1/28/2013 DST News Articles from all over the globe. http://202.131.117.197/DST en-usa Copyright 2009 28 Khel Mahakumbh commences with a grand opening! The Khel Mahakumbh 2012-13 got off to a grand start on the morning of Friday 18th January 2013. Speaking on the occasion, Shri Modi affirmed that the Government is leaving no stone unturned to promote sports across the state. The Chief Minister shared that a record 25-lakh athletes will be joining this mega sports extravaganza, which includes 7 lakh women athletes. He added that this time there are 1 lakh specially abled athletes who will participate in the Mahakumbh and he specially congratulated the parents of these specially abled athletes. Shri Modi stated that if there were no elections towards the later part of 2012 then this Mahakumbh would have been completed before December 2012 and added that this year there will be 2 Khel Mahakumbhs- one of 2012 and the other of 2013 that will take place towards the end of the year.

Talking about the efforts to promote sports across the state, Shri Modi recalled that that in the past there were Taluka Games, State Games but these remained matters restricted to various schools and colleges only. “Governments gave budget but only those schools where there was an active sports teacher, sportspersons or interested parents that we saw interest. Sports were being played, money was being spent but something was lacking,”

He went on to say, “Not to give importance to sports is a great disservice.” Shri Modi affirmed that the Gujarat Government has made several efforts to promote sports across the state. “We have seen that during the Khel Mahakumbh our players have broken our own records and I am sure due to initiatives such as Khel Mahakumbh, increased professionalism and healthy competition a day is not far when Gujarat’s sportspersons will break records of the nation,” the Chief Minister avowed.

The Chief Minister shared that prizes, budgets for promoting sports have been increasing and the condition of the grounds are also getting better across the state.

Shri Modi opined that there can be no sportsmanship without sports and further said, “We do not want to restrict sports only till a field. We want to take it to the entire Gujarat so that it becomes a field of sportsmanship!”

Shri Modi said that the nation is commemorating the 150th birth anniversary of Swami Vivekananda and till January 2014 Gujarat is standing shoulder to shoulder in commemorating Swami Vivekananda’s 150th birth anniversary. He shared that Gujarat commemorated 2012 as Yuva Shakti Varsh and would continue to commemorate 2013 as the same. He spoke about the creation of Vivekananda Yuva Kendras and the emphasis given towards skill and personality development.

He wished the athletes the very best for the sports extravaganza and urged them to keep decorum on the field. He also asked people to come in large numbers to the venues and support the athletes. Shri Modi concluded by declaring Khel Mahakumbh 2012 open.

Cabinet Ministers Shri Ramanlal Vora and Shri Ganpat Vasava, MoS Shri Nanubhai Vanani, Shri Bhagyesh Jha were among the dignitaries present on the occasion.

Earlier this morning, Shri Modi shared a blog ‘Ramshe Gujarat, Jeetshe Gujarat’ in which he talked about the importance of sports in our lives and the efforts by the state Government to promote a culture of sport among the people.

]]> The Khel Mahakumbh 2012-13 got off to a grand start on the morning of Friday 18th January 2013. Speaking on the occasion, Shri Modi affirmed that the Government is leaving no stone unturned to promote sports across the state. The Chief Minister shared that a record 25-lakh athletes will be joining this mega sports extravaganza, which includes 7 lakh women athletes. He added that this time there are 1 lakh specially abled athletes who will participate in the Mahakumbh and he specially congratulated the parents of these specially abled athletes. Shri Modi stated that if there were no elections towards the later part of 2012 then this Mahakumbh would have been completed before December 2012 and added that this year there will be 2 Khel Mahakumbhs- one of 2012 and the other of 2013 that will take place towards the end of the year.

Talking about the efforts to promote sports across the state, Shri Modi recalled that that in the past there were Taluka Games, State Games but these remained matters restricted to various schools and colleges only. “Governments gave budget but only those schools where there was an active sports teacher, sportspersons or interested parents that we saw interest. Sports were being played, money was being spent but something was lacking,”

He went on to say, “Not to give importance to sports is a great disservice.” Shri Modi affirmed that the Gujarat Government has made several efforts to promote sports across the state. “We have seen that during the Khel Mahakumbh our players have broken our own records and I am sure due to initiatives such as Khel Mahakumbh, increased professionalism and healthy competition a day is not far when Gujarat’s sportspersons will break records of the nation,” the Chief Minister avowed.

The Chief Minister shared that prizes, budgets for promoting sports have been increasing and the condition of the grounds are also getting better across the state.

Shri Modi opined that there can be no sportsmanship without sports and further said, “We do not want to restrict sports only till a field. We want to take it to the entire Gujarat so that it becomes a field of sportsmanship!”

Shri Modi said that the nation is commemorating the 150th birth anniversary of Swami Vivekananda and till January 2014 Gujarat is standing shoulder to shoulder in commemorating Swami Vivekananda’s 150th birth anniversary. He shared that Gujarat commemorated 2012 as Yuva Shakti Varsh and would continue to commemorate 2013 as the same. He spoke about the creation of Vivekananda Yuva Kendras and the emphasis given towards skill and personality development.

He wished the athletes the very best for the sports extravaganza and urged them to keep decorum on the field. He also asked people to come in large numbers to the venues and support the athletes. Shri Modi concluded by declaring Khel Mahakumbh 2012 open.

Cabinet Ministers Shri Ramanlal Vora and Shri Ganpat Vasava, MoS Shri Nanubhai Vanani, Shri Bhagyesh Jha were among the dignitaries present on the occasion.

Earlier this morning, Shri Modi shared a blog ‘Ramshe Gujarat, Jeetshe Gujarat’ in which he talked about the importance of sports in our lives and the efforts by the state Government to promote a culture of sport among the people.

]]> 1/19/2013 12:00:00 AM DST Admin http://dst.gujarat.gov.in/DisplayNews.htm?NewsId=28 DST 28 29 Shri Modi inaugurates CCTV surveillance network of Surat police Chief Minister Narendra Modi today dedicated to people closed-circuit television (CCTV) camera surveillance network – ‘Safe City Surat’ – of the Surat police. Inaugurating this unique public safety project based on public private partnership (PPP) model, the Chief Minister exuded faith that the project will show path to the nation in establishing reliable vigilance network for crime detection.

The project will be exemplary for other cities of Gujarat and will also infuse new vigor in the judicial system, he said.

The vigilance network covers over 200 km. radius of Surat city. About 104 CCTV cameras are installed at 26 strategic places. The Chief Minister went to the command and control centre of the project at the police commissioner’s office and sought information on various aspects of the project. He said the CCTV cameras will prove to be a ‘third eye’ of Surat police.

The first-ever in India, this project has been equipped with the latest technology at the cost of Rs.10.50 crore. The Chief Minister congratulated the police for setting up the network which will be instrumental in crime check and traffic control. He also congratulated the police for adding one more ‘P’ to the PPP model and coming up with four ‘P’ formula of People’s Public Private Partnership.

He said the project is the best example of convergence of human and technological capacities. Speaking about the crucial role of technology for the checking of crime the Chief Minister said, “Today when people with criminal mentality have started misusing latest technology, the good use of the same by police for the security of common men has become necessity.”

The Chief Minister said that Gujarat is having 24 hour power supply and a well-planned optical fiber network, which has helped Surat in initiating such project. “Gujarat police force is the youngest in India in average age. The state government’s approach is to recruit IT-trained youths in all cadres of police from constable to Police Inspector”, he said.

He hoped the project will be proved effective in crime detection and in dropping the crime rate. He suggested that the project can also give additional benefits to the municipal corporation and to the judicial system.

Minister of State for Home Rajnibhai Patel said that during Mr.Modi’s leadership the state is witnessing a safe and secure atmosphere, besides scaling new heights of growth. The state government is working hard for the safety and security of the citizens, he said.

Surat Police Commissioner Rakesh Asthana said the Chief Minister was the motivational force behind this project. “The Surat city is prepared to meet any challenge”, he said

Social Justice and Empowerment Minister Ramanlal Vora, Forest and Environment Minister Ganapat Vasava, Minister of State for Water Supply Nanubhai Vanani, MPs C.R.Patil, Darshanaben Jardosh, Bharat Parmar, Mayor Rajendra Desai, MLAs Kishor Vankavala, Kishor Kanani, Praful Panseriya, Harsh Sanghavi, Mrs. Sangita Patil, Ranjit Gilitwala, Ajay Choksi, Janak Kachhadiya, Mukesh Patel, Raja Patel, Gujarat DGP Chitrangan Singh, Municipal Commissioner M.K.Das, District Collector Jayprakash Shivhare, industrialists, donors, and citizens in large number were present on the occasion.

]]> Chief Minister Narendra Modi today dedicated to people closed-circuit television (CCTV) camera surveillance network – ‘Safe City Surat’ – of the Surat police. Inaugurating this unique public safety project based on public private partnership (PPP) model, the Chief Minister exuded faith that the project will show path to the nation in establishing reliable vigilance network for crime detection.

The project will be exemplary for other cities of Gujarat and will also infuse new vigor in the judicial system, he said.

The vigilance network covers over 200 km. radius of Surat city. About 104 CCTV cameras are installed at 26 strategic places. The Chief Minister went to the command and control centre of the project at the police commissioner’s office and sought information on various aspects of the project. He said the CCTV cameras will prove to be a ‘third eye’ of Surat police.

The first-ever in India, this project has been equipped with the latest technology at the cost of Rs.10.50 crore. The Chief Minister congratulated the police for setting up the network which will be instrumental in crime check and traffic control. He also congratulated the police for adding one more ‘P’ to the PPP model and coming up with four ‘P’ formula of People’s Public Private Partnership.

