Expressing delight over the BJP government completing one year in office, Rajasthan Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje has said that tourism and empowerment of women is the ruling dispensation's main agenda.
Raje threw light on the Bhamashah scheme, which is a card that comes with a bank account number in the name of the female head of the family.
"I don't think any scheme on such a large scale has ever been rolled out for women like Bhamashah scheme. Normally, women have to stay back at home so we have made them the head. The accounts will be opened in their names only," she told ANI here.
Under this scheme, the biometrics details of the female head are recorded and only she can withdraw the money.
"We have started to work in the direction of training women for self-defence. Today's scenario is such that we need to stand for our own defence despite having other forces. This is a very small step. Alongside, we also need to alert the police. I am satisfied that any case that has come up to the otherwise very silent state, was solved by the forces in a brilliant manner," said Raje.
Taking a jibe at the opposition, she said, "It is their work to create confusion and they can do that only. 53 years have passed, but nothing has been done. It is their record. They are asking us for five months record. At times, I feel it is some kind of a joke. The people, who could not give us the details of their 53 years, are now asking for our record of five months."
"They should not create confusion..... We are not like the Congress, which just makes plans and never executes them. We like to work in a manner that is helpful to both the nation as well as the people," said Raje.
She also thanked the people for showing confidence in her government and for showering their love and support.
"So, we believe that the people will continue to support us like this only. We have also promised them to work for their welfare," she added.
Talking of her government's future plans for the state's development, Raje said, "Rajasthan Investment Scheme is already out. Alongside, we are also planning for an Investment Summit called 'Research in Rajasthan', which will be rolled out in the coming year. Talks with Singapore are already done."
"In the coming times, we will look for some other countries, some of the other major states, embassies and ministries. In the upcoming days, we have meeting with the CII, GITB, and one related to counter-terrorism as well," she added.
The Rajasthan Chief Minister further emphasized that her government is particularly interested in ceramics, textiles, engineering, agro- businesses and tourism related businesses for the state's betterment.
"We are open to all the sectors for investment, but particularly interested in ceramics, textiles, engineering, agro- businesses and tourism related businesses. Rest, as we will meet new people new areas will open up," said Raje.
The Chief Minister further explained about the free medicine scheme, saying it is Rs. 298 crore now from Rs. 255 crore in 2012-13 budget.
"It is not a new scheme to be started by the other party. It existed even before that. We have also worked for it and will continue to do so," she said.
Raje took oath as the Chief Minister of Rajasthan earlier on December 13 last year when the BJP returned to power after five years.
