All ministers 'crorepatis' in new Rajasthan govt | Association for Democratic Reforms

Source

Times of India

https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/jaipur/all-ministers-crorepatis-in-new-rajasthan-govt/articleshow/106507415.cms

Author

TNN

Date

01/03/2024 - 12:00

City

Jaipur

The Rajasthan government's 25 ministers, including chief minister Bhajan Lal Sharma, are all 'crorepatis' with an average asset of Rs 7.08 crore.The Association of Democratic Reforms (ADR), in its report released on Tuesday, said that just 8% of the ministers have declared their criminal assets. Minister Babulal Kharadi, whom senior BJP leaders termed 'most modest' for living in a semi-constructed house and wearing chappals, has total declared assets valued at Rs 1.24 crore.

The richest minister is Gajendra Singh Khinvsar from Lohawat constituency, with assets worth Rs 29.07 crore.

Next to him are minister KK Vishnoi and deputy CM Diya Kumari, with assets of Rs 21 crore and Rs 19 crore, respectively.

Former Union minister Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore's total assets worth Rs 14 crore and liabilities of Rs 1 crore rank fifth in the list from the top.

CM Bhajan Lal Sharma has total assets worth Rs 1.46 crore with a liability of Rs 46 lakh. He ranks 22nd in terms of assets among ministers.

Four ministers face serious criminal charges. Leading the pack is cabinet minister Madan Dilawar, who has 14 pending cases, mostly with charges of promoting enmity between two religions, outrage over religious feelings of any class, etc. The cases were filed in the Kota division and Jaipur.

Next to him is his cabinet colleague Kirori Lal Meena, who has six pending cases with serious charges, including attempts to murder, punishment for dacoity, mischief by fire or explosive substance with intent to destroy a house, being a member of an unlawful assembly, and endangering the lives of others. Sanjay Sharma has charges related to punishment for rioting and public nuisance.

The report says that 4 (16%) ministers have declared their educational qualifications to be between 5th and 12th grade, while 18 (72%) ministers have declared educational qualification of graduate and above. Babulal Kaharadi and Joraram Kumawat have academic qualifications below Class 12. The highest academic qualification is declared by deputy CM Prem Chand Bairwa and MoS Manju Baghmar of a PhD degree.