UPSC Pattern From 2013 For Recruitments Jaipur: The proposed Rajiv Gandhi Biosphere Reserve-an ambitious project connecting the major sanctuaries and national parks in the state through forest corridors-was approved by the state cabinet on Wednesday. The cabinet also took a decision on adopting the Union Public Service Commission pattern in the state from 2013 for recruitments made through the Rajasthan Public Service Commission. Further, cabinet gave nod for formation of the Rajasthan Ex-Servicemen Corporation (REXCO) Limited, which would work to rehabilitate and ensure selfdependency for the ex-service, widows of ex-servicemen, war widows and their dependents. The cabinet cleared the way for reorganization of the State Planning Board, which can now have non-government subject specialists up to 10 (from the existing 8). The issues related to the urban housing and development could not be taken up as the minister concerned, Shanti Dhariwal, could not attend the meeting. The Biosphere reserve was proposed to facilitate better movement of wild animals, including the tigers, over an area of 11,000 sq kms from Dholpur to Jhalawar and will pass through the adjoining Karauli, Sawai Madhopur, Kota, Bundi, Chittorgarh and Baran districts. The proposal would now be forwarded to the Union ministry of forests and environment for approval. "Works like building boundary walls, fencing and railway underpass can now start," said Bina Kak, the forest and wildlife minister. Former PCCF, RN Mehrotra said this was the first of its kind landscape model in the country that will address the issue of fragmented forest areas. It is to be developed under the Unesco's Man and Biosphere Programme. An announcement in this regard was made in June last year by the then union minister for forests and environment Jairam Ramesh. The reserve would cover the forest areas of Ranthambore, Mukundra Hills National Park (Darrah wildlife sanctuary in Kota), Kaila Devi, Sawai Man Singh Sanctuary, Sawai Madhopur Sanctuary, Bhansagar and Jamalsagar sanctuaries, Ramgarh Vishdhari sanctuary and some parts of the Chambal sanctuary. The state cabinet also approved the proposal for publication of the final notification for Mukundra Hills National Park under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972. Along with this, the cabinet cleared the proposal of compensation of Rs 10 lakh each for rehabilitation of the 37 families at the national park. In a major relief to the candidates aspiring to join state services, the cabinet has approved the UPSC like timebound recruitment pattern for the RPSC. "The interview marks will be fixed at 12.5% of the written marks and there will only be four papers," said Rajendra Pareek, the industries minister who briefed media after the cabinet.