Pink Assembly in the Pink City Jaipur
By Gopendra Nath Bhatt
Renowned for its innovations, Rajasthan's Assembly, under the leadership of Speaker Vasudev Devnani, has embraced a new pink aesthetic in the New Year. Inspired by Jaipur’s iconic title as the "Pink City," the Assembly’s chambers have been adorned with a vibrant pink hue, captivating everyone who visits. When the budget session begins later this month, the Governor of Rajasthan, Haribhau Bagde, accompanied by Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma and Speaker Vasudev Devnani, will be welcomed by this striking transformation as they address the legislators.
The tradition of Jaipur's pink hue originates from Maharaja Sawai Ram Singh II, who painted the city pink in 1876 to honor the visit of Prince Albert, the son of Queen Victoria. This gesture symbolized hospitality and left an indelible mark on the city’s identity. Following this tradition, Speaker Vasudev Devnani has made history by transforming the Assembly hall into a pink marvel.
Previously, the Assembly hall was adorned with green carpets. However, after almost 24 years since its relocation to the Janpath premises in 2001, the green carpeting has been replaced with pink, aligning with Jaipur’s legacy. This change has revitalized the hall, which resides in a building made of Rajasthan’s pink sandstone—a testament to the state’s architectural grandeur.
Innovations in Governance
Speaker Vasudev Devnani has introduced another significant innovation by equipping all 200 legislators' seats with iPads, making the Rajasthan Assembly paperless and technologically advanced. This transition, under the "One Nation-One Application" initiative, ensures that legislators can perform legislative duties online, enhancing efficiency.
To facilitate this shift, a one-day training program was recently held for 110 legislators, conducted by Lok Sabha Secretariat and NIC officials. The program, part of the National e-Vidhan Application (NeVA) project, has been supported by a ₹12.61 crore budget, with 60% funded by the central government and 40% by the state. A dedicated NeVA service center has also been established to provide ongoing technical assistance to legislators and staff.
Vasudev Devnani: A Visionary Leader
At 76 years old, Vasudev Devnani is a symbol of Indian heritage and dedication. A resident of Ajmer, he has a background in engineering and years of experience in public service. An ardent supporter of RSS ideology, he has also been a prominent figure in student politics through ABVP. Fluent in Hindi, Sanskrit, Sindhi, and English, Devnani has served as a five-time legislator and held the position of Education Minister under Vasundhara Raje’s government. His tenure was marked by transformative initiatives, including changes in school textbooks to emphasize Maharana Pratap’s greatness.
As Speaker, Devnani’s achievements in his first year have been remarkable. From introducing a lunch break during sessions to ensuring timely responses from government officials, his efforts have streamlined Assembly proceedings. Notably, he has initiated the construction of the Rajasthan Constitution Club, modeled after its Delhi counterpart, and taken steps to reduce electricity costs by installing solar panels.
Opening Doors to the Public
In a departure from tradition, Devnani has made the Rajasthan Assembly accessible to the public. The newly established digital museum, showcasing the 22 parts of the original Indian Constitution, has become a major attraction for students and tourists alike. Highlights include exhibits featuring India’s ancient heritage, from the Vedic period to modern icons like Jhansi’s Rani Laxmibai and Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose.
Additionally, the Assembly’s diary and calendar have been updated to reflect the Indian lunar calendar, emphasizing Devnani’s dedication to preserving cultural identity.
As Rajasthan embraces a new era of governance and innovation, Vasudev Devnani’s leadership continues to leave a lasting legacy.
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