Latest news with #Sanghavi
Time of India
21 hours ago
- Business
- Time of India
Diamond businesses encouraged to shift to SDB on Jan 23
Surat: In its fourth year of attempts to make the Surat Diamond Bourse (SDB) fully operational, a meeting was held to encourage diamond businessmen from Mahidharpura and Mini Bazaar to make the move to SDB. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now For the first time, a state govt representative was present. This was the second meeting in four days during which minister of state for home and industries Harsh Sanghavi encouraged diamond businessmen and brokers to shift to SDB together on Jan 23, 2026, the auspicious day of Vasant Panchmi of the Vikram Samvat. The meeting was also attended by BJP Rajya Sabha member Govind Dholakia, who is also the SDB chairman. Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the world's largest office building, SDB, in Dec 2023. The meeting, held at Modh Vanik Vadi near Surat railway station, saw some 700 diamond businessmen and brokers participate along with SDB committee members. Business leaders announced a common date so that the entire market can shift together. Businesses that already have offices there were asked to start furniture work. "World-class infrastructure has been made available for the use of the diamond business at nominal cost and businesses should take advantage of it. Brokers can get a cubicle for just Rs 15,000 rent without any extra charges," said Sanghavi. Further explaining the advantages, Sanghavi said that traders and brokers would be able to do business at one place. To encourage diamond traders to shift their place of business from Mahidharpura to SDB, Sanghavi said that angadia services would also be made available at SDB for the safe transfer of valuables, including cash and diamonds. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now "We are trying to ensure that the majority of businesses shift to SDB. In the past, a handful of have businesses shifted. As there was no trade happening, they closed and returned to their old offices back in Mahidharpura," said a diamond trader. The diamond businessmen and brokers told Sanghavi that it is important for manufacturers to start their offices in SDB. "Manufacturers need to open their offices at SDB instead of at their manufacturing units so their the products are available for examination. This will create a better ecosystem," said a trader who was part of the meeting. "Businessmen and brokers will be provided with public transport facilities from various areas so that they can reach SDB easily. The required infrastructure is available at SDB," said Sevanti Shah, a diamond businessman. "The SDB committee has been discussing and providing updates to Sanghavi during the past few days, and after considering various points, the minister has come to encourage businesses to shift to SDB. We are hopeful that traders will support positively," said Dholakia.
Time of India
5 days ago
- Politics
- Time of India
Rajkot advocates ask for appointment of new district govt pleader, AGPs
Rajkot: A delegation of senior advocates from Rajkot met Gujarat minister of state for home Harsh Sanghavi during his visit to the city, demanding the appointment of a new district govt pleader and expedited appointments of assistant govt pleaders (AGPs). Dilip Patel, senior advocate and co-chairman of the Bar Council of India, said, "The current district govt pleader has been holding the post for eight years and has passed retirement age. The govt should retire him and appoint a successor. Interviews for assistant govt pleaders were conducted three years ago, but no appointments have been made so far." The district govt pleader heads the prosecution and assigns cases to AGPs in all courts. The advocates also voiced concerns about police conduct. They alleged that some junior police personnel behave rudely when lawyers visit police stations on behalf of clients. Additionally, they raised concerns about the city's worsening traffic situation. Vijay Togadiya, a secretary of the Revenue Bar Association, said, "We made a representation on the issue of the Disturbed Areas Act; which some people misuse through certain loopholes." by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Access all TV channels anywhere, anytime Techno Mag Learn More Undo Sanghavi, while speaking to mediapersons later, said, "We are developing a master plan to resolve traffic issues across all cities in collaboration with municipal corporations. The police will act on suggestions from MLAs and party leaders. This coordinated effort will produce a 50-year roadmap for traffic management." New Cyber Crime police station inaugurated in Rajkot The state-of-the-art Cyber Crime police station for Rajkot range was inaugurated on Friday by senior minister Raghavji Patel in the presence of MoS home Harsh Sanghavi. The facility, built at a cost of Rs 4.41 crore, will handle serious cyber offences in Rajkot Rural, Jamnagar, Morbi and Devbhumi Dwarka districts. Located in a four-storey building, the station has a conference hall, data forensics lab, cyber helpline, monitoring and analysis rooms and a dedicated unit for child pornography cases. Sanghavi also inaugurated police housing projects at Ramnathpara, Vinchhiya and Atkot. 185 Pakistani migrants granted Indian citizenship in Rajkot During his visit, Sanghavi conferred Indian citizenship to 185 Pakistani nationals living in Rajkot, Morbi, and Kutch under the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) 2019. At a Lok Darbar, Sanghavi also heard grievances from 64 applicants and instructed police officials to resolve their issues promptly.
