“Sawai Madhopur’s development priorities are related to agriculture, balanced tourism and human capital. The district is leveraging the Delhi-Mumbai Expressway for growth. In the local institutions, education initiatives like Bhavishy Ki Udaan and Mission Shikshan Samvad are contributing towards improvement in school infrastructure and the enhancement of student confidence. Sustainable tourism, rural employment programs and women empowerment efforts ensure inclusive and long-term progress for the district.”
This was stated by Shubham Choudhary, Collector & District Magistrate, Sawai Madhopur, Rajasthan, in conversation with ETGovernment’s Yagrica Repswal.
Edited excerpts:
What are the key development priorities for Sawai Madhopur in the coming years. What are the administration’s plans to complete these development initiatives?
The key development priorities for Sawai Madhopur, in my view, lie in strengthening agriculture, fostering balanced tourism, and investing in human capital, particularly education and healthcare. The region has great potential for growth in these areas, especially with the enhanced connectivity provided by the Delhi-Mumbai Expressway. This infrastructure development is a significant positive step, and I am confident it will attract substantial investment, particularly through programs like Rising Rajasthan. With continued focus, these priorities are well within reach in the near future.What new education initiatives are being implemented in Sawai Madhopur to improve learning and school infrastructure?
Bhavishy Ki Udaan was launched to encourage community participation in school development. Villagers have actively contributed over ₹28 crores in donations, helping upgrade infrastructure, build ICT labs, and provide essential resources like furniture and books. This initiative has fostered a strong sense of ownership and collaboration.
Meanwhile, Mission Shikshan Samvad focuses on student expression and confidence building. Schools are stocked with age-appropriate books, and students borrow one every two weeks. They then present a 3-5 minute speech about it, improving their public speaking and communication skills—key for job interviews and future careers. To further support students, we conduct mock exams, helping them gain confidence and prepare for competitive exams. These initiatives go beyond academics, equipping students with essential life skills and ensuring holistic development for a brighter future.
Sawai Madhopur is home to world renowned Ranthambore National Park. How is the district balancing tourism and wildlife conservation?
Ranthambore has always been popular as a tourist destination. In the recent period, there has been further enhancement of its popularity. With this, there is also a growing need for responsible tourism. The park is divided into 10 zones, with five zones closed for three months to allow nature to thrive. Only about 20% of the park is open to visitors, and a limited number of vehicles are allowed daily to ensure a balanced ecosystem. Our forest laws protect the core and buffer zones, but I believe tourists play a crucial role too. By being mindful and respectful, we can preserve Ranthambore’s incredible wildlife and natural beauty for generations to come.
What steps are being taken to improve rural employment and livelihood opportunities?
The primary economic activities in Sawai Madhopur revolve around agriculture, horticulture, and tourism. Considering the region’s traditional occupations, public interest, and geographical strengths, I believe we should further enhance opportunities in these sectors. For instance, we have a Center of Excellence under the Horticulture Department that conducts various training programs to help farmers diversify into non-traditional crops.
In tourism, there is great potential to promote local crafts and support MSMEs, which are the major employment generators. We are working on infrastructure development and cluster-based support for artisans. A great example is Bonli, a village known for its exquisite marble idols, now recognized under the Panch Gaurav initiative as part of the One District, One Product program. Our focus is on expanding livelihood opportunities and promoting rural employment, ensuring sustainable economic growth for the people of Sawai Madhopur.
What steps do you believe are essential to empower women and create more opportunities for their growth and leadership?
I believe financial independence is key for women, and confidence is the first step towards it. When women are confident, they can achieve financial independence, which further boosts their self-esteem. To build this confidence, we launched Mission Nedar, which offers self-defense classes for schoolgirls and encourages them to visit police stations. Over 28,000 girls have visited police stations, gaining the confidence to report crimes like harassment and violence. This initiative helps them learn about career opportunities in the police and administration, empowering women and creating job opportunities in leadership roles.
What is your long-term vision for Sawai Madhopur? What areas do you aim to focus on to ensure the district’s sustainable growth and prosperity?
I believe the two key pillars for progress and peace are sustainable development, with a strong focus on education and health. Investing in these areas is crucial for long-term growth. Studies have shown that investing in human capital yields one of the highest returns. My goal is to provide equal and inclusive opportunities in education and health for all citizens of Sawai Madhopur, ensuring sustainability while balancing the natural environment. By prioritizing these sectors, we can build a more prosperous and equitable future for everyone in the community.
