
(c) M.L. Joshi
(d) I.D. Dua
Who first recommended the appointment of Lokayukta at the state level? (a) Santhanam Committee
(b) Second Administrative Reforms Commission
(c) Administrative Reforms Commission of India (1966-70)
(d) Rajasthan Administrative Reforms Committee
The tenure of Lokayukta in Rajasthan is: (a) 5 years or 65 years of age, whichever is earlier
(b) 5 years or 66 years of age, whichever is earlier
(c) 5 years or 60 years of age, whichever is earlier
(d) 5 years or 62 years of age, whichever is earlier
Against which of the following officers can the Lokayukta of Rajasthan not investigate? (a) Minister
(b) District head of the Zilla Parishad
(c) Person employed in any corporation controlled and owned by the State Government
(d) Chief Minister

Important Facts:

The Lokayukta is only advisory in nature and cannot act independently to prosecute individuals.
Complaints older than 5 years cannot be acted upon.
The Lokpal and Lokayukta Act, 2013, passed by the Central Government, mandates the appointment of Lokayuktas at the state level, but Rajasthan already had the Lokayukta system in place before this law.

By establishing the Lokayukta, Rajasthan strengthened its anti-corruption framework, providing a mechanism to address complaints against public officials, thereby improving accountability and transparency within the state’s administration.

State Human Rights Commission

Establishment: The State Human Rights Commission (SHRC) in Rajasthan was established on 20th March 2000 under the Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993.
Constitutional Provision: Section 21 of the Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993, provides for the creation of State Human Rights Commissions in India to protect and promote human rights.

Structure of the State Human Rights Commission:

Initially, the SHRC in Rajasthan was constituted with 1 chairperson and 4 members. However, after an amendment in 2006, the structure was revised to consist of 1 chairperson and 2 members.
First Chairperson: Justice Kanta Bhatnagar, a former judge of Rajasthan High Court.
Current Chairperson: Justice G.K. Vyas, a retired judge of Rajasthan High Court.
Members:
1. Mahesh Goyal (IPS)
2. One position is currently vacant.

Key Appointments:

Appointment Process: The members and chairperson of the State Human Rights Commission are appointed by a committee comprising:
1. Chief Minister (Chairman)
2. Speaker of the Legislative Assembly
3. Home Minister
4. Leader of the Opposition
If there is a Legislative Council in the state, the Chairman of the Legislative Council and the Leader of the Opposition in the Council also become part of the committee.

Qualifications:

Chairperson: Must be a retired Judge of the State High Court.
Members:
1. Serving or retired Judges of High Court.
2. Persons with 7 years of experience in the District Court as judges.
3. Persons with expertise, knowledge, or experience in the field of human rights.

Tenure of Office:

The chairperson and members serve for 3 years or until they reach the age of 70, whichever is earlier.
Provision for reappointment exists for both the chairperson and members.

Removal Process:

The chairperson and members of the SHRC can be prematurely removed by the President of India, based on an inquiry conducted by the Supreme Court, on the following grounds:
1. Malpractice
2. Incapacity
3. Bankruptcy
4. Physical infirmity
5. Moral decline

Salary and Allowances:

The Chairperson and Members of the State Human Rights Commission are entitled to salaries, pensions, and allowances as fixed by the Protection of Human Rights Act. These salaries and benefits are usually aligned with those of High Court judges.

Functions and Powers of the State Human Rights Commission:

Inquiries into Human Rights Violations: The SHRC has the authority to investigate complaints related to violations of human rights either through suo motu actions or based on petitions submitted by individuals.
Inspection of Institutions: The SHRC can inspect jails and other institutions under the control of the state government to ensure that human rights are being protected.
Obstacles to Human Rights Protection: The Commission can identify and make recommendations to the state government about obstacles hindering the protection of human rights.
Promotion of Human Rights Literacy: The SHRC works to promote research, increase awareness, and spread literacy about human rights through publications and media.
Investigative Powers: The Commission has investigative powers similar to those of a civil court, such as summoning witnesses, obtaining documents, and conducting investigations into cases.
Cooperation with NGOs: The SHRC collaborates with Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) that work in the field of human rights and encourages their efforts to spread awareness and provide assistance.

Restrictions on Complaints:

Complaints to the SHRC cannot be filed for cases that are:
1. Older than one year.
2. Pending in court.
3. Related to the armed forces.
4. Vague or unclear in their details.

Changes after the 2019 Amendment to the Protection of Human Rights Act:

The term of office of the chairperson and members was officially set at 3 years or 70 years of age, with eligibility for reappointment.
The amendment also allowed retired judges of the High Court to become chairpersons of the SHRC, whereas previously, only Chief Justices of the state could hold the position.

Submission of Reports:

The SHRC submits an annual report to the state government, detailing its activities and findings related to human rights violations.
The State Government is required to table the report before the State Legislative Assembly, providing reasons for not accepting any recommendations made by the SHRC.

Filing Complaints:

Complaints can be filed in any of the languages listed in the Eighth Schedule of the Indian Constitution.
No fees are required for filing complaints, and complaints can be submitted by e-mail or fax for ease of access.

Notable Former Chairpersons and Members:

S.No	Name	Date of Assumption	Date of Demitting Office
1	Justice Kanta Bhatnagar	23.03.2000	11.08.2000
2	Justice S. Sageer Ahmed	16.02.2001	03.06.2004
3	Justice N.K. Jain	16.07.2005	15.07.2010
4	Justice Prakash Tatia	11.03.2016	25.11.2019
5	Justice Gopal Krishna Vyas	Continuing from 2021

Questions Asked in Previous Years Regarding Lokayukta and State Human Rights Commission:

The institution of Lokayukta is: (a) Statutory and advisory body
(b) Statutory and judicial body
(c) Non-constitutional and advisory body
(d) Non-constitutional and judicial body
Under which act was the Lokayukta Sansthan formed in Rajasthan? (a) Rajasthan Lokayukta and Up-Lokayukta Act, 1970
(b) Rajasthan Lokayukta and Up-Lokayukta Act, 1973
(c) Rajasthan Lokayukta and Up-Lokayukta Act, 1976
(d) Rajasthan Lokayukta and Up-Lokayukta Act, 1980
Who was the first Lokayukta of Rajasthan? (a) V.S. Dave
(b) D.P. Gupta
(c) M.L. Joshi
(d) I.D. Dua
Who first recommended the appointment of Lokayukta at the state level? (a) Santhanam Committee
(b) Second Administrative Reforms Commission
(c) Administrative Reforms Commission of India (1966-70)
(d) Rajasthan Administrative Reforms Committee
The tenure of Lokayukta in Rajasthan is: (a) 5 years or 65 years of age, whichever is earlier
(b) 5 years or 66 years of age, whichever is earlier
(c) 5 years or 60 years of age, whichever is earlier
(d) 5 years or 62 years of age, whichever is earlier

The Lokayukta and State Human Rights Commission in Rajasthan play critical roles in promoting transparency, accountability, and human rights protection within the state administration. Their establishment reflects the state’s commitment to maintaining justice and protecting the rights of its citizens.

State Information Commission of Rajasthan

Establishment: The State Information Commission was established on 18th April 2006 under Section 15 of the Right to Information Act (RTI), 2005. Its office is located in Jaipur.
Statutory Body: The Commission is a statutory body, meaning it was created by an act of law (RTI Act).

Important Appointments:

First Chief Information Commissioner: M.D. Korani
Other Former Chief Information Commissioners:
1. M.D. Kaurani
2. T. Srinivasan
3. Suresh Choudhary
Current Chief Information Commissioner: Shri D.B. Gupta (appointed in December 2020)
Present Members:
1. Rajendra Prasad Barwad
2. Laxman Singh Rathod
3. Narayan Barehath
4. Sheetal Dhankar

Structure:

Chairman and Members: The Commission consists of 1 Chairman and up to 10 Members.
Information Commissioners: Members are selected for their expertise in various fields like law, science, technology, social service, and journalism.

Appointment Process:

Appointment Authority: The Governor appoints the Chief Information Commissioner and other Information Commissioners based on the recommendation of a committee.
Committee Members:
1. Chief Minister (Chairperson)
2. Leader of the Opposition in the State Assembly
3. Cabinet Minister nominated by the Chief Minister

Tenure and Removal:

Tenure: The tenure is determined as per provisions of the Right to Information (Amendment) Act, 2019.
Removal Grounds: The Chief Information Commissioner and Information Commissioners can be removed by the Governor for the following reasons:
- Supreme Court Inquiry: For misconduct or incapacity after an inquiry by the Supreme Court.
- Direct Removal: For reasons like insolvency, moral turpitude, office of profit, or physical/mental incapacity.