He said the project is the best example of convergence of human and technological capacities. Speaking about the crucial role of technology for the checking of crime the Chief Minister said, “Today when people with criminal mentality have started misusing latest technology, the good use of the same by police for the security of common men has become necessity.”

The Chief Minister said that Gujarat is having 24 hour power supply and a well-planned optical fiber network, which has helped Surat in initiating such project. “Gujarat police force is the youngest in India in average age. The state government’s approach is to recruit IT-trained youths in all cadres of police from constable to Police Inspector”, he said.

He hoped the project will be proved effective in crime detection and in dropping the crime rate. He suggested that the project can also give additional benefits to the municipal corporation and to the judicial system.

Minister of State for Home Rajnibhai Patel said that during Mr.Modi’s leadership the state is witnessing a safe and secure atmosphere, besides scaling new heights of growth. The state government is working hard for the safety and security of the citizens, he said.

Surat Police Commissioner Rakesh Asthana said the Chief Minister was the motivational force behind this project. “The Surat city is prepared to meet any challenge”, he said

Social Justice and Empowerment Minister Ramanlal Vora, Forest and Environment Minister Ganapat Vasava, Minister of State for Water Supply Nanubhai Vanani, MPs C.R.Patil, Darshanaben Jardosh, Bharat Parmar, Mayor Rajendra Desai, MLAs Kishor Vankavala, Kishor Kanani, Praful Panseriya, Harsh Sanghavi, Mrs. Sangita Patil, Ranjit Gilitwala, Ajay Choksi, Janak Kachhadiya, Mukesh Patel, Raja Patel, Gujarat DGP Chitrangan Singh, Municipal Commissioner M.K.Das, District Collector Jayprakash Shivhare, industrialists, donors, and citizens in large number were present on the occasion.

]]> 1/19/2013 12:00:00 AM DST Admin http://dst.gujarat.gov.in/DisplayNews.htm?NewsId=29 DST 29 30 Ramshe Gujarat, Jeetshe Gujarat! Thoughts on the Khel Mahakumbh At 10:00 AM on the morning of Friday 18th January 2013 Shri Narendra Modi will inaugurate the Khel Mahakumbh 2012 at the Veer Narmad South Gujarat University campus in Surat.

After the results of the 2012 Gujarat Vidhan Sabha were declared and in between the massive preparations of the 2013 Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit, I attended a very important function in Gandhinagar. The occasion was the flagging off of the Torch Rally for Khel Mahakumbh 2012-2013. Usually we have the Khel Mahakumbh, our annual sports extravaganza, in November but the Model Code of Conduct did not permit us to do the same in 2012. Hence, the Khel Mahakumbh commences today, on 18th January.

In this edition of the Khel Mahakumbh, we expect to see a record participation from athletes cutting across all age groups. Already over 24 lakh athletes including over 1 lakh specially abled athletes have registered for 20 sporting events, which is far higher than the 18-lakh participants we had during Khel Mahakumbh 2011. The Torch Rally itself has moved around the length and breadth of the state for the last 18 days to further popularize the Khel Mahakumbh. Being the 150th birth year of Swami Vivekananda, the Gujarat Government set up Vivekananda Yuva Kendras in the last one year, which will provide a great impetus to the Khel Mahakumbh.

Initiatives such as Khel Mahakumbh are not merely sports meets where players come, play and leave; this is not a one-off event held to fill the calendar of the Government. In reality, the Khel Mahakumbh is an integral part of a larger determination of the Government to promote a culture of sports and sportsmanship among the people of Gujarat.

I have noticed that due to pressures of books, education, classes etc. the sports fields wear a desolate look during the evenings. This is a far cry from our times, when were eagerly awaited an evening game as much as we awaited a stimulating lecture. This is a matter of concern. The wide availability of video games, computer games and television have made the home a much better place of recreation as compared to the field.

This reminds me of a similar situation about which I had read about- in China it was noticed that after coming back from school, little children preferred to watch cartoons instead of going out to play. That is when the authorities decided not to screen any cartoon during a certain time so that the children go on the field.

We must make sports an integral part of our lives. It is a fact that without sport there can be no sportsman spirit. It is also rightly said, “Jo Khele, Woh Khile” (The person who plays, shines!). We need not be professionals at the sport we play but picking up one sport as a hobby is something that can do wonders for our overall personal development.

We have decided to leave no stone unturned to promote every aspect of sports development. Our efforts are not limited to creating only talented players. There is an immense Human Resource Development potential linked with sports and we want that to grow leaps and bounds. Why cant we think of empowering umpiring skills, refereeing skills, encourage all the youngsters who are part of the proceedings without being on the field? There is scope for immense growth in areas of sports medicine, sports journalism and sports infrastructure. Our Sports Policy looks at all these issues comprehensively. We have also come up with a Sports Academy and are working towards creating Sports Schools in every district. We need to go further ahead and scale new heights of glory and give our youngsters the opportunity to shine on the sports field.

Apart from the Khel Mahakumbh, I invite you to be a part of Kutch Desert Car Rally 2013 that will be held on 25th January 2013. The Desert Car Rally has been a unique inititative to promote tourism and adventure sports in Kutch and in the past few editions it has really grown to spectacular heights.

Gujarat has just witnessed the Kumbh of development during the 2013 Vibrant Gujarat Summit. At the same time the Maha Kumbh is underway at Prayag and today I invite every one of you to extend your participation and support during this Mahakumbh of sports and sportsmanship. Those of you who are not playing should go to the venues and encourage the athletes. Breathe in their passion, their dedication and their determination. Victory and defeat are not the only aspects of sports. What is more important is the healthy atmosphere of sportsman spirit and this is what we seek to do during the Khel Mahakumbh, with the Mantra of ‘Ramshe Gujarat, Jeetshe Gujarat’ (Gujarat will play, Gujarat will win). So, come and be a part of this Mahakumbh of sports development!

]]> At 10:00 AM on the morning of Friday 18th January 2013 Shri Narendra Modi will inaugurate the Khel Mahakumbh 2012 at the Veer Narmad South Gujarat University campus in Surat.

After the results of the 2012 Gujarat Vidhan Sabha were declared and in between the massive preparations of the 2013 Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit, I attended a very important function in Gandhinagar. The occasion was the flagging off of the Torch Rally for Khel Mahakumbh 2012-2013. Usually we have the Khel Mahakumbh, our annual sports extravaganza, in November but the Model Code of Conduct did not permit us to do the same in 2012. Hence, the Khel Mahakumbh commences today, on 18th January.

In this edition of the Khel Mahakumbh, we expect to see a record participation from athletes cutting across all age groups. Already over 24 lakh athletes including over 1 lakh specially abled athletes have registered for 20 sporting events, which is far higher than the 18-lakh participants we had during Khel Mahakumbh 2011. The Torch Rally itself has moved around the length and breadth of the state for the last 18 days to further popularize the Khel Mahakumbh. Being the 150th birth year of Swami Vivekananda, the Gujarat Government set up Vivekananda Yuva Kendras in the last one year, which will provide a great impetus to the Khel Mahakumbh.

Initiatives such as Khel Mahakumbh are not merely sports meets where players come, play and leave; this is not a one-off event held to fill the calendar of the Government. In reality, the Khel Mahakumbh is an integral part of a larger determination of the Government to promote a culture of sports and sportsmanship among the people of Gujarat.

I have noticed that due to pressures of books, education, classes etc. the sports fields wear a desolate look during the evenings. This is a far cry from our times, when were eagerly awaited an evening game as much as we awaited a stimulating lecture. This is a matter of concern. The wide availability of video games, computer games and television have made the home a much better place of recreation as compared to the field.

This reminds me of a similar situation about which I had read about- in China it was noticed that after coming back from school, little children preferred to watch cartoons instead of going out to play. That is when the authorities decided not to screen any cartoon during a certain time so that the children go on the field.

We must make sports an integral part of our lives. It is a fact that without sport there can be no sportsman spirit. It is also rightly said, “Jo Khele, Woh Khile” (The person who plays, shines!). We need not be professionals at the sport we play but picking up one sport as a hobby is something that can do wonders for our overall personal development.

We have decided to leave no stone unturned to promote every aspect of sports development. Our efforts are not limited to creating only talented players. There is an immense Human Resource Development potential linked with sports and we want that to grow leaps and bounds. Why cant we think of empowering umpiring skills, refereeing skills, encourage all the youngsters who are part of the proceedings without being on the field? There is scope for immense growth in areas of sports medicine, sports journalism and sports infrastructure. Our Sports Policy looks at all these issues comprehensively. We have also come up with a Sports Academy and are working towards creating Sports Schools in every district. We need to go further ahead and scale new heights of glory and give our youngsters the opportunity to shine on the sports field.

Apart from the Khel Mahakumbh, I invite you to be a part of Kutch Desert Car Rally 2013 that will be held on 25th January 2013. The Desert Car Rally has been a unique inititative to promote tourism and adventure sports in Kutch and in the past few editions it has really grown to spectacular heights.

Gujarat has just witnessed the Kumbh of development during the 2013 Vibrant Gujarat Summit. At the same time the Maha Kumbh is underway at Prayag and today I invite every one of you to extend your participation and support during this Mahakumbh of sports and sportsmanship. Those of you who are not playing should go to the venues and encourage the athletes. Breathe in their passion, their dedication and their determination. Victory and defeat are not the only aspects of sports. What is more important is the healthy atmosphere of sportsman spirit and this is what we seek to do during the Khel Mahakumbh, with the Mantra of ‘Ramshe Gujarat, Jeetshe Gujarat’ (Gujarat will play, Gujarat will win). So, come and be a part of this Mahakumbh of sports development!

