Gujarat CM unveils Rs 358.37 crore development package for Banaskantha
Speaking at a public gathering in Suigam near Nadabet, the CM emphasised the government's resolve to transform border villages into engines of growth and tourism.
"Where once there was barren land, we now see emerging tourism hubs, thanks to sustained efforts in water connectivity and grassroots infrastructure," said Patel, adding that the benefits of development are now reaching the last mile.
Patel launched new projects worth Rs 55.68 crore and highlighted Gujarat's focus on health, education, water management, and green initiatives, pointing to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's campaigns like 'Catch the Rain' and 'Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam' as timely responses to global warming and environmental degradation.
'In Gujarat, every district now has a medical college, and over 7,000 new doctors are being trained annually. Citizens are now receiving free medical treatment up to Rs 10 lakh under schemes like Ayushman Bharat,' Patel said.
He also acknowledged the success of the Amrit Sarovar Mission, noting that Gujarat exceeded its target by constructing more than 75 reservoirs in each district, with over 30,000 recharge wells completed in Banaskantha alone through a partnership with Banas Dairy.
Gujarat Assembly Speaker Shankarbhai Chaudhary, who also addressed the event, praised the CM's leadership and recalled how Banaskantha - once seen as underdeveloped - has now become a model for rural rejuvenation and border tourism.
He emphasised the role of schemes like school enrolment drives, girls' education campaigns, and Gunotsav in transforming education in the district.
"Banaskantha topped the state in this year's Class 10 and 12 results - a moment of pride for all of us," he said.
Industries Minister Balvantsinh Rajput, the district in charge, noted that the government had allocated Rs 7,200 crore to Banaskantha in the past three years, facilitating job growth through cooperative institutions like Banas Dairy and new GIDC estates across Talukas.
Highlighting Gujarat's strong fiscal management, Patel attributed the state's progress to transparent governance and long-term planning - a legacy, he said, initiated by Narendra Modi during his tenure as Gujarat's Chief Minister.
In a symbolic gesture, the Jay Bhole Group from Ahmedabad gifted the CM a replica of 51 Shakti Peeths and a Shri Yantra made from sacred soil. Citizens also warmly welcomed the recent approval of the new Vav-Tharad district, viewing it as a step toward better administration and local development.
The event witnessed the presence of several state dignitaries and local MLAs, including Swarupji Thakor, Praveen Mali, Aniket Thakor, Keshaji Chauhan, and Mavji Desai, along with District Collector Mihir Patel, DDO M.J. Dave, SP Akshayraj Makwana, and other officials from various departments.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Hans India
13 minutes ago
- Hans India
Three terrorists killed in gunfight in Srinagar district, identification process underway
Srinagar: Three terrorists were cornered and killed in a gunfight with the security forces under 'Operation Mahadev' in the Dachigam area of J&K's Srinagar district on Monday, the army said. The three terrorists were killed in an intense gunfight with the security forces in the higher reaches of Dachigam National Park near the Mahadev peak in the Harwan area of Srinagar. "The operation is still going on in the area. The exact identity of the slain terrorists is being ascertained," an army official said. The killings of the three terrorists came after an anti-terrorist operation was started on Monday by the security forces in the Dachigam National Park. "The anti-terrorist operation was started following Intelligence inputs. Reinforcements were rushed to the spot as the area is densely populated and the terrain under operation is tough," an official said. The Indian Army, J&K Police and the security forces have been launching aggressive anti-terrorist operations across the area targeting terrorists, Over Ground Workers (OGWs) and sympathisers of terrorism in order to totally dismantle the ecosystem of terror in the UT. The focus previously used to be merely on the elimination of terrorists, but since 2019, Lt Governor Manoj Sinha has given an elaborate and extensive narrative and objective to anti-terrorist operations by speaking of the terror ecosystem and bringing it into focus. The concept of security has since undergone a sea-change as the entire gamut of anti-nationalist operatives, whether armed or not, has been brought under the anti-terrorist operations. After the April 22 terror attack by Pakistan-backed Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) terrorists in Baisaran meadow of Pahalgam, in which 26 people were killed, the anti-terrorist operations have been using cutting-edge technology, backed up with human Intelligence to defeat the nefarious designs of the terrorists. The heinous Pahalgam terrorist attack outraged the entire country, and Prime Minister Narendra Modi gave the armed forces a free hand to avenge the Pahalgam attack. Indian armed forces carried out target-specific strikes against terror infrastructure deep inside Pakistan, destroying nine terror bases. However, Pakistan retaliated by targeting military and civilian facilities, destroying scores of homes and other private property and religious places, including a temple, a gurdwara and a church in Poonch district of Jammu division. In the resultant escalation, 18 defence bases of the Pakistan armed forces were damaged.
