As part of the lead-up activities for India Stonemart 2026, a significant state-level seminar on the theme “Environment, Industry & Mining” is being organized by Laghu Udyog Bharati Rajasthan on Wednesday, July 9, 2025, from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM at the Constitution Club, Vidhan Sabha Marg, Jaipur.
The objective of this seminar is to foster multi-stakeholder dialogue on the integrated development of the industrial and mineral sectors in Rajasthan, while ensuring environmental balance. This platform will bring together policymakers, departmental officials, industry bodies, subject matter experts, and entrepreneurs to discuss concrete solutions and policy suggestions.
Chief Guest: Hon’ble Shri Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore
Cabinet Minister, Industries & Commerce, Youth Affairs & Sports Department, Government of Rajasthan
Special Guest: Hon’ble Shri K.C. Vishnoi
Minister of State, Industries & Commerce Department, Government of Rajasthan
This seminar is expected to become a critical platform for shaping Rajasthan’s industrial future, addressing environmental priorities, and enhancing the commercial utilization of mineral resources. It is particularly noteworthy that, as part of the promotional campaign for India Stonemart 2026, Laghu Udyog Bharati has conducted international outreach visits to major countries like Italy, China, Turkey, USA, UK, and Russia. These visits included B2B interactions aimed at inviting global companies and fostering bilateral trade engagements between Indian entrepreneurs and foreign firms. For the first time in India Stonemart's history, Laghu Udyog Bharati has extended its outreach to countries like China, Russia, and the UK, highlighting the new global direction of the exhibition. Additionally, in India, initiatives like GSTF (Global Stone Technology Forum) and other national-level seminars have continuously promoted technology, design, and innovation in the stone industry.
Rajasthan’s Industries Minister, Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore, emphasized that the state government is continuously striving to make doing business in Rajasthan easier and more cost-effective. He stated that new technology, skill development, marketing, and quality products are essential to keep industries competitive. He was addressing a state-level seminar on Industries, Forests, Environment, and Mines organized by Laghu Udyog Bharati, Rajasthan, marking a historic effort to bring all these sectors together on one platform for dialogue. At the seminar held at the Constitution Club, Jaipur, the Industries Minister announced the formation of a Joint Group for resolving industry-related issues promptly and effectively. This group will include representatives from the Industries, Forests, Mines, and Skill Development Departments as well as key organizations like Laghu Udyog Bharati. The group will coordinate with departments, identify ground-level challenges, and submit a consolidated report with practical solutions to the Chief Minister.
Efforts by the government successfully halted the proposed GST hike on stone products from 18% to 28%, offering major relief to the stone and marble industry.
Historic Initiative by Laghu Udyog Bharati
Naresh Pareek, National Secretary of Laghu Udyog Bharati, highlighted that for the first time, senior officials from Forest, Environment, and Mines Departments came together on one platform. This enabled open dialogue with entrepreneurs about their practical issues and solutions. He emphasized the need for more such special interaction sessions in the future.
55% Booking for India Stone Mart 2026
Natwarlal Ajmeras, Convenor of India Stone Mart 2026, mentioned in his welcome address that due to participation in international exhibitions and nationwide roadshows and conferences, 55% of the event's booking is already completed. This marks the fastest and most encouraging booking in the event's history, reflecting that Rajasthan is ready to establish its stone industry on the global stage.
Major Achievement in Halting GST Rate Hike
Minister of State for Industries, K.K. Vishnoi, shared that a proposal was made in the GST Council to increase the tax on stone from 18% to 28%, but due to persistent efforts, the hike was stopped. This is a significant relief for the stone industry and showcases the government's commercial sensitivity. He expressed hope that GST rates on marble and granite would be reduced further. He also stated that outdated and irrelevant laws and regulations will be reviewed and amended to provide real relief to industries.
Favorable Environment for Investment in Rajasthan
Rohit Gupta, Industries Commissioner of Rajasthan, shared that out of ₹35 lakh crore worth of MoUs signed under Rising Rajasthan, over ₹4 lakh crore worth of investment is already being actively monitored and grounded. This indicates the creation of a favorable investment environment in the state. He also gave insights into MSME, ODOP, RIPS, and highlighted Rajasthan’s potential as a hub for solar energy.
Bhajan Lal Government Committed to Making Rajasthan a Developed State
Ghanshyam Ojha, National President of Laghu Udyog Bharati, stated that the Bhajan Lal-led government is committed to transforming Rajasthan from a developing to a developed state, and the organization will play a constructive role in this. He thanked the state government for appointing Laghu Udyog Bharati as the Nodal Agency for the Handicrafts Festival in Jodhpur for the next four years and as a co-organizer of India Stone Mart 2026. He also appreciated the single-window system and RIICO’s land allotment initiatives post the successful Rising Rajasthan event. He mentioned the organization’s active work on skill development in 10 districts to prepare a skilled workforce for industries.
Rajasthan's Mineral Policy is the Best in India, Yet Practical Challenges Remain
Though Rajasthan’s mineral policy is considered the best in the country, several practical challenges in its implementation were deeply discussed at the seminar. These include forest clearance, environmental clearance, pollution control board processes, and technical aspects like volumetric assessment and demarcation using drones in mining. Officials including Sudershan Sharma (Deputy Forest Conservator, FCA HQ Jaipur), Vishnudutt Purohit (Chief Environmental Engineer, RSPCB, Jaipur), Vijay Sharma (Senior Environmental Engineer, Jaipur), Deepak Tanwar (Director, Mines Department), Pratap Meena (Senior Mining Engineer), and Alok Jain (Additional Director, Geology) addressed the concerns in detail and assured their cooperation.
Organizational Leadership and Participation
The sessions were moderated by Mahendra Mishra, Jaipur Region President, and Shantilal Balad, former State President of Laghu Udyog Bharati. A vote of thanks was delivered by Yogendra Sharma, State President. The program was co-hosted by CA Yogesh Gautam, Former National Treasurer, and Anju Singh, State Vice President. Notable attendees included CDOS Vice President Rakesh Gupta, State General Secretary Sudhir Kumar Garg, Former State Vice President Mukesh Agrawal, and a large number of entrepreneurs.