Powers and Functions of the State Information Commission:

Ensuring Implementation of the RTI Act:

The Commission ensures proper implementation of the RTI Act by giving the following directions to public authorities:
1. Providing Information as requested.
2. Appointing State Public Information Officers (PIOs).
3. Improving Record Management for proper data maintenance and disposal.
4. Training employees on the RTI Act and how to handle requests.
5. Submitting Annual Reports related to RTI queries.

Appellate Powers:

The Commission hears appeals against decisions made by the First Appellate Officer within public authorities under Section 19(8) of the RTI Act.

Penal Powers:

The Commission has the authority to impose a fine of Rs. 250 per day up to a maximum of Rs. 25,000 in the following circumstances:
1. Refusal to accept an RTI application.
2. Failure to provide information within the stipulated time.
3. Providing incorrect or incomplete information.
4. Destruction of requested information.
5. Obstructing the provision of information.

Handling Complaints:

Citizens can file complaints with the Commission if:
1. Their RTI application is refused by the Information Officer.
2. They are provided with misleading or incomplete information.
3. The fees charged for the information are unreasonable.

Civil Court Powers:

The Commission holds the same powers as a Civil Court when handling complaints, including:
1. Summoning individuals for oath or evidence.
2. Summoning documents from courts or offices.
3. Issuing summons to witnesses.
4. Taking evidence on affidavit.

Annual Reports:

The Commission submits an annual report to the State Government, detailing its work, pending complaints, and measures taken for RTI implementation.

Citizen’s Charter

A Citizen’s Charter outlines the standard of services provided by a government organization, along with information on the grievance redressal mechanism.
History:
- The first Citizen’s Charter was introduced in the UK in 1991 by John Major.
- The concept was introduced in India in 1996 during the Conference of Chief Secretaries.
First Citizen’s Charter in India: Issued by the Ministry of Food and Supplies in 1997.
Features of a Model Citizen’s Charter:

Should be simple and clear.
Should be created in consultation with citizens.
Should use local languages.
Regular review every 6 months.

Legal Rights in India:

Key Legal Rights Established by Parliament:
1. Maternity Benefit Act, 1961
2. Right to Information Act, 2005 (effective from 12 October 2005)
3. Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA), 2005
4. Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act, 2009
5. Rajasthan Public Service Guarantee Act, 2011
6. Rajasthan Right of Hearing Act, 2012

Local Self-Government in India:

Types:
- Rural Local Self-Government: Gram Panchayats, Panchayat Samiti, Zila Parishad.
- Urban Local Self-Government: Municipalities, Municipal Councils, Municipal Corporations.

Development of Local Self-Government:

Father of Local Self-Government: Lord Ripon, who passed a resolution in 1882, often referred to as the Magna Carta of Local Self-Government.
Panchayati Raj System: First introduced in Bagdari, Nagaur in 1959.

73rd Constitutional Amendment Act (1992):

Added Part IX to the Constitution, giving constitutional status to Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs).

Key Recommendations of Important Committees:

Balwant Rai Mehta Committee (1957): Suggested the three-tier system for Panchayati Raj.
Ashok Mehta Committee (1977): Proposed a two-tier Panchayati Raj system.
L.M. Singhvi Committee (1986): Recommended constitutional recognition for Panchayati Raj.

The State Information Commission, along with the Right to Information Act, plays a crucial role in ensuring transparency and accountability in the functioning of public authorities in Rajasthan, empowering citizens to access information and participate more actively in governance.

Local Self-Government in Rajasthan

Rural Local Self-Government

Gram Panchayat: The smallest unit of local self-government at the village level.
Panchayat Samiti: Functions at the block level, coordinating the activities of multiple Gram Panchayats.
Zila Parishad: Operates at the district level, supervising and coordinating the activities of Panchayat Samitis.

Urban Local Self-Government

Municipality: Governs smaller urban areas.
Municipal Council: Handles governance of larger towns.
Municipal Corporation: Administers major urban centers or cities.
Other Bodies:
- Notified Area Committee
- Cantonment Board
- Port Trust

Development of Rural Local Self-Government in India

Pre-Independence:
- Lord Ripon is considered the father of local self-government in India. His resolution of 1882 is often called the Magna Carta of Local Self-Government.
Constitutional Provision:
- Article 40 of the Indian Constitution directs states to establish village panchayats as units of local self-government.
Post-Independence Development:
- Panchayati Raj was first introduced in Bagdari Village, Nagaur, Rajasthan, in 1959.
- The 64th Constitutional Amendment (1989) attempted to provide constitutional status to Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) but was not passed in the Rajya Sabha.
- 73rd Constitutional Amendment (1992): Gave constitutional status to Panchayati Raj Institutions, adding Part IX and 29 subjects in the 11th Schedule of the Constitution.

Committees Related to Panchayati Raj:

Balwant Rai Mehta Committee (1957):
- Supported a three-tier Panchayati Raj system (Gram Panchayat, Panchayat Samiti, Zila Parishad).
- Recommended directly elected Gram Panchayats and the District Collector as the chairman of the Zila Parishad.
Ashok Mehta Committee (1977):
- Proposed a two-tier system (Mandal Panchayat and Zila Parishad).
- Recommended constitutional status for Panchayati Raj and reserved seats for SC/ST and women.
GVK Rao Committee (1985):
- Described Panchayati Raj as “grass without roots.”
- Recommended strengthening the Zila Parishad and holding regular elections.
L.M. Singhvi Committee (1986):
- Strongly advocated for constitutional recognition of Panchayati Raj Institutions.
Gadgil Committee (1988):
- Supported a three-tier system for Panchayati Raj and emphasized the creation of State Finance Commissions and State Election Commissions.

Features of the 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act

Article 243(A) – Gram Sabha:
- Consists of all adult voters in a village, presided over by the Sarpanch.
- Holds meetings at least once every six months. In Rajasthan, meetings are held four times a year:
  - 15 August (Independence Day)
  - 2 October (Gandhi Jayanti)
  - 26 January (Republic Day)
  - 1 May (Labour Day)
Article 243(B) – Three-tier System:
- Comprising Gram Panchayats, Panchayat Samitis, and Zila Parishads.
- States with a population below 20 lakh can opt for a two-tier system.
Article 243(C) – Elections:
- Direct election for members of the Gram Panchayat, Panchayat Samiti, and Zila Parishad.
- Indirect election for the Pradhan and Zila Parmukh.
Article 243(D) – Reservation of Seats:
- Reservation for SC/ST in proportion to their population.
- One-third of seats reserved for women. In Rajasthan, 50% seats are reserved for women.
- OBC reservation at 21%.
Article 243(E) – Tenure of Panchayats:
- Five-year term for Panchayats.
- Re-election within six months if dissolved early.
Article 243(F) – Qualifications for Members:
- Minimum age: 21 years.
- The member’s name must be in the electoral roll of the respective constituency.
Article 243(G) – Powers and Functions of Panchayats:
- Panchayats have the power to make and implement programs for economic development and social justice.
Article 243(H) – Powers to Levy Taxes:
- The State Legislature may authorize Panchayats to levy taxes.
Article 243(I) – State Finance Commission:
- A State Finance Commission is to be constituted every five years to review the financial position of Panchayats and recommend the distribution of taxes between the state and Panchayats.
Article 243(J) – Audit of Panchayat Accounts:
- The financial records of Panchayats are subject to regular audit.
Article 243(K) – State Election Commission:
- A State Election Commission oversees the conduct of elections for Panchayati Raj Institutions.
Article 243(O) – Court Restrictions on Elections:
- Courts are restricted from intervening in election matters related to Panchayats.

Mandatory Provisions of the 73rd Amendment:

Establishment of Gram Sabha.
Three-tier system for Panchayats (except for states with a population below 20 lakh).
Reservation for women, SC/ST in Panchayats.
Direct elections for members of Panchayats.
Five-year tenure for Panchayats.
Creation of State Finance Commissions and State Election Commissions.

Voluntary Provisions of the 73rd Amendment:

Provision of reservation for backward classes.
Powers to authorize Panchayats to collect taxes.
Decision on whether elections should be party-based or non-party-based.
Choice of direct or indirect election for the Sarpanch.

Oath-Taking Process in Panchayati Raj System:

Post	Oath Administered By
Sarpanch / Up-Sarpanch / Ward Panch	Presiding Officer
Pradhan / Member / Vice-President	Sub-Divisional Officer (SDO)
Zila Parmukh / Deputy Chief	District Collector

Resignation Process in Panchayati Raj System:

Post	Resignation Accepted By
Sarpanch / Up-Sarpanch / Ward Member	BDO (Block Development Officer)
Deputy President / Panchayat Samiti Member	Pradhan
Zila Parmukh	Divisional Commissioner

Structure of Panchayati Raj System in Rajasthan:

Level	No. of Units	Political Head	Administrative Head	Election Method
Zila Parishad	33	Zila Parmukh	Chief Executive Officer	Zila Parishad Members Direct
Panchayat Samiti	352	Pradhan	BDO (Block Development Officer)	Pradhan Indirect, Members Direct
Gram Panchayat	11,341	Sarpanch	Village Development Officer	Sarpanch Direct, Members Direct

Local Governance: Citizen Participation and Accountability

Citizen’s Charter: Enhances accountability by setting clear service standards, providing grievance redressal mechanisms, and promoting transparency.
State Information Commission: Ensures access to information under the Right to Information Act (RTI), 2005, which strengthens citizen engagement in local governance.

