Jaipur, Aug. 21 -- Rajasthan has significantly stepped up its efforts to eliminate tuberculosis, with the number of gram panchayats declared TB-free rising from just 29 in 2022 to 6,547 in 2025 - a more than 225-fold increase in four years, according to the government official figures. Reviewing the progress of the TB-Free India campaign at the Secretariat on Thursday, chief secretary V Srinivas directed officials to intensify screening, testing and treatment, with special focus on districts showing weaker performance. He directed officials to maximise the use of X-ray machines for early detection and increase the number of Nucleic Acid Amplification Tests (NAAT). He also called for the adoption of best practices from better-performing districts and preparation of effective action plans for districts lagging behind. According to principal secretary, medical, health and family welfare, Gayatri Rathore, the number of TB-free gram panchayats increased from 29 in 2022 to 586 in 2023, 3,350 in 2024 and 6,547 in 2025. The state has so far screened 2.38 crore people under the campaign and distributed 2,04,888 nutrition kits to TB patients. X-ray utilisation in 2026 has reached 83% of the annual target. Rajasthan currently has 643 NAAT laboratories, 132 handheld X-ray units and 652 fixed X-ray machines for TB detection. During the campaign, more than 3.29 lakh NAAT tests and 35.87 lakh X-rays have been conducted. Srinivas also stressed the importance of TB Preventive Treatment (TPT) and differentiated TB care. He directed officials to ensure that eligible family members of TB patients are screened and provided preventive treatment wherever required. Emphasising community participation, the chief secretary called for greater involvement of My Bharat volunteers and NCC cadets up to block level....