Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma on Wednesday said that education plays a decisive role in the progress of both the nation and the state, and the experience, expertise and mentorship of Pravasi Rajasthanis can open global opportunities for the youth of Rajasthan.
Addressing the special session on “Opportunities, Investment and Challenges in the Education Sector” during the state-level Pravasi Rajasthani Diwas programme at JECC, Sitapura, the Chief Minister urged the diaspora to connect their global talent with the development of their motherland, so that Rajasthan can emerge as a national leader.
He said that in the 21st century, knowledge is capital, and education prepares youth for global competition. He described education, skill development, innovation and research as the four foundational pillars of the modern economy, stating that strengthening these pillars can accelerate economic growth at an unprecedented pace.
Skill, Innovation and Startup Ecosystem Being Rapidly Strengthened: CM
CM Sharma said that major reforms and expansion are underway in Rajasthan’s education sector. To enable early employability after Class 12, the state has launched the Early Career Programme – TechBee, aimed at skill upgradation and job readiness.
He said the iStart programme has been expanded to promote entrepreneurship and innovation among school students. The government has also introduced multiple youth-focused policies including:
Startup Policy
Atal Innovation Studio & Accelerator
AVGC–XR Policy
Centre for Advanced Skilling
State Skill Policy
These initiatives, he said, are opening new career avenues for Rajasthan’s youth.
Massive Expansion of Higher and School Education Infrastructure
The Chief Minister said Rajasthan has witnessed unprecedented expansion in education infrastructure over the last two years:
71 new government colleges
21 new government polytechnic colleges
177 new college buildings inaugurated
He added that government schools across the state have undergone large-scale rejuvenation, including:
Lighting, painting, sanitation and beautification
Installation of smart classrooms and digital libraries
Distribution of science and mathematics kits
Installation of sanitary pad vending machines
For the first time in the state’s history, such a large number of schools have been upgraded simultaneously.
He appealed to Pravasi Rajasthanis to take advantage of the state’s investor-friendly environment and also to support the development of basic education infrastructure in their native villages.
NEP Focuses on Personality Development, Not Just Academic Products: Bhupender Yadav
Chairing the session, Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change Bhupender Yadav said that Rajasthan has always remained a frontrunner in education. He cited:
Ajmer for school education
Pilani for technical education
Kota for coaching institutions
He said the New Education Policy (NEP) places emphasis on developing students as personalities rather than mere academic products, and Rajasthan is focusing strongly on character building and human values in education.
Deputy Chief Minister Dr Premchand Bairwa said the implementation of the National Education Policy has brought revolutionary changes in Rajasthan’s education system, and the state is steadily moving towards a knowledge-based economy.
Education Shapes Responsible Citizens: Education Minister Madan Dilawar
Education Minister Madan Dilawar said that education builds citizens, and value-based, culturally rooted education is being promoted across the state. He appealed to Pravasi Rajasthanis and Bhamashahs to invest in the education sector, stating that investment in education is an investment in the nation’s future. He also highlighted several schemes focused on the holistic development of students.
Minister of State for Rural Development Otaram Dewasi thanked Bhamashahs for strengthening the education ecosystem and urged them to continue their support.
Rajasthan Leading in Holistic Student Development
At the start of the session, Additional Chief Secretary (Higher & Technical Education) Kuldeep Ranka presented a detailed overview of Rajasthan’s education landscape. He highlighted initiatives such as:
Chief Minister Shikshit Rajasthan Abhiyan
Prakhar Rajasthan
ABL (Activity-Based Learning)
Multilingual education
AI tools for improving reading levels
School health check-up campaigns
Hariyalo Rajasthan
Surya Namaskar programmes
Vocational education for skill training
School Education Secretary Krishna Kunal, in his vote of thanks, said that monsoon-related damage has affected many school buildings across the state. While government repairs are underway, he appealed to Bhamashahs to come forward for school reconstruction and infrastructure support.
“Maximum Opportunities in Decades”: Education Leaders on NEP Impact
During the panel discussion:
Amity University Chancellor Dr Aseem Chauhan said that a visionary reform like the National Education Policy has not been seen in the last 30–40 years, and that today’s students have more opportunities than any previous generation. He also outlined investment opportunities in higher education in Rajasthan.
PhysicsWallah Co-founder Prateek Maheshwari spoke on the transformational impact of online education, especially for underprivileged students, stating that digital education is making learning more accessible and inclusive.
IIT Jodhpur Director Avinash Kumar Agrawal discussed the critical requirements for building successful startups.
Anand Rathi Group Chairman Anand Rathi said education has played a central role in India’s current growth, and advocated short-term skill development courses to rapidly enhance youth employability.