Through Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) and Urban Local Bodies (ULBs), Rajasthan’s local self-governance system ensures democratic participation at the grassroots level, empowering citizens to take part in decision-making processes and hold local authorities accountable.

Local Self-Government in Rajasthan: Key Insights and Further Details

Evolution of Local Self-Government:

Lord Ripon’s Resolution (1882): Considered the starting point of modern local self-government in India, emphasizing the importance of local participation in governance.
Post-Independence Development:
- Article 40 of the Directive Principles of State Policy urges states to organize village panchayats.
- The introduction of Panchayati Raj in 1959 in Rajasthan marked a crucial step toward the establishment of a decentralized governance system.

Panchayati Raj in Rajasthan

Historical Development:

First Panchayati Raj System in India: Rajasthan became the first state to adopt the Panchayati Raj system in 1959 in the Nagaur district.
Three-Tier Structure:
1. Gram Panchayat: Village-level governance body.
2. Panchayat Samiti: Intermediate level, covering a group of villages.
3. Zila Parishad: District-level governance body.

Key Features of the Panchayati Raj System in Rajasthan:

Gram Panchayat:
- The most basic unit of local self-governance.
- Headed by an elected Sarpanch.
- Responsible for addressing local issues like sanitation, health, education, and public infrastructure.
- Direct elections for the Sarpanch and Ward Members.
Panchayat Samiti:
- Governs the block-level administration.
- Pradhan and Samiti Members are elected, with the Pradhan being chosen indirectly.
- Acts as a bridge between Gram Panchayats and Zila Parishads.
- Responsibilities include executing government schemes, overseeing developmental work, and managing welfare programs.
Zila Parishad:
- Governs the district-level administration.
- Zila Parmukh (District Head) and members of the Zila Parishad are elected, with the Zila Parmukh being indirectly elected.
- Supervises the functioning of the Panchayat Samitis within the district.
- Coordinates the execution of district-level policies and developmental activities.

Mandatory Provisions of the 73rd Constitutional Amendment in Rajasthan:

Formation of a Gram Sabha at the village level.
Reservation of seats for Scheduled Castes (SCs), Scheduled Tribes (STs), and women.
Five-year term for Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs).
Establishment of a State Election Commission to oversee elections.
Formation of a State Finance Commission to review the financial position of PRIs and recommend sharing of taxes.

Key Recommendations by Various Committees:

Balwant Rai Mehta Committee (1957): Introduced the three-tier Panchayati Raj system and recommended direct elections at the village level.
Ashok Mehta Committee (1977): Suggested a two-tier structure with Mandal Panchayat and Zila Parishad. It also advocated for a constitutional status to Panchayati Raj institutions.
GVK Rao Committee (1985): Emphasized the strengthening of Zila Parishads as the pillar of democratic decentralization.
L.M. Singhvi Committee (1986): Recommended constitutional recognition for Panchayati Raj institutions.

Urban Local Self-Government in Rajasthan

Types of Urban Local Bodies (ULBs):

Municipal Corporation (Nagar Nigam): Governs large cities.
Municipal Council (Nagar Parishad): Governs medium-sized towns.
Municipality (Nagar Palika): Governs smaller urban areas.

Municipal Governance Structure:

Mayor (Nagar Nigam):
- The head of a Municipal Corporation.
- Elected indirectly by the elected members of the Municipal Corporation.
- The Mayor represents the city and oversees its administration.
Chairperson (Nagar Parishad/Nagar Palika):
- The head of a Municipal Council or Municipality.
- Elected indirectly by the members of the council.
- Responsible for ensuring the implementation of developmental schemes and municipal services.

Functions of Urban Local Bodies:

Maintenance of civic infrastructure like roads, water supply, sanitation, and public health.
Collection of property taxes, fees, and user charges for municipal services.
Regulation of land use, building activities, and urban planning.
Provision of public services such as waste management, firefighting, and maintenance of parks.

Rajasthan Municipalities Act (2009):

Provides the legal framework for the establishment, governance, and functioning of Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) in Rajasthan.
Focuses on decentralized decision-making, urban development, and citizen engagement in governance.

State Election Commission (Rajasthan):

Established to conduct free and fair elections for Panchayati Raj Institutions and Urban Local Bodies.
Responsible for delimitation, reservation of constituencies, and voter list renewal.
The State Election Commissioner is appointed by the Governor on the recommendation of the Chief Minister.

State Finance Commission (Rajasthan):

Reviews the financial position of Panchayati Raj Institutions and Urban Local Bodies.
Makes recommendations regarding the distribution of taxes and grant-in-aid from the State Government.
A Finance Commission is constituted every five years to ensure fiscal devolution to local governments.
Current Chairman: Pradyuman Singh.

Significant Local Governance Reforms in Rajasthan:

Decentralization of Power: Rajasthan has implemented significant decentralization reforms, ensuring that Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) and Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) are empowered to govern local affairs.
Strengthening Transparency and Accountability:
- Implementation of the Right to Information (RTI) Act at the local level to increase transparency in local governance.
- Citizen’s Charter initiatives provide citizens with clear guidelines on government services and the process for filing complaints or grievances.

Development Initiatives in Rajasthan’s Local Governance:

Swachh Bharat Mission (Urban and Rural): Focused on improving sanitation infrastructure and ensuring cleanliness across rural and urban areas.
Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (Urban & Rural): Targets providing affordable housing to economically weaker sections.
Smart Cities Mission: Jaipur and Udaipur have been selected under this initiative to modernize urban infrastructure and governance.

Conclusion:

Rajasthan’s local self-governance system, encompassing Panchayati Raj Institutions and Urban Local Bodies, plays a crucial role in ensuring grassroots democracy and citizen engagement. By implementing constitutional mandates such as the 73rd and 74th Amendments, the state has empowered local governments to manage developmental initiatives, address local needs, and ensure effective service delivery. Through ongoing reforms and the establishment of bodies like the State Election Commission and State Finance Commission, Rajasthan continues to strengthen its decentralized governance framework.

Key Features of Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs):

Gram Panchayat:
- The Gram Panchayat is the village-level governing body, playing a key role in the administration of rural areas.
- Each Gram Panchayat is headed by a Sarpanch, elected through direct elections.
- The Ward Members (Panch) are also directly elected by the villagers.
- Responsibilities include:
  - Village development planning.
  - Implementation of government schemes related to health, sanitation, education, and social welfare.
  - Maintenance of public infrastructure such as roads, water supply systems, and sanitation facilities.
Panchayat Samiti:
- The Panchayat Samiti operates at the block level, overseeing a cluster of Gram Panchayats.
- The Pradhan (block head) is indirectly elected by the members of the Panchayat Samiti.
- Main functions include:
  - Coordinating the activities of Gram Panchayats.
  - Implementing development projects and government programs at the block level.
  - Supervising welfare schemes such as MGNREGA and Swachh Bharat Mission.
Zila Parishad:
- The Zila Parishad is the highest tier of the Panchayati Raj system, functioning at the district level.
- The Zila Parmukh (District Head) is elected indirectly by the elected members of the Zila Parishad.
- It acts as a coordinating body between the Panchayat Samitis within the district.
- Major roles include:
  - Formulation of district development plans.
  - Overseeing execution of policies related to infrastructure, education, health, and agriculture.
  - Monitoring the utilization of district-level funds.

Important Functions of Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs):

Local Administration:
- PRIs manage local administrative tasks, including record-keeping, land disputes, and birth/death registrations.
Economic Development:
- Implementation of schemes related to agriculture, irrigation, fisheries, and rural industries to enhance local economic growth.
Social Welfare:
- Overseeing the provision of basic amenities like drinking water, sanitation, and rural housing.
- Management of government welfare schemes such as Indira Awaas Yojana, Janani Suraksha Yojana, and old age pensions.
Disaster Management:
- PRIs play a crucial role in disaster relief efforts, particularly during natural calamities like floods, droughts, and earthquakes.
Education and Health:
- PRIs ensure the implementation of programs like Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan and Mid-Day Meal Scheme.
- Promotion of primary healthcare through Primary Health Centers (PHCs) and Sub-Centers.

Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) in Rajasthan: Detailed Overview

Urban Governance Structure:

Municipal Corporation (Nagar Nigam):
- Governs large cities with populations exceeding one million.
- The elected Mayor heads the Municipal Corporation and is responsible for overseeing urban administration and public services.
- Roles include:
  - Maintenance of urban infrastructure, including roads, bridges, and water supply systems.
  - Solid waste management and sanitation services.
  - Urban planning and regulation of building activities.
Municipal Council (Nagar Parishad):
- Operates in medium-sized towns with populations between 100,000 and 1 million.
- The Chairperson leads the council and ensures proper urban management and service delivery.
- Functions include maintaining civic amenities, public health, sanitation, and street lighting.
Municipality (Nagar Palika):
- Governs smaller urban areas and towns.
- Led by a Chairperson, municipalities are responsible for providing basic services such as water supply, drainage, and public safety.

Key Roles of Urban Local Bodies (ULBs):

Urban Infrastructure Development:
- ULBs are responsible for developing and maintaining essential infrastructure, such as roads, bridges, markets, and public buildings.
Water Supply and Sanitation:
- Ensuring continuous drinking water supply and efficient management of sewage and wastewater.
- Solid waste management, including garbage collection, recycling, and disposal.
Urban Planning and Land Use Regulation:
- ULBs oversee land use and building regulations, ensuring urban development adheres to zoning laws and safety codes.
Public Health and Safety:
- Management of hospitals, clinics, and dispensaries to provide healthcare services to urban residents.
- Ensuring fire safety, traffic control, and disaster preparedness.
Revenue Collection:
- ULBs collect property taxes, user fees, and business licenses to fund urban development projects and services.

Urban Local Self-Government in Rajasthan

Development of Urban Local Bodies (ULBs):

The establishment of urban local bodies dates back to the colonial era.
- 1687: The first Municipal Corporation in India was set up in Madras (now Chennai).
- 1793: Metropolitan Corporations were established in Madras, Calcutta, and Bombay.
74th Constitutional Amendment Act (1992):
- Gave constitutional status to urban local bodies (ULBs).
- Introduced Part IXA in the Constitution, titled “Municipalities,” with provisions from Article 243P to 243ZG.
- Added 18 subjects to the 12th Schedule of the Constitution, empowering ULBs to handle urban governance matters.

Types of Urban Local Bodies:

Municipal Corporation (Nagar Nigam):
- Governs cities with populations exceeding 500,000.
- Headed by a Mayor (indirectly elected).
- Commissioner is the chief executive officer responsible for implementing decisions and urban administration.
Municipal Council (Nagar Parishad):
- Governs towns with populations between 100,000 and 500,000.
- Headed by a Chairman, with a Commissioner serving as the administrative head.
Municipality (Nagar Palika):
- Governs towns with populations of up to 100,000.
- Headed by a President, with an Executive Officer overseeing daily administration.
Notified Area Committee:
- Created through a government notification rather than legislation.
- Members are nominated, and it operates in areas with significant urban development or industrial growth.
- No elections are held.
- In Rajasthan, places like Mount Abu and Pushkar were earlier notified areas but were abolished in 1993.
Cantonment Board:
- Constituted in military areas where both military and civilian populations reside.
- Formed under the Cantonment Act of 1924, later amended in 2006.
- Operates under the Ministry of Defence.
- Members include both elected and nominated individuals, with elections held every 3 years.
Port Trust:
- Governs major port cities to ensure security, order, and civic amenities within port areas.
- Established by the Parliament for key ports like Mumbai, Kolkata, and Chennai.
Single-Purpose Agencies:
- Established to address specific urban issues, such as urban development authorities.
- Examples in Rajasthan include Jaipur Development Authority (JDA) and Jodhpur Development Authority (JDA).

Key Features of the 74th Constitutional Amendment:

Constitutional Status to ULBs:
- Part IXA of the Constitution provides a legal framework for the creation and functioning of urban local bodies.
Three-tier Urban Governance:
- Municipal Corporation: Population over 500,000.
- Municipal Council: Population between 100,000 and 500,000.
- Municipality: Population below 100,000.
Ward Committees:
- Cities with populations over 300,000 are required to establish Ward Committees to decentralize urban governance.
Reservation System:
- Reservation of seats for Scheduled Castes (SCs), Scheduled Tribes (STs), Other Backward Classes (OBCs), and women in proportion to their population.
- Rajasthan reserves 50% of seats for women in urban bodies.
State Finance Commission (Article 243Y):
- Constituted every five years to review the financial health of urban local bodies and recommend revenue-sharing arrangements.
State Election Commission (Article 243ZA):
- Ensures the conduct of free and fair elections for urban local bodies.
District and Metropolitan Planning Committees (Articles 243ZD & 243ZE):
- District and Metropolitan Planning Committees are responsible for creating development plans for the district and metropolitan areas.

Urban Local Bodies in Rajasthan: Overview

Municipal Corporations in Rajasthan:
- Jaipur (2 Corporations): Jaipur Municipal Corporation (Greater) & Jaipur Municipal Corporation (Heritage).
- Jodhpur (2 Corporations): Jodhpur Municipal Corporation (North) & Jodhpur Municipal Corporation (South).
- Udaipur Municipal Corporation.
- Kota (2 Corporations): Kota Municipal Corporation (North) & Kota Municipal Corporation (South).
- Bharatpur, Ajmer, Bikaner.

Right to Recall:

Rajasthan provides a provision for ‘Right to Recall’, where a no-confidence motion can be brought against the Chairman/Vice-Chairman of a municipal body if one-third of the elected members support it.

Challenges Faced by Urban Local Bodies in Rajasthan:

Limited Financial Resources:
- ULBs in Rajasthan face funding constraints, heavily relying on government grants rather than generating their own revenue.
Urbanization Pressures:
- Cities like Jaipur and Jodhpur are witnessing rapid urbanization, placing immense pressure on urban infrastructure and public services.
Capacity Building:
- There is a need for enhanced capacity-building initiatives to improve the efficiency of elected representatives and urban administrators.
Decentralization and Bureaucratic Control:
- Although ULBs have been constitutionally empowered, there are concerns about the overreach of the bureaucracy in local governance matters.

Provisions for Panchayats (Extension to Scheduled Areas) Act, 1996 (PESA):

Objective of PESA:
- PESA aims to extend the provisions of the Panchayati Raj system to Scheduled Areas for better self-governance of tribal communities.
- It seeks to empower tribal Gram Sabhas to manage their affairs in line with their traditional customs and community needs.
Key Provisions of PESA:
- Gram Sabhas are the focal point for decision-making and governance in Scheduled Areas.
- Empowerment of Gram Sabhas to manage minor forest produce, water resources, and land acquisition in tribal areas.
- Provides protection to tribal customs, traditions, and resources.
Implementation of PESA in Rajasthan:
- Implemented on 30th September 1999 in Rajasthan.
- Applicable in eight districts: Banswara, Dungarpur, Pratapgarh, Chittorgarh, Udaipur, Rajsamand, Pali, and Sirohi.

Challenges in PESA Implementation:
- Bureaucratic control over local governance hampers the autonomy of Gram Sabhas.
- Lack of financial resources and over-reliance on government grants weaken the functioning of PESA institutions.
- Parallel bodies and the weak structure of Gram Sabhas undermine PESA’s objectives.
Remedial Measures:
- Strengthen financial autonomy of Panchayats by giving them more subjects to govern.
- Promote capacity-building initiatives for women representatives.
- Clarify roles between different levels of Panchayati Raj institutions and ensure a clear division of responsibilities.

Conclusion:

The system of local self-governance in Rajasthan, through both urban local bodies and Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs), is pivotal for ensuring decentralized administration and citizen engagement. While Rajasthan has made significant strides in empowering local bodies through constitutional amendments and reforms, challenges related to financial constraints, capacity building, and bureaucratic interference remain. The continued focus on strengthening local governance structures, particularly in Scheduled Areas under PESA, and urban regions under the 74th Amendment, will be crucial for fostering inclusive development and ensuring good governance at the grassroots level.

HIGH COURT OF INDIA

1862 AD: The first three High Courts in India were established in:
- Calcutta
- Bombay
- Madras
1866 AD: The Allahabad High Court was founded.
By 1947, all 11 provinces in the country had established High Courts.

Constitutional Provisions: Articles 214-231

Article 214: High Courts for States

Each Indian state must have a High Court.
The 7th Constitutional Amendment allows a single High Court to serve multiple states.
Currently, there are 25 High Courts in India.
- Telangana High Court is the 25th.
- 2013: High Courts were formed in:
  1. Manipur
  2. Tripura
  3. Meghalaya

High Courts Shared Between States:

Guwahati High Court: Serves Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Mizoram.
Bombay High Court: Serves Maharashtra, Goa, Daman and Diu, Dadra and Nagar Haveli.
Punjab and Haryana High Court: Serves Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh.
Calcutta High Court: Serves West Bengal, Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
Madras High Court: Serves Tamil Nadu, Puducherry.
Kerala High Court: Serves Kerala, Lakshadweep.
Jammu and Kashmir High Court: Serves Jammu, Kashmir, Ladakh.