Hans India
13 minutes ago
- Hans India
Bad weather forces cancellation of CM Nitish Kumar's visit to Katihar
Patna: Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar's scheduled visit to Sameli block in Katihar District was cancelled on Monday due to adverse weather conditions in Patna. The Chief Minister was expected to unveil a statue of renowned litterateur Anuppal Mandal and address a public gathering, apart from laying the foundation stone of projects of more than Rs 500 crore, but persistent heavy rain in Patna grounded his flight. This is the second postponement of the same programme, the first being on July 26 this year, also due to weather disruptions. Speaking on the cancellation, Katihar District Magistrate Manesh Kumar Meena said, 'Due to heavy rains in Patna and bad weather conditions, the Chief Minister's helicopter could not take off. The event at Sameli had to be cancelled despite all arrangements being in place.' Barari MLA Vijay Singh echoed the disappointment due to cancellation of the chief minister's program. 'The Chief Minister was coming to unveil the statue of great litterateur Anuppal Mandal and to address the public. But once again, the weather has let us down. The ATC has not allowed his chopper to take off from Patna.' The district and block administration had made comprehensive preparations for the CM's arrival, including arrangements for security, stage set-up, crowd control, and public address logistics. Thousands of people, especially from nearby rural areas, had started gathering at the venue, only to return disappointed once the cancellation was announced. According to administrative sources, efforts are already underway to reschedule the visit at the earliest suitable date. The Chief Minister is keen to connect with the people of Katihar, especially to highlight development initiatives and promote education and literature in the region. The legacy of Anuppal Mandal, whose statue was to be unveiled, holds cultural significance in the region. Locals hope the postponed programme will be executed soon, bringing both recognition to the late litterateur and a much-anticipated public address by the Chief Minister.
Fashion Value Chain
13 minutes ago
- Fashion Value Chain
India–UK FTA to Boost Gem Trade to $7 Billion by 2027
The signing of the India–UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA) on 24 July at Chequers, the official country residence of UK PM Sir Keir Starmer, marks a significant milestone in strengthening bilateral trade. Hon'ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi led a 20-member Indian business delegation that included Mr. Kirit Bhansali, Chairman of the Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC), who actively participated in the historic moment. The landmark agreement grants zero-duty access to nearly 99% of Indian exports, with the gem and jewellery sector poised to be a major beneficiary. In 2024, India exported $941 million worth of gems and jewellery to the UK. The FTA is projected to push exports to $2.5 billion and increase overall bilateral trade in the sector to $7 billion over the next two years. This tariff elimination significantly enhances the global competitiveness of Indian-made gems and jewellery, offering new opportunities to MSMEs, manufacturers, and skilled artisans across India. Commenting on the FTA, Mr. Kirit Bhansali, Chairman, GJEPC, stated, 'It was an immense privilege to witness this historic moment under the visionary leadership of Hon'ble PM Shri Narendra Modi. With duty concessions now in place, India's gem and jewellery exports to the UK are expected to rise dramatically, from $941 million to $2.5 billion in just three years.' Mr. Bhansali also presented the commemorative book Gem of a Partnership – India–UK FTA to both Prime Ministers during the UK–India Reception. GJEPC further showcased the Indian Crafts Reimagined jewellery collection, which reflected India's traditional artistry through techniques like filigree, Meenakari, Warli, and Kashmiri architectural motifs—aligning with the Hon'ble PM's Design in India initiative. GJEPC continues to support its members through webinars, trade expert sessions, and awareness campaigns to ensure the industry leverages the full benefits of this FTA.
