Jaipur

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Saturday credited the Bhajanlal Sharma-led Rajasthan government with restoring transparency and strengthening law and order in the state, claiming that the long-standing issue of examination paper leaks has been effectively brought to an end.

Speaking at a constable appointment ceremony at the Rajasthan Police Academy, Shah underlined that sustainable development is possible only when a state has a robust law-and-order framework. He said the crime rate in Rajasthan has declined significantly over the past two years, while policing standards have improved.

The Home Minister stressed that corruption-free recruitment in public services is vital for good governance, adding that no state can progress if job appointments are compromised by irregularities. He alleged that the practice of paper leaks, which he described as having begun during the previous Congress regime, has now been eliminated.

According to Shah, Rajasthan has recorded an overall reduction of nearly 14 per cent in crime during the period. Serious offences have fallen by about 19 per cent, with murder cases declining by 25 per cent and attempts to murder by 19 per cent. He also said crimes against women have reduced by around 10 per cent.

Highlighting reforms in the criminal justice system, Shah said the implementation of the three new criminal laws has led to a sharp improvement in the police conviction rate, which has risen from 41 per cent to 60 per cent. He expressed confidence that the figure would reach 85 per cent in the coming years.

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The minister added that improved law and order and transparent governance have helped position Rajasthan as an increasingly attractive destination for investment.