Appointment and Qualifications of High Court Judges

Appointment: High Court judges are appointed by the President of India after consulting:
- The Chief Justice of India (CJI)
- Two senior-most Supreme Court judges
- The Governor and Chief Justice of the respective High Court.
Qualifications:
- Must be an Indian citizen.
- Should have served as a lawyer in a High Court for 10 years or as a judge in subordinate courts for 10 years.
- Maximum age: 62 years.

Oath and Tenure

Oath: Administered by the Governor of the state.
Tenure: Judges serve until they reach 62 years.

Removal of Judges

High Court judges can be removed by impeachment, initiated by Parliament, for proven misconduct or incapacity.

Jurisdiction of High Courts

Original Jurisdiction (Article 225)

High Courts have authority over matters related to:
- Marriage, divorce, succession, wills, and company law.
- Cases involving the violation of fundamental rights.
- Election disputes involving MPs and state legislators.
- Revenue and tax collection issues.
- Cases referred by subordinate courts.

Appellate Jurisdiction

Appeals can be made to High Courts for decisions made by District and Sessions Courts.
Appeals can also be made to the Division Bench of the High Court against the Single Bench decisions.

Civil Cases:
- First appeal: Involves both facts and law.
- Second appeal: Involves only questions of law.
Criminal Cases:
- Appeals are allowed in cases involving punishments of 7 years or more.
- Death penalty cases must receive High Court approval.

Writ Jurisdiction (Article 226)

High Courts can issue the following five writs:
1. Habeas Corpus
2. Mandamus
3. Prohibition
4. Certiorari
5. Quo Warranto

Court of Record and Contempt of Court (Article 215)

High Courts’ decisions are binding precedents for subordinate courts.
Contempt of court can be punished with 6 months imprisonment or a fine up to Rs. 2,000.

Judicial Review

The High Court has the power to review laws passed by Parliament and state legislatures as well as orders from the Central and State Governments.
The High Court’s decisions are binding only within the state.

Articles Related to High Courts

Article 214: Establishes High Courts for states.
Article 215: High Courts are courts of record.
Article 217: Relates to the appointment and conditions of High Court judges.
Article 226: Grants the power to issue writs.
Article 231: Allows the establishment of a common High Court for two or more states.

Rajasthan High Court

Established: August 29, 1949, under Rajpramukh Maharaja Mansingh.
First Chief Justice: K.K. Verma
Current Chief Justice: Indrajit Mahanti
Number of Judges: Initially 11, increased to 50 in 2015.
Jaipur Bench: Re-established on January 31, 1977, under the Rajasthan High Court Order 1976.

Districts under Jodhpur Bench (18):

Barmer, Banswara, Bhilwara, Bikaner, Churu, Chittorgarh, Dungarpur, Hanumangarh, Jaisalmer, Jalore, Jodhpur, Nagaur, Pali, Pratapgarh, Rajsamand, Sirohi, Ganganagar, Udaipur.

Districts under Jaipur Bench (15):

Ajmer, Alwar, Baran, Bharatpur, Bundi, Dausa, Dholpur, Jaipur, Jhalawar, Jhunjhunu, Karauli, Kota, Sawai Madhopur, Sikar, Tonk.

Rajasthan State Judicial Academy (Established: November 16, 2001)

Patron: Justice Indrajit Mahanti
Chairman: Justice Sandeep Mehta

Notable Facts and Figures

Kailash Nath Wanchoo: Served the longest tenure as Chief Justice of Rajasthan (7 years).
J.S. Verma: Former Chief Justice of Rajasthan and Chief Justice of India; headed the committee formed after the Nirbhaya Case (2012).
Amitabh Roy: As a judge, made the National Anthem mandatory in all cinema halls.

Chief Justices of Rajasthan High Court

K.K. Verma (1949-1950)
Kailash Nath Wanchoo (1951-1958)
Sarju Prasad (1959-1961)
J.S. Ranawat (1961-1963)
D.S. Dave (1963-1968)
D.M. Bhandari (1968-1969)
J. Narayan (1969-1973)
B.P. Berry (1973-1975)
P.N. Singhal (1975-1975)
V.P. Tyagi (1975-1977)
C. Honaiah (1978-1978)
C.M. Lodha (1979-1980)
K.D. Sharma (1981-1983)
P.K. Banerjee (1983-1985)
D.P. Gupta (1986-1986)
J.M. Verma (1986-1989)
K.C. Agarwal (1990-1994)
G.C. Mittal (1994-1995)
A.P. Rawani (1995-1996)
M.G. Mukherjee (1996-1997)
Shivraj V. Patil (1999-2000)
A.R. Lakshmanan (2000-2001)
Arun Kumar (2001-2002)
Anil Dev Singh (2002-2004)
S.N. Jha (2005-2007)
J.N. Panchal (2007-2007)
Narayan Rao (2008-2009)
Deepak Verma (2009-2009)
Jagdish Bhalla (2009-2010)
Arun Mishra (2010-2012)
Amitabh Roy (2013-2014)
Sunil Ambwani (2015-2015)
Satish Kumar Mittal (2016-2016)
Navin Sinha (2016-2017)
Pradeep Nandrajog (2017-2019)
Shripati Ravindra Bhatt (2019-2019)
Indrajit Mahanti (2019-present)

STATE LEGISLATURE IN INDIA

Constitutional Provisions:

Articles 168 to 212 of the Indian Constitution outline the provisions related to the State Legislature in Chapter III of Part VI.
The State Legislature comprises:
- Unicameral System: Governor and Legislative Assembly (Vidhan Sabha).
- Bicameral System: Governor, Legislative Assembly, and Legislative Council (Vidhan Parishad).

States with Bicameral Legislatures:

As of now, six states in India have a bicameral legislature:
1. Andhra Pradesh
2. Telangana
3. Uttar Pradesh
4. Bihar
5. Maharashtra
6. Karnataka
West Bengal has passed a resolution to create a Legislative Council, but it awaits parliamentary approval.
The Legislative Council of Jammu and Kashmir was abolished under the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act, 2019.

Legislative Assembly (Vidhan Sabha)

Structure and Composition:

Article 170 stipulates that the Legislative Assembly should have a minimum of 60 and a maximum of 500 members.
Exceptions to the minimum limit due to smaller populations include:
- Sikkim: 32 members
- Goa: 40 members
- Mizoram: 40 members
Seat Allocation is based on the 1971 Census data, as per the 84th Constitutional Amendment Act, 2001, which freezes the allocation until the first census after the year 2026.

Reservation of Seats:

Article 332: Provides for the reservation of seats for Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs).
Article 333: Previously allowed for the nomination of one member from the Anglo-Indian community by the Governor. This provision was abolished by the 104th Constitutional Amendment Act, 2019.

Rajasthan Legislative Assembly:

Comprises 200 members.
Seats are reserved for SCs and STs in accordance with constitutional provisions.

States with the Largest Assemblies:

Uttar Pradesh: 403 members
West Bengal: 294 members
Maharashtra: 288 members

States with the Smallest Assemblies:

Puducherry: 30 members
Sikkim: 32 members
Goa: 40 members

Election Process:

Members are elected through universal adult suffrage.
Any citizen of India aged 18 years or above is eligible to vote, provided they are registered on the electoral roll.

Qualifications for Membership:

Must be a citizen of India.
Must be at least 25 years old.
Should not be bankrupt or of unsound mind.
Must meet other qualifications as prescribed by Parliament.

Disqualifications:

Holding an office of profit under the government.
Being of unsound mind, declared by a competent court.
Being an undischarged insolvent.
Not being an Indian citizen or voluntarily acquiring citizenship of a foreign state.
Disqualification under anti-defection laws (Tenth Schedule).

Termination of Membership:

If elected to both the Parliament and the State Assembly, the member must vacate one seat.
Absence from the House for 60 consecutive days without permission.
Resignation submitted in writing to the Speaker.

Officers of the Legislative Assembly:

Speaker and Deputy Speaker:

Election:
- Both are elected by the members of the assembly by a simple majority.
Tenure:
- Hold office during the life of the assembly (5 years).
- Can resign by submitting a written resignation to the Deputy Speaker (in case of the Speaker) or Speaker (in case of the Deputy Speaker).
- Can be removed by a resolution passed by a majority of all the then members of the assembly, after giving 14 days’ notice.

Functions of the Speaker:

Presiding Officer of the assembly sessions.
Maintains order and decorum in the House.
Decides on the admissibility of questions and motions.
Interprets the rules of procedure.
Certifies whether a bill is a Money Bill; this decision is final.
Has a casting vote in case of a tie.
Adjudicates on matters of defection under the Tenth Schedule.

Note: The Speaker does not vote in the first instance but can exercise a casting vote in case of a tie.

Tenure and Sessions:

The Legislative Assembly is not a permanent body; its normal term is 5 years from the date of its first meeting.
Can be dissolved earlier by the Governor.
During a national emergency, Parliament may extend its term by one year at a time under Article 172.
The assembly must meet at least twice a year, with no more than 6 months between sessions (Article 174).
The Governor addresses the first session after a general election and the first session of each year.