]]> 1/19/2013 12:00:00 AM DST Admin http://dst.gujarat.gov.in/DisplayNews.htm?NewsId=30 DST 30 31 Gujarat to tie up with IUCN to conserve Flora and Fauna In yet another exceptional feat achieved by Gujarat in wildlife conservation, renowned Global Environmental Organization, International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has tied up with the Gujarat Government in preserving the State’s flora and fauna. Taking into consideration the impact of industrialization on the wildlife, this agreement will benefit Gujarat in acquiring scientific expertise and a concrete plan of action for the protection of bio-diversity.

Environment Conservation has always been a subject close to Shri Narendra Modi’s heart. Under his visionary leader, the Gujarat Government has tirelessly undertaken all-encompassing steps towards the environment whether it be in the form of Van Mahotsav, protecting the Lions of Gir, enhancing the mangrove cover through incentives or encouraging renewable sources of energy.

Shri Modi has also pictured Gujarat as a destination for eco- tourism. He said, “Gujarat has a high level of biodiversity. It is blessed with a huge seacoast, Gulf of Kutch, islands and a variety of local and foreign birds. And so, the state government desires to develop eco tourism and to promote tourism activities for the bird viewers in the state.”

The Gujarat Government’s vision for protection of Mother Nature, Gujarat has borne marvelous fruits! The Nalsarovar Bird Sanctuary was recognized from the world-famous Ramsar Convention. Furthermore, the Wild Ass reserve in the Little Rann of Kutch entered UNESCO’s tentative list of World Heritage Sites. Additionally, Gujarat’s role in enhancing the National Mangrove cover was highly commended by the Forest Survey. Finally, Gujarat has been the first State of the country to have a comprehensive Solar- Policy and among the 4 Governments Worldwide with an exclusive Department of Climate Change.

This momentous act by the State Government and the IUCN will undoubtedly take forward Shri Modi’s commitment towards to a Cleaner and Greener Planet. It will provide a road- map for sustainability of the picturesque natural beauty and bio-diversity of Gujarat. The partnership will deliberate beyond Asiatic Lions and take into consideration all endangered species such as rare turtles and dugong. The support from the IUCN has ascertained a noteworthy course of action to safeguard the Wild Ass, Wetlands including the Flamingo City of Kutch, Sloth bear and Mangroves.

]]> In yet another exceptional feat achieved by Gujarat in wildlife conservation, renowned Global Environmental Organization, International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has tied up with the Gujarat Government in preserving the State’s flora and fauna. Taking into consideration the impact of industrialization on the wildlife, this agreement will benefit Gujarat in acquiring scientific expertise and a concrete plan of action for the protection of bio-diversity.

Environment Conservation has always been a subject close to Shri Narendra Modi’s heart. Under his visionary leader, the Gujarat Government has tirelessly undertaken all-encompassing steps towards the environment whether it be in the form of Van Mahotsav, protecting the Lions of Gir, enhancing the mangrove cover through incentives or encouraging renewable sources of energy.

Shri Modi has also pictured Gujarat as a destination for eco- tourism. He said, “Gujarat has a high level of biodiversity. It is blessed with a huge seacoast, Gulf of Kutch, islands and a variety of local and foreign birds. And so, the state government desires to develop eco tourism and to promote tourism activities for the bird viewers in the state.”

The Gujarat Government’s vision for protection of Mother Nature, Gujarat has borne marvelous fruits! The Nalsarovar Bird Sanctuary was recognized from the world-famous Ramsar Convention. Furthermore, the Wild Ass reserve in the Little Rann of Kutch entered UNESCO’s tentative list of World Heritage Sites. Additionally, Gujarat’s role in enhancing the National Mangrove cover was highly commended by the Forest Survey. Finally, Gujarat has been the first State of the country to have a comprehensive Solar- Policy and among the 4 Governments Worldwide with an exclusive Department of Climate Change.

This momentous act by the State Government and the IUCN will undoubtedly take forward Shri Modi’s commitment towards to a Cleaner and Greener Planet. It will provide a road- map for sustainability of the picturesque natural beauty and bio-diversity of Gujarat. The partnership will deliberate beyond Asiatic Lions and take into consideration all endangered species such as rare turtles and dugong. The support from the IUCN has ascertained a noteworthy course of action to safeguard the Wild Ass, Wetlands including the Flamingo City of Kutch, Sloth bear and Mangroves.

]]> 1/19/2013 12:00:00 AM DST Admin http://dst.gujarat.gov.in/DisplayNews.htm?NewsId=31 DST 31 32 Gujarat receives Total Food Grain Production Award by the President of India Gandhinagar, Tuesday: Chief Minister Narendra Modi today congratulated farmers of the state and agriculture department for winning central government’s Krishi Commendation Award for excellent food grain production. In the year 2010-11 Gujarat has produced record 100.07 lakh tones of food grain.

Giving outlines of the award today in a meeting of state cabinet, headed by the Chief Minister, State Agriculture Minister Babubhai Bokhariya informed that the state has bagged the Krishi Commendation Award from the President Dr. Pranab Mukharjee and Union Agriculture Minister Mr. Sharad Pawar.

Krishi Karman and Krishi Commendation Award, 2011-12 have been presented to the states for exemplary food grain production and the Gujarat bagged Krishi Commendation Award of Rs. 25 lakh among seven award categories.

It is worth noting that Gujarat chiefly cultivates commercial and cash crops. During last 10 years, the Chief Minister has encouraged Krishi Mahotsav and water conversation mission, which enabled the state to cultivate almost same quantity of production in all seasons.

In the last 10 years, productivity of the state has increased by 75 % to 1,955 Kg. per hectare from 1,112 Kg. per hectare in 2001. Total agriculture production of the state jumped to 92.56 lakh. MT in 47.34 lakh hectare in 2011-12 from 42.92 lakh tone in 38.59 lakh hectare, which shows an increase of 115%. Gujarat has continuously managed an agricultural growth rate of over 10%.

]]> Gandhinagar, Tuesday: Chief Minister Narendra Modi today congratulated farmers of the state and agriculture department for winning central government’s Krishi Commendation Award for excellent food grain production. In the year 2010-11 Gujarat has produced record 100.07 lakh tones of food grain.

Giving outlines of the award today in a meeting of state cabinet, headed by the Chief Minister, State Agriculture Minister Babubhai Bokhariya informed that the state has bagged the Krishi Commendation Award from the President Dr. Pranab Mukharjee and Union Agriculture Minister Mr. Sharad Pawar.

Krishi Karman and Krishi Commendation Award, 2011-12 have been presented to the states for exemplary food grain production and the Gujarat bagged Krishi Commendation Award of Rs. 25 lakh among seven award categories.

It is worth noting that Gujarat chiefly cultivates commercial and cash crops. During last 10 years, the Chief Minister has encouraged Krishi Mahotsav and water conversation mission, which enabled the state to cultivate almost same quantity of production in all seasons.

In the last 10 years, productivity of the state has increased by 75 % to 1,955 Kg. per hectare from 1,112 Kg. per hectare in 2001. Total agriculture production of the state jumped to 92.56 lakh. MT in 47.34 lakh hectare in 2011-12 from 42.92 lakh tone in 38.59 lakh hectare, which shows an increase of 115%. Gujarat has continuously managed an agricultural growth rate of over 10%.

]]> 1/19/2013 12:00:00 AM DST Admin http://dst.gujarat.gov.in/DisplayNews.htm?NewsId=32 DST 32 33 64th Republic Day celebrations in Gujarat On Friday 25th January and Saturday 26th January 2013 Shri Narendra Modi will participate in the 64th Republic Day celebrations of the Gujarat Government. The celebrations are being held in the Dang District this time.

At 10:30 AM on 25th January 2013 Shri Narendra Modi will address the Swami Vivekananda Youth Convention.

This will be followed by Balam Sukham Mahila Sammelan at 11:30 AM.

At 3 PM he will address the Vanlakshmi Programme.

In the evening at 7 PM Shri Modi will attend the cultural programme ‘Aapnu Anokhu Dang.’

On the morning of 26th January at 9:00 AM Shri Modi will attend the flag hoisting ceremony. Her Excellency the Governor of Gujarat Dr. Shrimati Kamla will be present on the occasion.

]]> On Friday 25th January and Saturday 26th January 2013 Shri Narendra Modi will participate in the 64th Republic Day celebrations of the Gujarat Government. The celebrations are being held in the Dang District this time.

At 10:30 AM on 25th January 2013 Shri Narendra Modi will address the Swami Vivekananda Youth Convention.

This will be followed by Balam Sukham Mahila Sammelan at 11:30 AM.

At 3 PM he will address the Vanlakshmi Programme.

In the evening at 7 PM Shri Modi will attend the cultural programme ‘Aapnu Anokhu Dang.’

On the morning of 26th January at 9:00 AM Shri Modi will attend the flag hoisting ceremony. Her Excellency the Governor of Gujarat Dr. Shrimati Kamla will be present on the occasion.

]]> 1/28/2013 1:54:08 PM DST Admin http://dst.gujarat.gov.in/DisplayNews.htm?NewsId=33 DST 33 34 Subhas Chandra Bose’s Birth Anniversary with E- Gram Vishwa Gram Project As the day 23rd January is revered as the birth anniversary of the great freedom fighter, Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose throughout out the nation, the State of Gujarat, not only commemorates this leader’s mammoth contribution in the struggle for independence but also celebrates an incredible feat achieved in the village of Haripura four years ago. It is in the very same Haripura where Netaji presided over the session of the Indian National Congress in 1938 and called for complete revolution that Shri Narendra Modi initiated another reform by dedicating the widest village connectivity network of Asia in 2009 through the project, E-Gram, Vishwa Gram.

