Jaipur, April 5 Former Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot on Sunday alleged that the construction of the proposed Rajiv Gandhi Fintech Digital Institute in Jodhpur has been delayed due to the "indifference" of the BJP governments at the Centre and the state.
In a statement, Gehlot said that the institute, whose foundation stone was laid during his government's tenure, was envisioned to provide world-class training to Rajasthan's youth in emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, data analytics, and cybersecurity.
"It is unfortunate that the institute, which was to be completed by March 2024, has now been put on hold due to the state government's inaction," he said.
The senior Congress leader alleged that the Centre had earlier refused to provide a ₹400 crore fund for the institute despite the Finance Commission's recommendation, and now the current state government has slowed down the project.
Questioning the delay, Gehlot said that public welfare projects should not be halted for political reasons, as it impacts the state's progress and the skill development of the youth.
He also urged Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma to expedite the work and ensure that the institute is completed soon, so that the state's youth can keep pace with rapidly evolving technologies.
The Rajiv Gandhi Fintech Digital Institute was proposed as a major initiative to strengthen skill development and employment opportunities in the technology sector in Rajasthan.