The Hindu
5 days ago
- Politics
- The Hindu
185 displaced persons granted Indian citizenship under CAA in Gujarat
After years of uncertainty, 185 displaced persons from Pakistan were granted Indian citizenship under the Citizenship (Amendment) Act (CAA), 2019. The recipients, many of whom have been residing in Gujarat's Rajkot, Morbi, and Kutch districts for several years, were handed over citizenship documents at an event in Rajkot. 'You are now citizens of the great nation - India,' Gujarat Minister of State for Home Affairs Harsh Sanghavi told the gathering. The announcement was met with chants of 'Bharat mata ki jai (Victory to mother India)' from the audience, with several recipients becoming emotional as they received their certificates. The beneficiaries included men, women, and children who migrated from Pakistan citing religious persecution and lack of security. Many belong to Hindu, Sikh, Jain, and Buddhist communities - groups recognised under the CAA as eligible for naturalisation. Among those granted citizenship was a young woman doctor who had completed her medical education in Pakistan. 'Just as she was about to begin her career, her family was forced to flee the country,' Mr. Sanghavi said. 'After years of waiting in India without legal status, she now holds official Indian citizenship,' he said. Mr. Sanghavi added that she was just one example of the many lives impacted by the law. Other beneficiaries included daily wage earners, homemakers, and elderly persons who had lived without formal citizenship for several years. Mr. Sanghavi said the Government of India is committed to supporting those who have suffered due to religious discrimination in neighbouring countries. 'This is not just the distribution of a certificate - it is the return of dignity, safety, and rights,' he said. He added that India, guided by the principle of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam (the world is one family), respects all religions and safeguards the rights of the vulnerable. He credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah for the implementation of the CAA, calling it a step that has saved lives and restored identity to many. Mr. Sanghavi also directed local officials to facilitate the integration of the new citizens into government systems and ensure their access to schemes related to education, healthcare, housing, and livelihood. 'From today, your children will grow up with access to the same opportunities as any other Indian citizen,' he told them. Several beneficiaries expressed gratitude after receiving their citizenship certificates. 'From today, I am part of India. I feel safe. I feel recognised,' said Asha Ben Becharbhai, a resident of Rajkot. Bhavna Ben Maheshwari, who has lived in Rajkot for the past 10 years and has been working for the past eight, said, 'Now I can say without hesitation - I am an Indian citizen. I thank the government for supporting us.'
Time of India
6 days ago
- Time of India
Seized narcotics worth 875cr destroyed in Kutch
Rajkot: Kutch police destroyed seized narcotics worth Rs 875 crore at an incineration plant in Lakadiya on Thursday. The operation took place in the presence of Gujarat home minister Harsh Sanghavi, who praised the police for their efforts in tackling drug smuggling and protecting the youth. In recent years, Kutch police have intercepted large consignments of narcotics from along the Indo-Pakistan border, in the Arabian Sea and on inter-state routes. "Gujarat police are fighting a relentless battle against drugs. This is about saving our youth from a dangerous path," said Sanghavi. During his visit, the minister inaugurated or laid foundation stones for infrastructure projects that cost a total of Rs 19.82 crore at Shinai. These include new facilities for police families and public safety. Sanghavi commended Kutch police not only for their anti-drug work but also for actions against illegal encroachments and anti-social elements. "We will not tolerate illegal land grabs," he said, noting that over 675 acres of encroachments were cleared from towns, ports and villages in the district. Sanghavi also emphasized the importance of border security, announcing the establishment of new police stations in Hajipir, Dhorado and Balasar. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like American Investor Warren Buffett Recommends: 5 Books For Turning Your Life Around Blinkist: Warren Buffett's Reading List Undo These police stations will help maintain law and order in strategic locations and boost national security. He added that the Dhorado station will also serve tourists. Sanghavi highlighted the police's role in community service — particularly in supporting citizens trapped by loan sharks. He encouraged victims of usury to approach the police without hesitation. At the Shinai police headquarters, the minister inaugurated a police family and community-supported cowshed, lauding police for their work in cow protection and education. "Kutch police are showing that law enforcement and social responsibility can go hand in hand," he said.
The Hindu
17-07-2025
- General
- The Hindu
From exile to home: Tribal families reclaim roots in Gujarat village after a decade
In an emotional homecoming, 29 tribal families, who had left their ancestral village of Mota Pippodra in Banaskantha's Danta taluka 12 years ago due to a deep-rooted custom, were ceremoniously welcomed back on Thursday (July 17, 2025). These families, belonging to the Kodarvi community, had abandoned their native village on account of the tribal practice of Chadotaru — a traditional vendetta custom that had driven them into exile. The emotional return of nearly 300 members of these families to their ancestral land was facilitated through a collaborative initiative involving the Banaskantha police, local administration, and community leaders. The event was marked by symbolic rituals, heartfelt gestures of reconciliation, and a firm governmental commitment to integrate these families back into the mainstream with dignity and support. Addressing the gathering, Gujarat Minister of State for Home Harsh Sanghavi called the occasion historic not just for Gujarat, but for tribal communities across India. 'Today marks the eradication of an old social ill and a step towards progress, peace, and collective prosperity,' he said. He praised the elders of both communities for choosing dialogue over conflict and honoured them on stage for their role in restoring harmony. 'Unity is the true identity of society, while hatred is a burden of darkness,' the Minister said. Mr. Sanghavi welcomed the returning families with kumkum tilak, conducted traditional housewarming rituals (gruh pravesh), and later they sowed maize seeds in their fields to mark a new beginning. Each household was provided with educational kits, ration supplies, a wheelchair in the case of a differently-abled member, and certificates of appreciation for their courage and patience. The Kodarvi families, who had scattered across Palanpur and Surat after fleeing Mota Pipada, were resettled on their legally owned 8.5-hectare land. The Banaskantha police, working with the District Inspector of Land Records, cleared and levelled the overgrown, desolate land to make it cultivable again, officials said. They said that two houses had already been constructed, and under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, efforts were underway to provide permanent housing for all families. Partnerships with voluntary organisations were also being leveraged to provide essential infrastructure and livelihood support. Mr. Sanghavi lauded the Banaskantha police for going beyond their security duties to help achieve lasting peace through community outreach. 'This is an exemplary case of law enforcement leading social change,' the Minister said.