This reform of bridging the Digital Divide between the rural and urban areas and providing E-services to 13,685 Gram Panchayats has been an outcome of the resolution and determination of the Gujarat Government under the farsighted leadership of Shri Narendra Modi for several years. The story goes back to 2006 with the creation of the infrastructure by setting up Gram Panchayat buildings. Later on, the electrification of all villages was achieved through the much praised Jyotigram Yojana in 2007. Thereafter in 2008, the computerization and E-connectivity of all these Gram Panchayats was attained thus leading to the launch of E-services by the end of the year.

In the same manner as Netaji revived the spirit of his countrymen with the slogan of “Tum Mujhe Khoon Do, Main Tumhe Aazadi Doonga” (Give me your blood and I will give you freedom!), Shri Modi instilled zeal in the citizens of Gujarat and laid the foundation of broadband connectivity in all villages with the motto, “Tum Mujhe Saath Do, Main Tumhe Vikas Doonga” (Give us your support and we will give you development!). Keeping alive Netaji’s dream of an ever-prospering Mother India, this project has truly empowered the rural citizens with its 5 technological components,Computer Printer with VSAT (Very Small Aperture Terminal), Village Computer Entrepreneur, Capacity Building Training, E- services (G2C and B2C Services) and Technical Support and Training Staff.

The list of all E- services is as following:

Offered G2C Services

> Birth & Death Certificate
> Caste & Income Certificate
> Tax Collection Receipts
> Land Right Records Services (RoR- 7/12 & 8A)
> Application Forms of various development Schemes through Mahitishakti.net
> ITI Application Form
> Data Entry work for Government Departments like Health , Sports ,Gram Sabha ,Vanbandhu etc
> Electricity Bill Collection Work
> E Ration Card Coupon – 207 eGram Centers as Pilot

B2C services rolled out by VCE through entrepreneurship model are as follows:

> e-Ticketing of Railways, Airlines
> Utility Bill payments (Telephone, Mobile, DTH etc)
> DTP work
> All eGram are having their own eGram Mail IDs including Group Mail Ids and Digital News Letter is alsopublished on website and soon with the help of Gujarat Portal all department forms will be availablefrom eGram.
> At present State, District Officials are conducting regular video conference with eGram centers everyday. Per month 2 such video conference and minimum by two districts per day basis.
> Through PAWAN Channel important programs and informative programs are transmitted for information Department, WASMO, Health Department , Education Department ,Distance Learning session of eServices (Like RoR, RTO, eration card etc) and computers course like Adobe online training is relayed .

Doing away with the hassles of standing in long queues, the rural citizens now have access to Government-to-Citizen (G2C) services like Basic Certificates of Birth and Death, Electricity Bill collection as well as Business-to-Citizen (B2C) services such as Mobile Recharge, Air Ticket and Railway Ticket bookings. This project has become the very lifeline of the inclusive development of every village as several other innovations have branched out of this scheme.

The E-Gram Center has become the mainstay of the distinguished Targeted Public Distribution System. This model which has been commended by the Supreme Court of India and United Nations empowers the citizens to avail food grains at a fair price with minimum leakages. It is only because of the E-Gram Center that a villager of Gujarat can register his complaintand directly connect to the Chief Minister, Shri Modi with the online redressal programme, SWAGAT.

With the provision of Panchayat Area Wide Area Network (PAWAN), the villages are connected to all districts and the State Capital. This has robustly facilitated various training and learning programs throughout the last few years. Some of them are for Training Program on services like RTO Licensee, BSNLeCoupan System and IT Training Program on MS Office, Adobe, Anti Virus etc .All of BISAG’s (Bhaskaracharya Institute Space Applications and Geo-informatics) distant education programmes are also telecasted.

This project has received ‘E-gram Vishwa Gram Best E-governed project’ award at CSI- Nihilent E-Governance Award for 2007-08 and the ‘e-Gram’ award under ‘Digital Inclusion’ Category at Skotch Challenger Award 2008. The greatest testimony, however, comes from the Sarpanch of village Punsari, Shri Himanshu Patel who in an interview with The GUJARAT Magazine, enthusiastically talked of how technology has touched upon the lives of the rural poor by providing them access to welfare schemes.

The vastness of infrastructure created by this initiative is unmatchable in India. While the Central Government’s vision lags behind even in terms of broadband connectivity to all cities, broadband to villages still remains a distant dream. On the contrary, here in Gujarat every village is linked with speedy internet! This can be mainly attributed to the strong political will of Shri Modi and efficiency of the Government which ultimately brought 24 hours uninterrupted electricity to villages. The Central Government has only planned for digital inclusion but Shri Modi has made it a reality!

It is because of the immense dedication and perseverance of Shri Modi that this project has borne the incredible fruits of digital inclusiveness, transparency and accountability for the rural communities. The day won’t be far when his dream of “creating a rural-urban connect where the soul is of the rural bent but with an urban touch” would materialize in the true sense!

]]> As the day 23rd January is revered as the birth anniversary of the great freedom fighter, Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose throughout out the nation, the State of Gujarat, not only commemorates this leader’s mammoth contribution in the struggle for independence but also celebrates an incredible feat achieved in the village of Haripura four years ago. It is in the very same Haripura where Netaji presided over the session of the Indian National Congress in 1938 and called for complete revolution that Shri Narendra Modi initiated another reform by dedicating the widest village connectivity network of Asia in 2009 through the project, E-Gram, Vishwa Gram.

This reform of bridging the Digital Divide between the rural and urban areas and providing E-services to 13,685 Gram Panchayats has been an outcome of the resolution and determination of the Gujarat Government under the farsighted leadership of Shri Narendra Modi for several years. The story goes back to 2006 with the creation of the infrastructure by setting up Gram Panchayat buildings. Later on, the electrification of all villages was achieved through the much praised Jyotigram Yojana in 2007. Thereafter in 2008, the computerization and E-connectivity of all these Gram Panchayats was attained thus leading to the launch of E-services by the end of the year.

In the same manner as Netaji revived the spirit of his countrymen with the slogan of “Tum Mujhe Khoon Do, Main Tumhe Aazadi Doonga” (Give me your blood and I will give you freedom!), Shri Modi instilled zeal in the citizens of Gujarat and laid the foundation of broadband connectivity in all villages with the motto, “Tum Mujhe Saath Do, Main Tumhe Vikas Doonga” (Give us your support and we will give you development!). Keeping alive Netaji’s dream of an ever-prospering Mother India, this project has truly empowered the rural citizens with its 5 technological components,Computer Printer with VSAT (Very Small Aperture Terminal), Village Computer Entrepreneur, Capacity Building Training, E- services (G2C and B2C Services) and Technical Support and Training Staff.

The list of all E- services is as following:

Offered G2C Services

> Birth & Death Certificate
> Caste & Income Certificate
> Tax Collection Receipts
> Land Right Records Services (RoR- 7/12 & 8A)
> Application Forms of various development Schemes through Mahitishakti.net
> ITI Application Form
> Data Entry work for Government Departments like Health , Sports ,Gram Sabha ,Vanbandhu etc
> Electricity Bill Collection Work
> E Ration Card Coupon – 207 eGram Centers as Pilot

B2C services rolled out by VCE through entrepreneurship model are as follows:

> e-Ticketing of Railways, Airlines
> Utility Bill payments (Telephone, Mobile, DTH etc)
> DTP work
> All eGram are having their own eGram Mail IDs including Group Mail Ids and Digital News Letter is alsopublished on website and soon with the help of Gujarat Portal all department forms will be availablefrom eGram.
> At present State, District Officials are conducting regular video conference with eGram centers everyday. Per month 2 such video conference and minimum by two districts per day basis.
> Through PAWAN Channel important programs and informative programs are transmitted for information Department, WASMO, Health Department , Education Department ,Distance Learning session of eServices (Like RoR, RTO, eration card etc) and computers course like Adobe online training is relayed .

Doing away with the hassles of standing in long queues, the rural citizens now have access to Government-to-Citizen (G2C) services like Basic Certificates of Birth and Death, Electricity Bill collection as well as Business-to-Citizen (B2C) services such as Mobile Recharge, Air Ticket and Railway Ticket bookings. This project has become the very lifeline of the inclusive development of every village as several other innovations have branched out of this scheme.

The E-Gram Center has become the mainstay of the distinguished Targeted Public Distribution System. This model which has been commended by the Supreme Court of India and United Nations empowers the citizens to avail food grains at a fair price with minimum leakages. It is only because of the E-Gram Center that a villager of Gujarat can register his complaintand directly connect to the Chief Minister, Shri Modi with the online redressal programme, SWAGAT.

With the provision of Panchayat Area Wide Area Network (PAWAN), the villages are connected to all districts and the State Capital. This has robustly facilitated various training and learning programs throughout the last few years. Some of them are for Training Program on services like RTO Licensee, BSNLeCoupan System and IT Training Program on MS Office, Adobe, Anti Virus etc .All of BISAG’s (Bhaskaracharya Institute Space Applications and Geo-informatics) distant education programmes are also telecasted.

This project has received ‘E-gram Vishwa Gram Best E-governed project’ award at CSI- Nihilent E-Governance Award for 2007-08 and the ‘e-Gram’ award under ‘Digital Inclusion’ Category at Skotch Challenger Award 2008. The greatest testimony, however, comes from the Sarpanch of village Punsari, Shri Himanshu Patel who in an interview with The GUJARAT Magazine, enthusiastically talked of how technology has touched upon the lives of the rural poor by providing them access to welfare schemes.

