The Rajasthan government has directed government and private colleges to participate in a month-long programme organised under the Viksit Bharat-Jan Seva Abhiyan, with the initiative coinciding with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's birthday.

According to the programme, colleges have been asked to organise and facilitate several activities, including ‘Ashirwad Ka Diya’, a lamp-lighting event held on September 17. Other activities include community service on October 2 and a ‘Seva First’ innovation challenge scheduled from October 1 to 15.

The Rajasthan Chief Minister's Office said the broader Seva Sankalp Abhiyan is intended to encourage youth participation and public service and will run from September 17 to October 17.

The order has, however, triggered criticism from the Opposition Congress and civil-rights organisation People's Union for Civil Liberties (PUCL). Congress leader and Leader of Opposition Tika Ram Jully questioned the involvement of government departments and educational institutions in events connected with the Prime Minister's birthday. PUCL also raised concerns about the participation of students in such activities.

The programme also requires details, photographs and videos of activities to be uploaded through a designated portal, according to reports.