CM Sharma Inaugurates Stonemart, Highlights Rajasthan Stone's Global Potential

Rajasthan Chief Minister Inaugurates Prestigious Stonemart Exhibition

Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma officially inaugurated the four-day dimensional stone exhibition, Stonemart, on Thursday in Jaipur. In his keynote address, Sharma articulated a compelling vision for India's position in the global economy, stating that the world now perceives the nation not merely as a prime investment destination but also as an expansive market with immense potential.

Natural Resources as a Gateway for Global Investment

He specifically highlighted natural resources, such as marble and sandstone, as emerging and highly promising sectors for international investors. Sharma described Stonemart as a collective platform that powerfully reflects Indian culture, exquisite craftsmanship, and formidable industrial strength.

"Rajasthan is endowed with 85 different types of minerals, and almost every district boasts its own distinct stone identity," the Chief Minister noted, underscoring the state's rich geological heritage.

Legacy of Rajasthan Stone in National Icons

Sharma drew attention to the prestigious legacy of Rajasthan stone, which has been utilized in some of India's most iconic and revered structures. These include the Rashtrapati Bhavan, the Parliament House, and the Supreme Court of India.

"One of the greatest strengths of Rajasthan stone is its exceptional durability. Once a structure is constructed properly using this material, it requires minimal maintenance over its lifetime," he remarked, emphasizing the product's long-term value.

Government Vision and Support for the Sector

Outlining the state government's strategic vision aligned with the 'One District–One Product' and 'One District–One Stone' initiatives, Sharma stressed the critical importance of providing special encouragement and support to Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) and small-to-medium industries within the sector.

He firmly stated that respect for workers, provision of fair wages, implementation of rigorous safety measures, and the execution of skill enhancement programs remain among the government's foremost and non-negotiable priorities.

Call for Collective Advancement and Global Expansion

The Chief Minister issued a clarion call to all industry stakeholders, urging them to move forward collectively, adopt modern and efficient technologies, and aggressively expand the reach of Rajasthan stone to international markets. He assured the industry that the state government stands firmly alongside the sector in this ambitious endeavour.

International Participation and Cultural Showcase

Industries Minister Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore highlighted the truly international stature of the Stonemart exhibition. He pointed out that this year's event features participation from 66 overseas companies hailing from nations including Iran, Italy, Turkey, and China.

As a significant part of India Stonemart 2026, the Shilpgram organized by the Rural Non-Farm Development Agency (RUDA) emerged as a major attraction. This vibrant section saw artisans and craftsmen from across Rajasthan showcase traditional art forms, intricate handicrafts, and age-old construction techniques in an engaging and dynamic manner.