Powers and Functions of the Legislative Assembly:

Legislative Powers:

Can make laws on subjects in the State List and Concurrent List.
Ordinary Bills can be introduced in the assembly.
Limitations:
- During a national emergency (Article 352), Parliament can legislate on state subjects.
- Under Article 249, if the Rajya Sabha passes a resolution by a two-thirds majority, Parliament can legislate on state matters in the national interest.
- Certain bills require the President’s prior approval, e.g., those affecting inter-state trade (Article 304).

Financial Powers:

Money Bills can only be introduced in the assembly.
The assembly has exclusive authority over voting on demands for grants.
The Legislative Council, where present, can only make recommendations on money bills.

Executive Control:

The Council of Ministers is collectively responsible to the assembly.
Control is exercised through:
- Question Hour and Zero Hour.
- Adjournment Motions.
- Censure Motions.
- No-confidence Motions.

Electoral Functions:

Members participate in:
- Election of the President of India.
- Election of Rajya Sabha members from the state.
- Election of 1/3rd members of the Legislative Council (in bicameral states).
- Election and removal of the Speaker and Deputy Speaker.
Constitutional Amendments: Certain amendments require ratification by half of the state legislatures.

Legislative Council (Vidhan Parishad)

Structure and Composition:

The Legislative Council is a permanent body; it cannot be dissolved.
Article 171 states that the total number of members should not exceed 1/3rd of the assembly and not be less than 40.
Exceptions: Some states may have a smaller council due to specific legislative provisions.

Current States with Legislative Councils:

Andhra Pradesh
Telangana
Uttar Pradesh
Bihar
Maharashtra
Karnataka

Method of Formation:

A state can create or abolish a Legislative Council by passing a resolution in the assembly with a special majority (majority of the total membership and two-thirds of members present and voting).
The resolution is then sent to Parliament for approval.

Election and Composition:

1/3rd elected by members of the assembly.
1/3rd elected by local bodies (municipalities, district boards).
1/12th elected by teachers with at least three years of experience in secondary schools and higher.
1/12th elected by graduates of at least three years’ standing.
1/6th nominated by the Governor from persons with special knowledge or practical experience in fields like literature, science, art, cooperative movement, and social service.

Qualifications:

Must be a citizen of India.
Must be at least 30 years old.
Should meet other qualifications as prescribed by Parliament.

Disqualifications:

Similar to those for the assembly: office of profit, unsound mind, insolvency, loss of citizenship, defection.

Tenure:

Members serve for 6 years.
1/3rd of the members retire every 2 years.

Sessions and Quorum:

The council must meet at least twice a year, with no more than 6 months between sessions.
Quorum: 1/10th of the total membership or 10 members, whichever is greater.

Presiding Officers:

Chairman and Deputy Chairman are elected by council members.
Removal requires a resolution passed by a majority, with 14 days’ notice.

Powers and Functions of the Legislative Council:

Legislative Powers:

Can delay ordinary bills passed by the assembly for a maximum of 4 months (3 months in the first instance and 1 month when returned).
The assembly can override the council’s recommendations.
No Joint Sitting: Unlike Parliament, there is no provision for a joint sitting to resolve disagreements between the two houses at the state level.

Financial Powers:

Money Bills can only originate in the assembly.
The council can only recommend changes to money bills and must return them within 14 days.
The assembly may accept or reject the council’s recommendations.

Executive Control:

The council can:
- Discuss and debate policies.
- Question ministers.
- Bring motions like adjournment and censure motions.
However, the Council of Ministers is not responsible to the council.

Key Constitutional Articles:

Article 168: Composition of State Legislatures.
Article 170: Composition of Legislative Assemblies.
Article 171: Composition of Legislative Councils.
Article 172: Duration of State Legislatures.
Article 174: Sessions of the State Legislature.
Article 175: Right of Governor to address and send messages.
Article 176: Special address by the Governor.
Article 177: Rights of Ministers and Advocate-General in the Legislature.
Article 178: The Speaker and Deputy Speaker of the Legislative Assembly.
Article 182: The Chairman and Deputy Chairman of the Legislative Council.
Article 191: Disqualifications for membership.

Relevance to Rajasthan:

Rajasthan has a unicameral legislature with only the Legislative Assembly and the Governor.
Understanding the structure and functioning of the Legislative Assembly is crucial for administrative roles in Rajasthan.
The assembly plays a pivotal role in law-making, controlling the executive, and representing the people’s interests.

Recent Developments and Amendments:

104th Constitutional Amendment Act, 2019: Abolished the nomination of Anglo-Indians to the Lok Sabha and State Legislative Assemblies.
Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act, 2019: Reorganized the state into two Union Territories and abolished its Legislative Council.
Proposals for New Legislative Councils: States like West Bengal have proposed creating a Legislative Council; however, parliamentary approval is pending.

Comparison Between Legislative Assembly and Legislative Council:

Point	Legislative Assembly	Legislative Council
Ordinary Bill	More powerful; bills passed by assembly become law	Can delay a bill for a maximum of 4 months
Money Bill	Introduced first in the assembly	Can only withhold the bill for 14 days
Control over Executive	Full control; can introduce no-confidence motion	Limited control; no power to introduce no-confidence motion
Electoral Power	Participates in electing President, Rajya Sabha members, and Legislative Council members	No such electoral powers

Types of Bills:

Ordinary Bill:
- Can be introduced in either House (Legislative Assembly or Council where bicameral).
- Requires passage by both Houses in bicameral legislatures.
- In unicameral states, the bill is sent to the Governor after passing the assembly.
Government Bill:
- Introduced by a minister.
- The most common type of bill, dealing with policy, administration, or public welfare.

Powers and Functions of the Legislative Assembly vs. Legislative Council:

Function	Legislative Assembly (Vidhan Sabha)	Legislative Council (Vidhan Parishad)
Legislative Powers	Can initiate and pass all bills, including ordinary and money bills.	Can only delay ordinary bills for 4 months and money bills for 14 days.
Control over Executive	Full control, can move no-confidence motions, adjournment motions, etc.	Limited control; cannot introduce no-confidence motions.
Financial Powers	Can introduce and pass money bills.	Cannot introduce, can only delay money bills by 14 days.
Electoral Powers	Participates in the election of the President, Rajya Sabha members, and 1/3rd of the Legislative Council.	Does not have significant electoral power.

Rajasthan Legislative Assembly Speaker Tenure:

S.No.	Assembly Speaker Name	From	Till	Remarks
1	Shri Narottam Lal Joshi	31.03.1952	25.04.1957	First Assembly Speaker
2	Shri Ram Niwas Mirdha	25.04.1957	03.05.1967	Former Union Minister, President of Rajasthan Sangeet Akademi
3	Shri Niranjannath Acharya	03.05.1967	20.03.1972
4	Shri Ramkishore Vyas	20.03.1972	18.07.1977	Governor of Puducherry
5	Mr. Laxman Singh	18.07.1977	20.06.1979	Former Rajya Sabha member, Maharawal of Dungarpur
6	Mr. Gopal Singh	25.09.1979	07.07.1980	Philosopher and Poet
7	Mr. Poonamchand Vishnoi	07.07.1980	20.03.1985	Former Deputy Speaker and Cabinet Minister
8	Shri Hiralal Devpura	20.03.1985	16.10.1985	Former Chief Minister of Rajasthan
9	Mr. Giriraj Prasad Tiwari	31.01.1986	11.03.1990
10	Mr. Hari Shankar Bhabhada	16.03.1990	21.12.1993	Former Deputy CM of Rajasthan, Former Rajya Sabha member
11	Shri Shanti Lal Chaplot	07.04.1995	18.03.1998	Awarded Rajasthan’s Best Legislator Award
12	Mr. Samarthalal Meena	24.07.1998	04.01.1999
13	Shri Parasram Maderna	06.01.1999	15.01.2004	Leader in Marwar Kisan Sabha
14	Mrs. Sumitra Singh	16.01.2004	01.01.2009	First Woman Speaker
15	Mr. Deepender Singh Shekhawat	22.01.2009	20.01.2014
16	Mr. Kailash Meghwal	20.01.2014	15.01.2019	Former Lok Sabha member
17	Dr. C. P. Joshi	15.01.2019	Continuing	Former Railway Minister, Congress President, Lost by one vote in Assembly

Other Important Facts about Rajasthan Legislative Assembly:

First Legislative Assembly constituted: 29 March 1952
Members in the first assembly: 160
Current number of seats: 200
Reservation:
- SC: 34 seats
- ST: 25 seats
Quorum: 1/10th of total members
First Speaker: Shri Narottam Lal Joshi
First Woman Speaker: Smt. Sumitra Singh
Longest serving Speaker: Shri Ram Niwas Mirdha
Shortest serving Speaker: Shri Samarth Lal Meena
Current Speaker: Dr. C. P. Joshi
Total women MLAs in the current assembly: 26

