Past, present legislators discuss key laws passed during 75 years of Rajasthan Assembly

Jaipur, Jul 15 (PTI) Former and present legislators shared their experiences and discussed key laws passed over the past seven decades during a session organised here Wednesday as part of the 'Amrit Mahotsav' marking 75 years of Rajasthan Assembly. The session was conducted by Rajasthan Assembly Speaker Vasudev Devnani, former chief minister Vasundhara Raje and Commonwealth Parliamentary Association secretary Sandeep Sharma. During the session, senior members underlined the importance of parliamentary decorum, dignity and the tradition of informed debate, stressing that new legislators, too, must have thorough knowledge on issues concerning the public. Recalling the assembly's democratic legacy, Raje said the House has been enriched by sound ideology and a welfare-oriented approach, urging new members to be well-prepared and make greater use of the assembly library. She also lauded the intellectual contributions of former chief ministers Bhairon Singh Shekhawat and Mohan Lal Sukhadia. Senior members shared insights on several landmark legislations. Former MLA Rajendra Rathore spoke on the Rajasthan Coaching Centres (Control and Regulation) Act, 2025, saying it aims to ensure accountability of coaching institutes, curb misleading advertisements and enforce safety standards, thereby creating a safer and stress-free environment for students. Jaipur Rural MP Rao Rajendra Singh highlighted the significance of the Rajasthan Tenancy Act, 1955, describing it as a milestone that empowered cultivators after the abolition of 'zamindari' and 'jagirdari' systems, and ensured protection of land rights, especially for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes. Former minister Kalicharan Saraf spoke on the Rajasthan Prohibition of Unlawful Religious Conversion Act, 2025, stating that it seeks to safeguard communal harmony, trust and the constitutional right to religious freedom. Former assembly speaker Deependra Singh Shekhawat praised the Rajasthan Platform-Based Gig Workers (Registration and Welfare) Act, 2023, noting that it brought lakhs of gig workers associated with digital platforms like Ola, Uber, Zomato and Swiggy under the ambit of social security, making Rajasthan the first state in the country to do so. Former MLA Tara Bhandari recalled the Rajasthan Sati (Prevention) Act, 1987, describing it as a landmark legislation that protects women's rights, dignity and life, and symbolises progressive social reform. Former minister B D Kalla highlighted the Rajasthan Primary Education Act, 1964, stating that it laid the foundation for bringing a large population under compulsory primary education and promoted self-reliance through practical learning. Other members, including Nathu Singh Gurjar, Rajendra Pareek and Pradyuman Singh, also shared their views on legislations related to Panchayati Raj institutions, cooperative societies and land revenue. PTI AG ARB ARB