The vastness of infrastructure created by this initiative is unmatchable in India. While the Central Government’s vision lags behind even in terms of broadband connectivity to all cities, broadband to villages still remains a distant dream. On the contrary, here in Gujarat every village is linked with speedy internet! This can be mainly attributed to the strong political will of Shri Modi and efficiency of the Government which ultimately brought 24 hours uninterrupted electricity to villages. The Central Government has only planned for digital inclusion but Shri Modi has made it a reality!

It is because of the immense dedication and perseverance of Shri Modi that this project has borne the incredible fruits of digital inclusiveness, transparency and accountability for the rural communities. The day won’t be far when his dream of “creating a rural-urban connect where the soul is of the rural bent but with an urban touch” would materialize in the true sense!

]]> 1/28/2013 1:55:13 PM DST Admin http://dst.gujarat.gov.in/DisplayNews.htm?NewsId=34 DST 34 35 Shri Narendra Modi attends cultural programme ‘Aapnu Anokhu Dang’ as part of 64th Republic Day celebrations On the evening of Friday 25th January 2013 Shri Narendra Modi attended the cultural programme ‘Aapnu Anokhu Dang.’ Addressing the programme, Shri Modi paid tributes to all those who laid their lives so that our nation attained freedom and pointed out that we have won Swarajya but the dream of Surajya is still incomplete. “In the last decade we are working towards attaining Surajya,” he affirmed. The Honorable Governor of Gujarat Her Excellency Dr. Shrimati Kamla was present at the occasion.

Shri Modi said, “Everyone is talking about the development in Gujarat. It is being lauded because it has taken the path of Surajya and Vikas.” He further shared that the State Government is working for everyone and that the target of the Government is to serve the poorest of the poor.

Giving an example of the pro-activeness of the State Government, Shri Modi stated, “No sooner did the elections get over than we began preparing for the 2013 Vibrant Gujarat Summit. And 10 days after the Vibrant Gujarat Summit we are here, at the feet of the Tribal communities of Gujarat,” and added, “we may do Vibrant Summits but our focus remains to serve the poorest of the poor.” The Chief Minister pointed out that Dang district has made its name in the sphere of tourism. He shared that Saputara has become the apple of Gujarat’s eye and that it is said, ‘Gujarat Ki Aankhon Ka Taara, Saputara.’ Shri Modi shared that tourism helps the poorest of the poor and many people can earn their livelihood if tourism is given an impetus. Shri Modi asked why cannot a land that was consecrated by Lord Rama, a land from where Mata Shabhri hails draw people from all over.

The Chief Minister announced Rs. 1 crore for the development of Dang district. Earlier, 11 stalwarts of Dang district who have made a mark for themselves in various fields were honored by the Chief Minister and Her Excellency the Governor. A book on Tribal Culture was released along with a book by Shri Deepak Acharya.

Apart from the Governor and the Chief Minister, former Minister Shri Mangubhai Patel, MA Shri Gavit, Chief Secretary Shri AK Joti, Additional Chief Secretaries Shri Varesh Sinha and Shri SK Nanda, DGP Shri Chitranjan Singh, Shri Bhagyesh Jha ad Collector Shri Pravin Solanki were present on the occasion.

]]> On the evening of Friday 25th January 2013 Shri Narendra Modi attended the cultural programme ‘Aapnu Anokhu Dang.’ Addressing the programme, Shri Modi paid tributes to all those who laid their lives so that our nation attained freedom and pointed out that we have won Swarajya but the dream of Surajya is still incomplete. “In the last decade we are working towards attaining Surajya,” he affirmed. The Honorable Governor of Gujarat Her Excellency Dr. Shrimati Kamla was present at the occasion.

Shri Modi said, “Everyone is talking about the development in Gujarat. It is being lauded because it has taken the path of Surajya and Vikas.” He further shared that the State Government is working for everyone and that the target of the Government is to serve the poorest of the poor.

Giving an example of the pro-activeness of the State Government, Shri Modi stated, “No sooner did the elections get over than we began preparing for the 2013 Vibrant Gujarat Summit. And 10 days after the Vibrant Gujarat Summit we are here, at the feet of the Tribal communities of Gujarat,” and added, “we may do Vibrant Summits but our focus remains to serve the poorest of the poor.” The Chief Minister pointed out that Dang district has made its name in the sphere of tourism. He shared that Saputara has become the apple of Gujarat’s eye and that it is said, ‘Gujarat Ki Aankhon Ka Taara, Saputara.’ Shri Modi shared that tourism helps the poorest of the poor and many people can earn their livelihood if tourism is given an impetus. Shri Modi asked why cannot a land that was consecrated by Lord Rama, a land from where Mata Shabhri hails draw people from all over.

The Chief Minister announced Rs. 1 crore for the development of Dang district. Earlier, 11 stalwarts of Dang district who have made a mark for themselves in various fields were honored by the Chief Minister and Her Excellency the Governor. A book on Tribal Culture was released along with a book by Shri Deepak Acharya.

Apart from the Governor and the Chief Minister, former Minister Shri Mangubhai Patel, MA Shri Gavit, Chief Secretary Shri AK Joti, Additional Chief Secretaries Shri Varesh Sinha and Shri SK Nanda, DGP Shri Chitranjan Singh, Shri Bhagyesh Jha ad Collector Shri Pravin Solanki were present on the occasion.

]]> 1/28/2013 1:55:52 PM DST Admin http://dst.gujarat.gov.in/DisplayNews.htm?NewsId=35 DST 35 36 Coming decade will be golden decade of opportunity for Tribal communities of Gujarat On Friday 25th January 2013 Shri Narendra Modi spoke at the Van Lakshmi Programme in Dang District. This programme is a part of the Gujarat Government’s celebrations of India’s 64th Republic Day. The Chief Minister spoke at length about the initiatives for the development of the Tribal community in Gujarat and pointed out that the coming decade will be a golden decade of opportunity for the Tribal communities of Gujarat. He also shared that the Dang district will become a model district for the development of Tribal community.

This village has caught the eyes of Gandhinagar!

Shri Modi said, “You must be proud of one thing. This village nestled in the forests has caught the eye of Gandhinagar. It has never happened in the past. Can you imagine, the entire Gandhinagar is here at the feet of the Tribal communities of Dang district.”

The Chief Minister spoke about the State Government’s efforts to celebrate national occasions such as Republic Day and Independence Day in the various parts of Gujarat. He affirmed, “We started an effort. National festivals should become festivals of development. Republic Day or Independence Day should not be only about unfurling the Tricolour by Government officials and school children as it was reduced in the past. We have to make them opportunities of Lok Shikshan and by doing so we will make people partners in the journey of development.”

He recalled that this did not happen in the past and that in the last decade the State Government added new life in celebrating these occasions and that festivals have now been taken to the various districts.

CM inaugurates development works in Dang district

Today Shri Modi inaugurated development works worth Rs. 180 crore in Dang district. He recalled that earlier the entire Budget for the district was between Rs. 2 crore or Rs. 5 crore but today the development works that have been inaugurated are far beyond and that this is no small thing.

The Chief Minister shared that earlier the Dang district was a ‘1 district-1 Taluka’ area and that is when the State Government decided to announce an additional Taluka for Dang district. But, Shri Modi declared that the people asked for one more Taluka and the Government decided to create additional Subir Taluka. He avowed that the State Government promised a decision before 26th January and the promise has been fulfilled.

The Chief Minister inaugurated a new RTO and recalled that earlier Dang vehicles were registered with the RTO at Valsad but now there is a new RTO in the Dang district. The RTO is 100% computerized and Shri Modi affirmed that there is no Tribal district in the country where there is a 100% computerized RTO.

Shri Modi speaks of how the efforts of state Government have brought qualitative change in the lives of Tribal Communities

During his speech, Shri Modi shared the various steps the State Government has taken for the development of the Tribal communities. “We put a focus on education. We have set up a girl’s hostel so that my Adivasi daughters can study,” he stated. Shri Modi recalled that for many years the Tribal stretch from Umargam to Ambaji had no schools for youngsters to study science but today there is no Taluka left behind which does not have schools to study science at Class XII level. This has given new opportunities and opened several doors for the students, Shri Modi opined.

He shared that many ITIs have started to promote skill development. He further said that today many students of Tribal communities are going overseas to study and are becoming pilots, nurses etc. Shri Modi affirmed that this would enhance self confidence among the youngsters. He also added that youngsters from Tribal communities are shining on the sports field.

The Chief Minister pointed out that there was a time when there was no income in agriculture but due to the efforts of the State Government that has changed. He shared that today Adivasi farmers are cultivating strawberries as well. Likewise, the State Government has launched a new initiative with the Reserve Bank of India that provides loans due to which trees can be conversed. Shri Modi affirmed that Gujarat is the first state doing this.

Shri Modi further talked about how initiatives like the 108 Ambulance Services and the Mukhyamantri Amrutam (MA) Yojana have brought a qualitative change in the lives of the Tribal communities. He even talked about the success of the Vanbandhu Kalyan Yojana and pointed that it can be a model for others to learn from.

During the day Shri Modi performed the Shilanyas of the Ambedkar Bhavan. Former Minister Shri Mangubhai Patel and MLA Shri Mangalbhai Gavit were present on the occasion.

]]> On Friday 25th January 2013 Shri Narendra Modi spoke at the Van Lakshmi Programme in Dang District. This programme is a part of the Gujarat Government’s celebrations of India’s 64th Republic Day. The Chief Minister spoke at length about the initiatives for the development of the Tribal community in Gujarat and pointed out that the coming decade will be a golden decade of opportunity for the Tribal communities of Gujarat. He also shared that the Dang district will become a model district for the development of Tribal community.