Chief Ministers of Rajasthan:

S. No.	Chief Minister	Tenure	Remarks
1	Mr. Hiralal Shastri	07.04.1949 – 05.01.1951	First CM of Rajasthan, established Banasthali Vidyapith
2	Mr. C.S. Venkatachari	06.01.1951 – 26.04.1951	Former High Commissioner of India to Canada
3	Shri Jaynarayan Vyas	26.04.1951 – 03.03.1952	Prominent leader in Marwar, served as Chief Minister twice
4	Shri Tikaram Paliwal	03.03.1952 – 31.10.1952	First elected Chief Minister
5	Mr. Mohanlal Sukhadia	11.11.1954 – 11.03.1962	Longest serving CM, called the “Architect of Modern Rajasthan”
6	Mr. Barkatullah Khan	09.07.1971 – 11.10.1973	Died in office
7	Shri Bhairon Singh Shekhawat	22.06.1977 – 16.02.1980	Former Vice President of India, served three terms as CM
8	Mr. Ashok Gehlot	01.12.1998 – Continuing	Currently serving his third term as Chief Minister
9	Mrs. Vasundhara Raje	08.12.2003 – 13.12.2008	First woman CM of Rajasthan

Deputy Chief Ministers of Rajasthan:

S. No.	Name	Tenure	Chief Minister
1	Tikaram Paliwal	01.11.1952 – 13.11.1954	Jai Narayan Vyas
2	Harishankar Bhabra	04.12.1993 – 30.11.1998	Bhairon Singh Shekhawat
3	Banwarilal Bairwa	19.05.2002 – 04.12.2003	Ashok Gehlot
4	Sachin Pilot	24.12.2018 – 14.07.2020	Ashok Gehlot

Governors of Rajasthan:

S. No.	Governor	Tenure	Remarks
1	Shri Gurmukh Nihal Singh	01.11.1956 – 15.04.1962	First Governor of Rajasthan, also served as Chief Minister of Delhi
2	Shri Sampoornanand	16.04.1962 – 15.04.1967	Second CM of Uttar Pradesh, established Sanganer open jail in Jaipur
3	Shri Omprakash Mehra	06.03.1982 – 04.01.1985	Former Air Chief Marshal, awarded Param Vishisht Seva Medal
4	Shri Kalyan Singh	09.09.2014 – 08.09.2019	Former CM of Uttar Pradesh, passed away in 2021
5	Shri Kalraj Mishra	09.09.2019 – Present	Former Minister of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, serving as current Governor

Governor and Chief Minister During President’s Rule in Rajasthan:

Governor	Chief Minister
Dr. Sampoornanand (1967)	Mohanlal Sukhadia (1967)
Sardar Hukum Singh (1967)	Haridev Joshi (1977)
Raghukul Tilak (1977, 1980)	Bhairon Singh Shekhawat (1980)
Dr. M. Chennaredy (1992-1993)	Bhairon Singh Shekhawat (1992)
Baliram Bhagat (1993)	Bhairon Singh Shekhawat (1992)

State Election Commission of Rajasthan:

The State Election Commission (SEC) is a constitutional authority in charge of supervising and managing local elections such as Panchayat, Municipality, and other urban local body elections. The following are details of the commissioners from its formation till the present:

S.No.	Name of Commissioner	Tenure From	Till
1	Amar Singh Rathod	01.07.1994	01.07.2000
2	N.R. Bhasin	02.07.2000	02.07.2002
3	Indrajit Khanna	26.12.2002	26.12.2007
4	Ashok Kumar Pandey	01.10.2008	30.09.2013
5	Ram Lubhaya	01.10.2013	02.04.2017
6	Prem Singh Mehra	03.07.2017	Continuing

Important Chief Ministers of Rajasthan:

S.No.	Chief Minister	Tenure	Remarks
5	Mohanlal Sukhadia	1954 – 1971	Known as the “Architect of Modern Rajasthan” for his extensive reforms in the state.
7	Bhairon Singh Shekhawat	1977 – 1980, 1990 – 1992, 1993 – 1998	He was Vice President of India from 2002-2007 and known for his role in Rajasthan’s development.
19	Ashok Gehlot	1998 – 2003, 2008 – 2013, 2018 – Present	Serving as the Chief Minister for the third time, Gehlot is known for his social welfare policies.
18	Vasundhara Raje	2003 – 2008, 2013 – 2018	First female CM of Rajasthan, her tenure focused on economic reforms and infrastructural development.

Important Legislative Speakers of Rajasthan:

First Speaker: Shri Narottam Lal Joshi (1952–1957)
Longest-serving Speaker: Shri Ram Niwas Mirdha (1957–1967)
First Woman Speaker: Smt. Sumitra Singh (2004–2009)
Current Speaker: Dr. C.P. Joshi (Since 2019)

Historical Timeline of Governors in Rajasthan:

S.No.	Governor	Tenure	Remarks
1	Shri Gurmukh Nihal Singh	1956 – 1962	First Governor of Rajasthan, also former CM of Delhi.
2	Shri Sampoornanand	1962 – 1967	Established Sanganer Open Jail, former CM of Uttar Pradesh.
7	Shri Omprakash Mehra	1982 – 1985	Former Air Chief Marshal, awarded the Param Vishisht Seva Medal.
29	Smt. Pratibha Patil	2004 – 2007	First woman President of India (2007-2012), served as Governor of Rajasthan.
38	Shri Kalraj Mishra	2019 – Present	Serving as Governor, also served as Minister of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises.

State Legislative Assembly Key Facts:

First Assembly Constituted: 29 March 1952
Current Members in Assembly: 200 members
Reservation:
- SC: 34 seats
- ST: 25 seats
Quorum: 1/10th of total membership
Current Speaker: Dr. C.P. Joshi
Total women MLAs in the current assembly: 26
First Woman Speaker: Smt. Sumitra Singh (2004)

Key Points for RPSC RAS Exam Preparation:

Bicameral vs. Unicameral Legislature: Understanding which states have a bicameral system (e.g., Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra) and how Rajasthan functions with a unicameral system (Legislative Assembly).
Recent Developments: Amendments like the 104th Constitutional Amendment Act, 2019 abolished Anglo-Indian reservations in the state legislatures.
Powers of the Speaker and Legislative Assembly: The Speaker’s casting vote and power to adjudicate anti-defection cases are critical for maintaining legislative order.

Lokayukta of Rajasthan:

The Lokayukta and Up-Lokayukta are responsible for investigating allegations of corruption against public officials in Rajasthan. Below is a list of Lokayuktas and their tenure:

S.No.	Name	Period (From)	Period (Till)	Remarks
1	Justice Shri I.D. Dua	28.08.1973	27.08.1978	Former Judge, Supreme Court of India
2	Justice Shri D.P. Gupta	28.08.1978	05.08.1979	Former Chief Justice, Rajasthan High Court
3	Justice Shri M.L. Joshi	06.08.1979	07.08.1982	Former Acting Chief Justice, Rajasthan High Court
4	Justice Shri K.S. Sidhu	04.04.1984	03.01.1985	Judge, Rajasthan High Court
5	Justice Shri M.L. Shrimal	04.01.1985	03.01.1990	Former Chief Justice, Sikkim High Court
6	Justice Shri P.D. Kudal	16.01.1990	06.03.1990	Former Judge, Rajasthan High Court
7	Justice Shri M.B. Sharma	10.08.1990	30.09.1993	Judge, Rajasthan High Court
8	Justice Shri V.S. Dave	21.01.1994	16.02.1994	Judge, Rajasthan High Court
9	Justice Shri M.B. Sharma	06.07.1994	06.07.1999	Former Judge, Rajasthan High Court
10	Justice Shri Milap Chand Jain	26.11.1999	26.11.2004	Former Chief Justice, Delhi High Court
11	Justice Shri G.L. Gupta	01.05.2007	30.04.2012	Former Judge, Rajasthan High Court
12	Justice Shri S.S. Kothari	25.03.2013	07.03.2019	Former Judge, Rajasthan High Court
13	Justice Shri Pratap Krishna Lohra	09.03.2021	Continuing	Former Judge, Rajasthan High Court

Rajasthan Public Service Commission (RPSC) Chairpersons:

The RPSC is responsible for conducting examinations and interviews for appointments to various civil services in Rajasthan. Below is a list of its Chairpersons and their tenures:

