The role of Jaipur collector is critical. Unlike other districts where collector office is edifice, Jaipur is under the awe of chief minister office, chief secretary office and entire the secretariat. Jaipur collector is always on his toes to meet the expectations of chief minister, chief secretary and people.
Jitendra Kumar Soni, a 2010 batch IAS officer, recently completed one year in Jaipur collectorate. Though he had prior experience of handling districts like Jalore, Jhalawar, Nagaur, and Alwar, where he had performed adequately well, Jaipur was altogether a different turf.
Looking at his report card of one year, Jitendra Kumar Soni was able to implement the policies and schemes of Bhajan Lal government on ground. He is said to show empathy when he deals with rural petitioners coming from far flung areas for patient hearing and resolution.
“Perhaps Jitendra Kumar Soni tells his literary mind and poetic heart to deal with people inflicted with pain. However, he doesn't let emotions affect his decision making,” said a senior officer of collectorate sharing the biblio Soni has created in Hindi and Rajasthani literature.
Whether it was the Swachh Bharat Mission, where the Soni led from the front cleaning roads of pink city or clearing the waterlogging on roads rolling up his trousers, Soni never shied away from braving the situation.
Jitendra Kumar Soni worked hard towards giving distinct identity to Jaipur. He launched initiatives to attach one unique attribute to Jaipur for giving it a global identity.
Jaipur gets five distinct identified under Panch Gaurav Handbook
One District, One Sport (Kabaddi) – Synthetic mats in all blocks, kabaddi fields in all villages were provided.
One District, One Crop (Amla) – Large-scale plantation drives.
One District, One Plant Species (Lasoda) – Targeted afforestation plans.
One District, One Product (Gemstones & Jewelry) – Skill workshops and promotion.
One District, One Pride – Holistic development across culture, agriculture, and sports.
Campaigns that changed face of Jaipur
Apart for that, Soni focuses on social reforms and governance through public participation. His Initiatives like Rasta Kholo (Open the Road), NREGA Akhar, Ladesar, Bitiya Gaurav Peti, Saksham Jaipur, and Nasha Mukt Jaipur are among few programmes that laid the foundation of good governance and social reforms.
Under the Rasta Kholo campaign, Jaipur administration opened 1,414 blocked roads to ensure encroachment free pathways. For villagers, this has ended generations of struggle – their joy mirrors the relief of long-awaited justice.
NREGA Akhar Campaign – Literacy at the Worksite
Under NREGA Akhar programme, the worksite of NREGA became centres of knowledge and empowerment. Out of 214,907 workers, a survey revealed more than 46,000 illiterate labourers. Through the campaign, 45,840 workers have been registered on the Ullas Portal, 41,805 workers taught to sign, 35,713 workers gained basic literacy, and 27,611 workers acquired numeracy skills. The initiative also includes financial and digital literacy – from banking and UPI transactions to secure mobile usage and accessing government services.
Ladesar Campaign – Fighting Malnutrition
To combat child malnutrition, the Ladesar Abhiyan was launched. With donor support, 5,300 malnourished and 883 severely malnourished children were provided with Ladesar Kits containing proteins, carbohydrates, vitamins, fats, and iron.
Bitiya Gaurav Peti – A Box of Confidence
After the success of the Bitiya Gaurav Dashboard, Jaipur launched the Bitiya Gaurav Peti initiative to boost confidence among schoolgirls. Thousands of sturdy metal boxes, once used for exam storage, were repainted and distributed to girl students across government schools and hostels. These boxes now safeguard sanitary napkins, vitamins, deworming tablets, and personal items – a practical facility with a symbolic message of dignity and empowerment.
Saksham Jaipur Campaign – Equality, Capacity, and Care
With the vision of ensuring safety, rights awareness, and dignity for women, Saksham Jaipur has become a flagship initiative. Activities on Good Touch–Bad Touch, distribution of Mother & Child Kits at birth, and awareness programs across schools highlight the campaign's focus on empowerment with care.
Give Up Campaign
Under the Give Up campaigns, people not eligible for free ration were encouraged to voluntarily withdraw from the National Food Security Scheme. As of September 4, 2025, over 225,000 ineligible beneficiaries gave up their entitlements, making Jaipur No. 1 in the state, while over 248,000 eligible beneficiaries were newly added.
Antyodaya Sambal Camps – Relief at the Last Mile
Antyodaya Sambal Shivirs were organised to deliver government schemes to the last citizen. More than 350 camps were held providing 30 lakh+ services across 63 categories of 16 departments – bringing governance closer to the people.
Nasha Mukt Jaipur – A New Pledge for Youth
To save youth from addiction, Nasha Mukt Jaipur was launched under Saksham Jaipur. Through the e-Oath website unveiled at the state-level Narco Coordination Centre, over 21 lakh citizens are being targeted to take a pledge against drug abuse. The campaign has received widespread public support.
Park Adoption Initiative
In a unique effort, Jaipur administration encouraged local officers to adopt parks in their jurisdiction. With community involvement, these parks are being developed with open gyms, walkways, and modern facilities – embedding sustainability in governance.
Vivek Shukla is a management graduate who has worked in corporate worked for 20 years and is now pursuing his passion — news.