This village has caught the eyes of Gandhinagar!

Shri Modi said, “You must be proud of one thing. This village nestled in the forests has caught the eye of Gandhinagar. It has never happened in the past. Can you imagine, the entire Gandhinagar is here at the feet of the Tribal communities of Dang district.”

The Chief Minister spoke about the State Government’s efforts to celebrate national occasions such as Republic Day and Independence Day in the various parts of Gujarat. He affirmed, “We started an effort. National festivals should become festivals of development. Republic Day or Independence Day should not be only about unfurling the Tricolour by Government officials and school children as it was reduced in the past. We have to make them opportunities of Lok Shikshan and by doing so we will make people partners in the journey of development.”

He recalled that this did not happen in the past and that in the last decade the State Government added new life in celebrating these occasions and that festivals have now been taken to the various districts.

CM inaugurates development works in Dang district

Today Shri Modi inaugurated development works worth Rs. 180 crore in Dang district. He recalled that earlier the entire Budget for the district was between Rs. 2 crore or Rs. 5 crore but today the development works that have been inaugurated are far beyond and that this is no small thing.

The Chief Minister shared that earlier the Dang district was a ‘1 district-1 Taluka’ area and that is when the State Government decided to announce an additional Taluka for Dang district. But, Shri Modi declared that the people asked for one more Taluka and the Government decided to create additional Subir Taluka. He avowed that the State Government promised a decision before 26th January and the promise has been fulfilled.

The Chief Minister inaugurated a new RTO and recalled that earlier Dang vehicles were registered with the RTO at Valsad but now there is a new RTO in the Dang district. The RTO is 100% computerized and Shri Modi affirmed that there is no Tribal district in the country where there is a 100% computerized RTO.

Shri Modi speaks of how the efforts of state Government have brought qualitative change in the lives of Tribal Communities

During his speech, Shri Modi shared the various steps the State Government has taken for the development of the Tribal communities. “We put a focus on education. We have set up a girl’s hostel so that my Adivasi daughters can study,” he stated. Shri Modi recalled that for many years the Tribal stretch from Umargam to Ambaji had no schools for youngsters to study science but today there is no Taluka left behind which does not have schools to study science at Class XII level. This has given new opportunities and opened several doors for the students, Shri Modi opined.

He shared that many ITIs have started to promote skill development. He further said that today many students of Tribal communities are going overseas to study and are becoming pilots, nurses etc. Shri Modi affirmed that this would enhance self confidence among the youngsters. He also added that youngsters from Tribal communities are shining on the sports field.

The Chief Minister pointed out that there was a time when there was no income in agriculture but due to the efforts of the State Government that has changed. He shared that today Adivasi farmers are cultivating strawberries as well. Likewise, the State Government has launched a new initiative with the Reserve Bank of India that provides loans due to which trees can be conversed. Shri Modi affirmed that Gujarat is the first state doing this.

Shri Modi further talked about how initiatives like the 108 Ambulance Services and the Mukhyamantri Amrutam (MA) Yojana have brought a qualitative change in the lives of the Tribal communities. He even talked about the success of the Vanbandhu Kalyan Yojana and pointed that it can be a model for others to learn from.

During the day Shri Modi performed the Shilanyas of the Ambedkar Bhavan. Former Minister Shri Mangubhai Patel and MLA Shri Mangalbhai Gavit were present on the occasion.

]]> 1/28/2013 1:56:35 PM DST Admin http://dst.gujarat.gov.in/DisplayNews.htm?NewsId=36 DST 36 37 Programme part of state level Republic Day Celebrations being held in Dang district On Friday 25th January 2013 Shri Narendra Modi addressed Balam Sukham Mahila Sammelan in Dang district. The programme was a part of the state level celebrations of the 64th Republic Day that were held in Dang district. Shri Modi spoke about the State Government’s determination to further make Gujarat’s Nari Shakti and Matru Shakti as prominent stakeholders in Gujarat’s development journey. Giving the examples of Mission Mangalam and Mission Balam Sukham, the Chief Minister pointed out that these are steps that the state Government has taken to enhance economic development among women and eradicate the evil of malnutrition.

The Chief Minister called upon women to join actively participate in Sakhi Mandals and contribute to the development journey of Gujarat. He also called for greater awareness for the menace of malnutrition.

He also expressed concern at the menace of female foeticide and said that that there is no state in India where the killing of the girl child is not taking place. On the contrary, he shared that the Dang district presented a contrasting picture where for every 1000 males there are 1007 females and this has given an inspirational message of gender equality.

Shri Modi stated that to further empower women, children and integrate them in the decision making process, the State Government has set up the Women and Child Department. He declared that Gujarat is a state that does not levy stamp duty on property that is registered in the name of a woman. In addition he declared that it is mandatory in the schools of Gujarat to write the name of the Mother.

The Chief Minister said that efforts are being made to promote skill development among women and to provide better healthcare services to the women of Gujarat.

President of Dang Zila Panchayat Shri Bibiben Chaudhary was present on the occasion.

]]> On Friday 25th January 2013 Shri Narendra Modi addressed Balam Sukham Mahila Sammelan in Dang district. The programme was a part of the state level celebrations of the 64th Republic Day that were held in Dang district. Shri Modi spoke about the State Government’s determination to further make Gujarat’s Nari Shakti and Matru Shakti as prominent stakeholders in Gujarat’s development journey. Giving the examples of Mission Mangalam and Mission Balam Sukham, the Chief Minister pointed out that these are steps that the state Government has taken to enhance economic development among women and eradicate the evil of malnutrition.

The Chief Minister called upon women to join actively participate in Sakhi Mandals and contribute to the development journey of Gujarat. He also called for greater awareness for the menace of malnutrition.

He also expressed concern at the menace of female foeticide and said that that there is no state in India where the killing of the girl child is not taking place. On the contrary, he shared that the Dang district presented a contrasting picture where for every 1000 males there are 1007 females and this has given an inspirational message of gender equality.

Shri Modi stated that to further empower women, children and integrate them in the decision making process, the State Government has set up the Women and Child Department. He declared that Gujarat is a state that does not levy stamp duty on property that is registered in the name of a woman. In addition he declared that it is mandatory in the schools of Gujarat to write the name of the Mother.

The Chief Minister said that efforts are being made to promote skill development among women and to provide better healthcare services to the women of Gujarat.

President of Dang Zila Panchayat Shri Bibiben Chaudhary was present on the occasion.

]]> 1/28/2013 1:58:22 PM DST Admin http://dst.gujarat.gov.in/DisplayNews.htm?NewsId=37 DST 37 38 CM addresses Vivekananda Yuva Parishad in Dang District Addressing youngsters at the Vivekananda Yuva Parishad in Vagai on the morning of Friday 25th January 2013, Shri Narendra Modi affirmed that Gujarat’s Kaushalya Vardhan Kendras to promote skill development among the youth have become a model for the entire nation and the State Government’s efforts to promote skill development have added renewed vigour to the Gujarat’s manufacturing sector. The Chief Minister inaugurated RTO at Vagai (Dang District).

The Chief Minister pointed out that the entire State Government has come to the Tribal dominated Dang district to celebrate the auspicious occasion of the nation’s 64th Republic Day. He further said that efforts to celebrate such national occasions with the people are a part of the state Government’s efforts to further integrate the people of Gujarat in the development journey of the state.

Shri Modi affirmed that by adding the theme of development in the celebration of national days such as Republic Day, the State Government has further made development a mode of ‘Jan Bhagidari’ with the Mantra of ‘Sarvajan Hitay, Sarvajan Sukhay’ and this has created a strong confidence among the people in the development initiatives of the Government.

He stated that it is the people who carefully view the working of the Government and on that basis they elect or vote out governments. In this context, Shri Modi expressed his gratitude for getting yet another opportunity to serve the people of Gujarat. He assured the people that the Gujarat Government will live upto the trust and expectations of the people and will work tirelessly to ensure that the fruits of development reach each and every citizen of the state.

Shri Modi said that being the 150th birth anniversary of Swami Vivekananda, Gujarat is celebrating the year as ‘Yuva Shakti Varsh’ and expressed confidence that if given the right opportunities, the youth of Gujarat will shine in every field. He opined that the State Government is focusing on strengthening skill development among the youngsters of Gujarat.

The Chief Minister shared that youngsters in rural areas of Gujarat who hail from agriculture families are strengthening their skills by availing of technical and non-technical courses. He avowed that the skill development initiatives are being immensely beneficial to girls as well.

During his speech Shri Modi pointed out that 2 new Talukas of Vagai and Subir will be created in Dang district and this will increase the pace of development in the district, which will benefit the youth. Shri Modi also said that Saputara has become the apple of everyone’s eye (Sabki Aankohn Ka Tara, Saputara) and the region has seen immense development in the field of tourism that will once again help the youth immensely.

Shri Modi lauded the people of Dang district and said that unlike in other parts of the country, there is no killing of the girl child practiced here and for every men, there are 1007 women in this district, which is a matter of immense pride. He talked about the success of the 108 Ambulance service that has been instrumental in saving many lives of the people of Dang district. He also threw light on the success of the Chiranjeevi Yojana of the state Government in saving both the Mother and Child of the nearby areas. He also shared statistics of the quick pace of development that has taken place in Dang district in various spheres including agriculture, building of roads, irrigation, job creation etc.

Senior official Shri Bhagyash Jha, MLA Shri Mangalbhai Gavit and other senior functionaries were present on the occasion.