S.No.	Chairperson Name	Period (From)	Period (Till)	Remarks
1	Sir S.K. Ghosh, Chief Justice	22.12.1949	25.01.1950	First Chairperson of RPSC
2	Shri S.C. Tripathi	28.07.1950	07.08.1951
3	Shri D.S. Tiwari	08.08.1951	17.01.1958
4	Shri M.M. Verma	18.01.1958	03.12.1958
5	Shri L.L. Joshi, IAS (Acting)	04.12.1958	31.07.1960
6	Shri V.V. Narlikar	01.08.1960	31.07.1966
7	Dr. B.L. Rawat, IAS	01.08.1966	03.09.1966
8	Shri R.C. Choudhary, RHJS	04.09.1966	08.10.1971
9	Shri B.D. Mathur (Retd. Chief Engg.)	09.10.1971	23.06.1973
10	Shri R.S. Kapoor	24.06.1973	10.06.1975
11	Shri Mohammed Yaqub, RHJS	27.06.1975	30.06.1979
12	Shri Ram Singh Chouhan, IAS	01.07.1979	10.09.1980
13	Shri Hari Dutt Gupta	11.09.1980	09.06.1983
14	Shri S. Adaviyappa	10.06.1983	26.03.1985
15	Dr. D.D. Chawan	27.03.1985	07.11.1985
16	Shri J.M. Khan, IAS	08.11.1985	27.11.1989
17	Shri S.C. Singaria (Acting)	28.11.1989	04.09.1990
18	Shri Yatindra Singh, IAS	05.09.1990	06.10.1995
19	Shri Hanuman Prasad, IAS	06.10.1995	30.09.1997
20	Shri P.S. Yadav, IPS	01.10.1997	06.11.1997
21	Shri Devendra Singh, IPS	06.11.1997	30.12.2000
22	Shri N.K. Berwa, IAS	31.12.2000	22.03.2004
23	Shri S.S. Tak (Acting)	26.03.2004	15.07.2004
24	Shri Govind Singh Tank	15.07.2004	04.07.2006
25	Shri H.N. Meena (Acting)	04.07.2006	19.09.2006
26	Shri C.R. Chaudhary	29.09.2006	28.02.2010
27	Shri Mahendra Lal Kumawat, IPS	28.02.2010	01.07.2011
28	Prof. B.M. Sharma	01.07.2011	31.08.2012
29	Dr. Habib Khan Gauran, IPS	31.08.2012	22.09.2014
30	Dr. R.D. Saini (Acting)	24.09.2014	10.08.2015
31	Dr. L.K. Panwar, IAS (Retd.)	10.08.2015	10.07.2017
32	Shri Shyam Sunder Sharma	11.07.2017	28.09.2017
33	Dr. Radhe Shyam Garg	18.12.2017	01.05.2018
34	Shri Deepak Upreti (IAS Retd.)	23.07.2018	14.10.2020

State Human Rights Commission (Rajasthan):

The Rajasthan State Human Rights Commission plays a crucial role in protecting and promoting human rights in the state. Below is a list of its Chairmen and Members:

Chairmen of Rajasthan Human Rights Commission:

S.No.	Name	Date of Assumption	Date of Demitting Office
1	Justice Ms. Kanta Bhatnagar	23.03.2000	11.08.2000
2	Justice S. Sageer Ahmed	16.02.2001	03.06.2004
3	Justice N.K. Jain	16.07.2005	15.07.2010
4	Justice Prakash Tatia	11.03.2016	25.11.2019
5	Justice Gopal Krishna Vyas	January 2021	Continuing

Members of Rajasthan Human Rights Commission:

S.No.	Name	Date of Assumption	Date of Demitting Office
1	Justice Amar Singh Godara	07.07.2000	06.07.2005
2	Shri R.K. Akodiya	25.03.2000	24.03.2005
3	Shri B.L. Joshi	25.03.2000	31.03.2004
4	Prof. Alamshah Khan	24.03.2000	16.05.2003
5	Shri Namonarayan Meena	11.09.2003	23.03.2004
6	Shri Dharm Singh Meena	07.07.2005	06.07.2010
7	Justice Jagat Singh	10.10.2005	09.10.2010
8	Shri Pukhraj Seervi	15.04.2004	13.04.2011
9	Shri H.R. Kuri	01.09.2011	31.08.2016
10	Dr. M.K. Devarajan	01.09.2011	31.08.2016
11	Justice Mahesh Chandra Sharma	03.10.2018	29.04.2021
12	Shri Mahesh Goyal

Rajasthan High Court Chief Justices and Tenure:

S.No.	Name	Tenure From	Tenure Till
1	Justice K.K. Verma	29.08.1949	24.01.1950
2	Justice Kailash Wanchoo	02.01.1951	10.08.1958
3	Justice Sarju Prasad	28.02.1959	10.10.1961
4	Justice J.S. Ranawat	11.10.1961	31.05.1963
5	Justice D.S. Dave	01.06.1963	17.12.1968
6	Justice D.M. Bhandari	18.12.1968	15.12.1969
7	Justice J. Narayan	16.12.1969	13.02.1973
8	Justice B.P. Berry	14.02.1973	16.02.1975
9	Justice P.N. Singhal	17.02.1975	05.11.1975
10	Justice V.P. Tyagi	06.11.1975	27.12.1977
11	Justice C. Honaiah	27.04.1978	22.09.1978
12	Justice C.M. Lodha	12.03.1979	09.07.1980
13	Justice K.D. Sharma	07.01.1981	22.10.1983
14	Justice P.K. Banerjee	23.10.1983	30.09.1985
15	Justice D.P. Gupta	12.04.1986	31.07.1986
16	Justice J.M. Verma	01.09.1986	22.05.1989
17	Justice K.C. Agarwal	15.04.1990	07.07.1994
18	Justice G.C. Mittal	12.07.1994	03.03.1995
19	Justice A.P. Rawani	04.04.1995	10.09.1996
20	Justice M.G. Mukherjee	19.09.1996	24.12.1997
21	Justice Shivraj V. Patil	22.01.1999	14.03.2000
22	Dr. A.R. Lakshmanan	29.05.2000	25.11.2001
23	Justice Arun Kumar	02.12.2001	02.10.2002
24	Justice Anil Dev Singh	24.12.2002	22.10.2004
25	Justice S.N. Jha	12.10.2005	15.06.2007
26	Justice J.N. Panchal	16.06.2007	11.11.2007
27	Justice Narayan Rao	05.01.2008	31.01.2009
28	Justice Deepak Verma	06.03.2009	10.05.2009
29	Justice Jagdish Bhalla	10.08.2009	31.10.2010
30	Justice Arun Mishra	26.11.2010	31.12.2012
31	Justice Amitabh Roy	02.01.2013	05.08.2014
32	Justice Sunil Ambwani	24.03.2015	21.08.2015
33	Justice Satish Kumar Mittal	05.03.2016	14.04.2016
34	Justice Navin Sinha	14.05.2016	17.02.2017
35	Justice Pradeep Nandrajog	02.04.2017	06.04.2019
36	Justice Shripati Ravindra Bhatt	05.05.2019	22.09.2019
37	Justice Indrajit Mahanti	06.10.2019	Continuing

Rajasthan Legislative Assembly Speakers and Tenure:

S.No.	Speaker Name	Tenure From	Tenure Till	Remarks
1	Shri Narottam Lal Joshi	31.03.1952	25.04.1957	First Assembly Speaker
2	Shri Ram Niwas Mirdha	25.04.1957	03.05.1967	Former Cabinet Minister, Chairperson of Rajasthan Sangeet Academy
3	Shri Niranjannath Acharya	03.05.1967	20.03.1972
4	Shri Ramkishore Vyas	20.03.1972	18.07.1977	Former Governor of Puducherry
5	Mr. Laxman Singh	18.07.1977	20.06.1979	Former Maharawal of Dungarpur, Former Rajya Sabha member
6	Mr. Gopal Singh	25.09.1979	07.07.1980	Philosopher and Poet
7	Mr. Poonamchand Vishnoi	07.07.1980	20.03.1985	Former Deputy Speaker, Cabinet Minister
8	Shri Hiralal Devpura	20.03.1985	16.10.1985	Former Chief Minister of Rajasthan
9	Mr. Giriraj Prasad Tiwari	31.01.1986	11.03.1990
10	Mr. Hari Shankar Bhabhada	16.03.1990	21.12.1993	Former Deputy Chief Minister, Rajya Sabha Member
11	Shri Shanti Lal Chaplot	07.04.1995	18.03.1998	Former Lok Sabha Member, Best Legislator Awardee
12	Mr. Samarthalal Meena	24.07.1998	04.01.1999
13	Shri Parasram Maderna	06.01.1999	15.01.2004	Key leader in Marwar Kisan Sabha
14	Mrs. Sumitra Singh	16.01.2004	01.01.2009	First Woman Speaker
15	Mr. Deepender Singh Shekhawat	22.01.2009	20.01.2014
16	Mr. Kailash Meghwal	20.01.2014	15.01.2019	Former Lok Sabha member
17	Dr. C. P. Joshi	15.01.2019	Continuing	Former Lok Sabha member, Railway Minister, Congress Leader

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