Congress to review BJP's Rajasthan textbook changes

In its first cabinet meeting, the Congress government in Rajasthan led by Ashok Gehlot has decided to undo the revision in the textbooks, and discard the picture of Pt Deendayal Upadhyay in the official letterheads and will use Ashoka emblem once again. The ruling Congress decided to revoke a few orders passed by former BJP government.

The education minister Govind Singh Dotasara told media, "The government will try to undo all those things which BJP tried to saffronise. A committee consisting of historians will review changes made by the BJP".

A few changes made by BJP include Jawaharlal Nehru's name being dropped from state board's Class 8 textbooks, including the change that emperor Akbar lost his traditional title of ''Great'', which was given to the person who fought battles against him -- Maharana Pratap.

In the education sector, a few schemes led by BJP government will be reviewed such as making Surya Namaskar, a yoga practice, compulsory in all government schools and distribution of saffron bicycles for schoolchildren will be reviewed.

The first Cabinet meeting discussed the 418-point public manifesto introduced by the party in the run-up to the Assembly polls and ensured their timely implementation.

Moreover, it was decided in the meeting that state ministerial board will attend public hearings from 9-10 am to ensure transparency and accountability in the state. Cabinet has also decided to increase the old age pension to Rs 750 from Rs 500.