]]> Addressing youngsters at the Vivekananda Yuva Parishad in Vagai on the morning of Friday 25th January 2013, Shri Narendra Modi affirmed that Gujarat’s Kaushalya Vardhan Kendras to promote skill development among the youth have become a model for the entire nation and the State Government’s efforts to promote skill development have added renewed vigour to the Gujarat’s manufacturing sector. The Chief Minister inaugurated RTO at Vagai (Dang District).

The Chief Minister pointed out that the entire State Government has come to the Tribal dominated Dang district to celebrate the auspicious occasion of the nation’s 64th Republic Day. He further said that efforts to celebrate such national occasions with the people are a part of the state Government’s efforts to further integrate the people of Gujarat in the development journey of the state.

Shri Modi affirmed that by adding the theme of development in the celebration of national days such as Republic Day, the State Government has further made development a mode of ‘Jan Bhagidari’ with the Mantra of ‘Sarvajan Hitay, Sarvajan Sukhay’ and this has created a strong confidence among the people in the development initiatives of the Government.

He stated that it is the people who carefully view the working of the Government and on that basis they elect or vote out governments. In this context, Shri Modi expressed his gratitude for getting yet another opportunity to serve the people of Gujarat. He assured the people that the Gujarat Government will live upto the trust and expectations of the people and will work tirelessly to ensure that the fruits of development reach each and every citizen of the state.

Shri Modi said that being the 150th birth anniversary of Swami Vivekananda, Gujarat is celebrating the year as ‘Yuva Shakti Varsh’ and expressed confidence that if given the right opportunities, the youth of Gujarat will shine in every field. He opined that the State Government is focusing on strengthening skill development among the youngsters of Gujarat.

The Chief Minister shared that youngsters in rural areas of Gujarat who hail from agriculture families are strengthening their skills by availing of technical and non-technical courses. He avowed that the skill development initiatives are being immensely beneficial to girls as well.

During his speech Shri Modi pointed out that 2 new Talukas of Vagai and Subir will be created in Dang district and this will increase the pace of development in the district, which will benefit the youth. Shri Modi also said that Saputara has become the apple of everyone’s eye (Sabki Aankohn Ka Tara, Saputara) and the region has seen immense development in the field of tourism that will once again help the youth immensely.

Shri Modi lauded the people of Dang district and said that unlike in other parts of the country, there is no killing of the girl child practiced here and for every men, there are 1007 women in this district, which is a matter of immense pride. He talked about the success of the 108 Ambulance service that has been instrumental in saving many lives of the people of Dang district. He also threw light on the success of the Chiranjeevi Yojana of the state Government in saving both the Mother and Child of the nearby areas. He also shared statistics of the quick pace of development that has taken place in Dang district in various spheres including agriculture, building of roads, irrigation, job creation etc.

Senior official Shri Bhagyash Jha, MLA Shri Mangalbhai Gavit and other senior functionaries were present on the occasion.

]]> 1/28/2013 1:59:28 PM DST Admin http://dst.gujarat.gov.in/DisplayNews.htm?NewsId=38 DST 38 39 Gujarat Cabinet approves creation of 7 New Districts and 22 New Talukas Shri Modi’s decision to create new Talukas and Districts has received extraordinary response across the state because it promises to make the administration more accessible to the people. At a felicitation program, after the announcement of the Bodeli Taluka held last year, Shri Modi spoke at length about the State Government’s pro-people and proactive agenda. He said that this is not a government that will hoodwink you but it is a government that cares about the wellbeing of the common man.

When people visit far-away administrative offices multiple times, they waste their time and money. Thus, the creation of new Talukas and Districts was done not only for administrative convenience and geographical reasons but also to save people’s resources.

In other speeches, Shri Modi had highlighted the fact that the creation of a new District of Taluka benefits not only the residents of the new District/Taluka but also the residents of the original district or District/Taluka. During a speech in Patan, where he announced the formation of the new Saraswati Taluka, Shri Modi explained, “If, for example, a Taluka has approximately 100 dedicated officers, the creation of a new Taluka would result in the deployment of additional officers who would be able to serve the people of both the talukas in a better manner.”

Giving the example of Sami and Shankheshwar Talukas, the CM had said, “The work that was being done in Sami Taluka will now be replicated in the new Shankheshwar Taluka. This will benefit people from both the Talukas. When the administrative setup comes to a village, the village shines.”

Additionally, newly created districts are expected to be key drivers of the State’s development. For example, it is predicted that the Gir-Somnath district will be an important tourist destination since it is home to not only the iconic Somnath Temple, which draws millions of devotees, but also to the Asiatic Lion.

As per the powers vested on the government under Section-7 of the Mumbai Revenue Act 1987, District Collectors of the Districts and Talukas concerned have been asked to create appropriate facilities after taking into consideration people’s requirements. The government will also undertake efforts to create necessary infrastructure in the new Districts and Talukas.

The creation of new administrative units is a fresh example of Gujarat’s positive and proactive governance model. Moreover, it can be seen as an extension of the Chief Minister’s efforts to promote local self-government institutions. In the past, the Chief Minister has promoted, encouraged and supported the formation of e-gram centres. Because of the e-gram centres, villages now provide important Government and Business services and have become hubs of activity.

Furthermore, in times when government institutions in India are seen as ineffectual and sluggish, the Government of Gujarat has broken new ground by delivering on its previous promises and in doing so, has reinforced people’s faith in democratic institutions.

The proposed new administrative units are as follows:

Original District

Proposed District

SabarkanthaAravalli
JunagadhGir Somnath
Bhavnagar, AhmedabadBotad
VadodaraChhota udepur
Panchmahals, KhedaMahisagar
Rajkot, Surendranagar, JamnagarMorbi
JamnagarDevbhumi-Dwarka

Original Talukas

Proposed Talukas

UnaGir-Gaddha
JunagadhJunagadh City
Deesa, Deodar,TharadLakhni
Kadi, Mehsana, Vijapur, VisnagarGozaria
Mahuva, Gariadhar, PalitanaJesar
ChikhliKhergam
SamiShankheshwar
PatanSaraswati
PardiVapi
DangsVagai
Kadi, MehsanaJotana
Jhagadia, ValiaNetrang
VavSuigam
Chotila, Muli, SaylaThangadh
Barwala, DhandhukaDholera
JasdanVinchhia
Kapadwanj, KathlalFagwel
ThasraGalteshwar
Sankheda, Jetpur, PaviBodeli
KhedbrahmaPoshina
ZalodSanjeli
DangsSubir

Ahmedabad, Monday: Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi today announced constitution of a high-level committee headed by the Chief Secretary to form of a new district of Gir-Somnath, besides a number of projects for all round development and empowerment of fishing community, locally called ‘sagarkhedu’, living in the coastal region of the state.

Addressing a huge gathering of sagarkhedus at Somnath near the famous Jyotirlinga temple facing the Arabian Sea, he said the new district would come into being with effect from January 26, 2013. Earlier, he offered Monday prayer at the historic Somnath Temple in the auspicious month of Shravan.

Gujarat’s state-level 66th Independence Day celebration will held at Junagadh this year.

He laid foundation stone for four water supply and underground sewer projects for Veraval, Kodinar and Una towns costing Rs.228-crore. He dedicated Rs.244-crore development projects for Veraval, Una and Sutrapada.

Other announcements include Re.200-crore diesel subsidy on VAT for nearly 11,000 mechanized boats to be borne entirely by the State Government. This is in sharp contrast to the Centre reducing kerosene quota by 30 percent for fishermen of Gujarat.

Mr. Modi announced setting up a new fishing port at Sutrapada and to undertake development of other fishing ports in the Saurashtra coast, from Jafrabad in the east to Bhadeli and Okha in the west, Veraval and Porbandar phase-2 and Mangrol phase-3.

He recalled the State Government has spent about Rs.11,000-crore on development projects for 60-lakh sagarkhedus living in 3,000 villages along the seacoast in the first five years. Another Rs.21,000-crore is now being spent on them.

Mr. Modi recalled that Gujarat seacoast, which was once the landing point for smugglers during the Congress rule, is now humming with shipping and fishing activity for the last ten years. He announced a rise in the daily allowance for the family members of Gujarat fishermen languishing in Pakistan Jails from Rs.50 to Rs.150.

He regretted that Central Government doesn’t have the guts to fight terrorism or sentence Pakistani terrorists like Kasab or free Indian fishermen in their custody. He announced training programme for youth belonging to the sagarkhedu community and priority to them in recruitment in Gujarat Government’s Marine Police Force. Under Mission Mangalam Project, he announced plan to set up 5,000 Sakhi Mandalis to provide training and bank linkage to women to grow see-weed for their economic empowerment.

Mr. Modi handed over cheques of Rs.1-lakh to Deviben, Krishnaben and Ritaben each under fishermen group insurance scheme. He distributed insulated box to fisherwomen Hasinaben and Juluben, and lifesaving jackets to fishermen.

Prominent among those present on the occasion included Agriculture and Fisheries Minister Dilip Sanghani, Parliamentary Secretary L.T. Rajani, legislators Rajsi Jethwa, Vandanaben Makwana, Kalubhai Rathod and Bhagwanji Kargatia, Veraval Nagarpalika President Manjuben Gohel, Takuka Panchayat President Manjuben Rathod, BJP District President Madhabhai Boria, BJP City President Mohan Dakshini, ex-Union Minister Bhavna Chikhalia, Veraval Kharwa community head Dhanjibhai, All India Fishermen Association Secretary Tulsi Gohil, Seafood Expo Association Secretary Jagdish Fofandi, Principal Secretary Kailashnathan, In-charge Secretary Vipul Mitra, Fisheries Secretary Dinesh Brahmabhat, Fisheries Commissioner Darbar, District Collector Manish Bharadwaj and DDO Dilip Rana.

]]> Shri Modi’s decision to create new Talukas and Districts has received extraordinary response across the state because it promises to make the administration more accessible to the people. At a felicitation program, after the announcement of the Bodeli Taluka held last year, Shri Modi spoke at length about the State Government’s pro-people and proactive agenda. He said that this is not a government that will hoodwink you but it is a government that cares about the wellbeing of the common man.

When people visit far-away administrative offices multiple times, they waste their time and money. Thus, the creation of new Talukas and Districts was done not only for administrative convenience and geographical reasons but also to save people’s resources.

In other speeches, Shri Modi had highlighted the fact that the creation of a new District of Taluka benefits not only the residents of the new District/Taluka but also the residents of the original district or District/Taluka. During a speech in Patan, where he announced the formation of the new Saraswati Taluka, Shri Modi explained, “If, for example, a Taluka has approximately 100 dedicated officers, the creation of a new Taluka would result in the deployment of additional officers who would be able to serve the people of both the talukas in a better manner.”

Giving the example of Sami and Shankheshwar Talukas, the CM had said, “The work that was being done in Sami Taluka will now be replicated in the new Shankheshwar Taluka. This will benefit people from both the Talukas. When the administrative setup comes to a village, the village shines.”

Additionally, newly created districts are expected to be key drivers of the State’s development. For example, it is predicted that the Gir-Somnath district will be an important tourist destination since it is home to not only the iconic Somnath Temple, which draws millions of devotees, but also to the Asiatic Lion.

As per the powers vested on the government under Section-7 of the Mumbai Revenue Act 1987, District Collectors of the Districts and Talukas concerned have been asked to create appropriate facilities after taking into consideration people’s requirements. The government will also undertake efforts to create necessary infrastructure in the new Districts and Talukas.

The creation of new administrative units is a fresh example of Gujarat’s positive and proactive governance model. Moreover, it can be seen as an extension of the Chief Minister’s efforts to promote local self-government institutions. In the past, the Chief Minister has promoted, encouraged and supported the formation of e-gram centres. Because of the e-gram centres, villages now provide important Government and Business services and have become hubs of activity.

Furthermore, in times when government institutions in India are seen as ineffectual and sluggish, the Government of Gujarat has broken new ground by delivering on its previous promises and in doing so, has reinforced people’s faith in democratic institutions.

The proposed new administrative units are as follows:

Original District

Proposed District

SabarkanthaAravalli
JunagadhGir Somnath
Bhavnagar, AhmedabadBotad
VadodaraChhota udepur
Panchmahals, KhedaMahisagar
Rajkot, Surendranagar, JamnagarMorbi
JamnagarDevbhumi-Dwarka

Original Talukas

Proposed Talukas

UnaGir-Gaddha
JunagadhJunagadh City
Deesa, Deodar,TharadLakhni
Kadi, Mehsana, Vijapur, VisnagarGozaria
Mahuva, Gariadhar, PalitanaJesar
ChikhliKhergam
SamiShankheshwar
PatanSaraswati
PardiVapi
DangsVagai
Kadi, MehsanaJotana
Jhagadia, ValiaNetrang
VavSuigam
Chotila, Muli, SaylaThangadh
Barwala, DhandhukaDholera
JasdanVinchhia
Kapadwanj, KathlalFagwel
ThasraGalteshwar
Sankheda, Jetpur, PaviBodeli
KhedbrahmaPoshina
ZalodSanjeli
DangsSubir

Ahmedabad, Monday: Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi today announced constitution of a high-level committee headed by the Chief Secretary to form of a new district of Gir-Somnath, besides a number of projects for all round development and empowerment of fishing community, locally called ‘sagarkhedu’, living in the coastal region of the state.

Addressing a huge gathering of sagarkhedus at Somnath near the famous Jyotirlinga temple facing the Arabian Sea, he said the new district would come into being with effect from January 26, 2013. Earlier, he offered Monday prayer at the historic Somnath Temple in the auspicious month of Shravan.

Gujarat’s state-level 66th Independence Day celebration will held at Junagadh this year.

He laid foundation stone for four water supply and underground sewer projects for Veraval, Kodinar and Una towns costing Rs.228-crore. He dedicated Rs.244-crore development projects for Veraval, Una and Sutrapada.

Other announcements include Re.200-crore diesel subsidy on VAT for nearly 11,000 mechanized boats to be borne entirely by the State Government. This is in sharp contrast to the Centre reducing kerosene quota by 30 percent for fishermen of Gujarat.

Mr. Modi announced setting up a new fishing port at Sutrapada and to undertake development of other fishing ports in the Saurashtra coast, from Jafrabad in the east to Bhadeli and Okha in the west, Veraval and Porbandar phase-2 and Mangrol phase-3.

He recalled the State Government has spent about Rs.11,000-crore on development projects for 60-lakh sagarkhedus living in 3,000 villages along the seacoast in the first five years. Another Rs.21,000-crore is now being spent on them.

Mr. Modi recalled that Gujarat seacoast, which was once the landing point for smugglers during the Congress rule, is now humming with shipping and fishing activity for the last ten years. He announced a rise in the daily allowance for the family members of Gujarat fishermen languishing in Pakistan Jails from Rs.50 to Rs.150.

He regretted that Central Government doesn’t have the guts to fight terrorism or sentence Pakistani terrorists like Kasab or free Indian fishermen in their custody. He announced training programme for youth belonging to the sagarkhedu community and priority to them in recruitment in Gujarat Government’s Marine Police Force. Under Mission Mangalam Project, he announced plan to set up 5,000 Sakhi Mandalis to provide training and bank linkage to women to grow see-weed for their economic empowerment.

Mr. Modi handed over cheques of Rs.1-lakh to Deviben, Krishnaben and Ritaben each under fishermen group insurance scheme. He distributed insulated box to fisherwomen Hasinaben and Juluben, and lifesaving jackets to fishermen.

Prominent among those present on the occasion included Agriculture and Fisheries Minister Dilip Sanghani, Parliamentary Secretary L.T. Rajani, legislators Rajsi Jethwa, Vandanaben Makwana, Kalubhai Rathod and Bhagwanji Kargatia, Veraval Nagarpalika President Manjuben Gohel, Takuka Panchayat President Manjuben Rathod, BJP District President Madhabhai Boria, BJP City President Mohan Dakshini, ex-Union Minister Bhavna Chikhalia, Veraval Kharwa community head Dhanjibhai, All India Fishermen Association Secretary Tulsi Gohil, Seafood Expo Association Secretary Jagdish Fofandi, Principal Secretary Kailashnathan, In-charge Secretary Vipul Mitra, Fisheries Secretary Dinesh Brahmabhat, Fisheries Commissioner Darbar, District Collector Manish Bharadwaj and DDO Dilip Rana.

]]> 1/28/2013 2:00:30 PM DST Admin http://dst.gujarat.gov.in/DisplayNews.htm?NewsId=39 DST 39 40 Gujarat celebrates 64th Republic Day with great pomp and show On the morning of 26th January 2013 Gujarat celebrated the nation’s 64th Republic Day with great pomp and show. The celebrations were held at Ahwa in Dang district. Her Excellency the Governor of Gujarat Dr. Shrimati Kamla and Honorable Chief Minister Shri Narendra Modi graced the function with their august presence.

The Tricolour was unfurled by Her Excellency the Governor Dr. Kamla and this was followed by a grand parade. There was a march past by the police contingents after which there were wonderful tableauxs by various departments of the Gujarat Government. The tableaux included those of Mukhyamantri Amrutam Yojana, Agriculture Department, Narmada, Department of Tribal Development, Urban Development to name a few. There was also a motorcycle show.

Speaking on the sidelines of the function Shri Modi expressed delight at the fact that Gujarat is celebrating the 64th Republic Day in a small Panchayat, Ahwa of a Tribal dominated Dang district. He pointed that this is a first in the history of the nation. He congratulated the Gram Panchayat of Ahwa and added that the celebrations give an indication of their strength.

At the end of the function Shri Modi travelled in an open jeep to greet those who attended the programme. Apart from Her Excellency the Governor and the Honorable Chief Minister, Chief Secretary Shri AK Joti, DGP Shri Chitranjan Singh and several other dignitaries were present at the occasion.

]]> On the morning of 26th January 2013 Gujarat celebrated the nation’s 64th Republic Day with great pomp and show. The celebrations were held at Ahwa in Dang district. Her Excellency the Governor of Gujarat Dr. Shrimati Kamla and Honorable Chief Minister Shri Narendra Modi graced the function with their august presence.

The Tricolour was unfurled by Her Excellency the Governor Dr. Kamla and this was followed by a grand parade. There was a march past by the police contingents after which there were wonderful tableauxs by various departments of the Gujarat Government. The tableaux included those of Mukhyamantri Amrutam Yojana, Agriculture Department, Narmada, Department of Tribal Development, Urban Development to name a few. There was also a motorcycle show.

Speaking on the sidelines of the function Shri Modi expressed delight at the fact that Gujarat is celebrating the 64th Republic Day in a small Panchayat, Ahwa of a Tribal dominated Dang district. He pointed that this is a first in the history of the nation. He congratulated the Gram Panchayat of Ahwa and added that the celebrations give an indication of their strength.

At the end of the function Shri Modi travelled in an open jeep to greet those who attended the programme. Apart from Her Excellency the Governor and the Honorable Chief Minister, Chief Secretary Shri AK Joti, DGP Shri Chitranjan Singh and several other dignitaries were present at the occasion.

]]> 1/28/2013 2:01:17 PM DST Admin http://dst.gujarat.gov.in/DisplayNews.htm?NewsId=40 DST 40