One year in the service of Gujarat
May 22, this day last year, I was privileged to get the opportunity to serve 65 million people of Gujarat as the Gujarat CM. Today as I look back on the year gone by, what satisfy me the most are the glimpses of fearlessness in eyes of women, confidence in approach of the youth and empowerment in the lives of farmers, that I have witnessed along this journey.
Today is the day to thank you all for your continued support and contribution in accelerating the growth-story of Gujarat. It’s a day to reinforce my commitment in the service of our state. It’s a day to assure you all once again, that I would not stop till our goal is reached, our goal of bringing smiles on each and every face in Gujarat; and ensure that it remains forever!
Friends, before I took charge as the CM, there was a 90-day long code of conduct across the state, which had stalled many development works. There was a need to bring the administration back to momentum, with time-bound target achievement. That is when I sowed seeds of ‘Gatisheel Gujarat’ campaign, focusing on Gujarat’s inclusive and sustainable development. First with 100-day target and then with 150-day target. The campaigns were a huge success, fully serving their purpose. We launched the third edition with year-long targets. Now this campaign has become an institutionalized mechanism for the state to grow and prosper.
More than just a mechanism, today ‘Gatisheel Gujarat’ has become a new identity of our state; enhancing the momentum in the direction carved out by Narendrabhai in past 13 years. Past one year is just a milestone in this journey, and you all, we all, are together in this! During this one year, many initiatives, decisions, announcements, policies took shape in Gujarat, covering varied sectors and people from all strata of society. You can glance at the work done by Gujarat government in last one year here www.anandibenpatel.com.
The motto behind each step taken has been the same, ‘All for one, one for all’. Friends, we are persistently working towards better last-mile delivery of our schemes, to reach out to every individual across the state. And in this journey, we seek your continued support.
It is said that for a region to develop well, either the administrative machinery has to be aware, agile and adept or the citizens. Just imagine what if both- the administration and the people have these virtues!
Yours,
Anandiben
Krishi Mahotsav: Enabling our farmers to become ‘Global Farmers’
Let me begin sharing life-story of Sindhabhai Bharwad from Surendranagar. He belonged to a cattle-rearing family, where he was also expected to join his forefathers. But Sindhabhai was always inclined towards agriculture. Taking inspiration and guidance from Krishi Mahotsav, he plunged into agriculture on 60 bigha land that he received from his forefathers. With the constant urge to learn and make use of modern technology, he upgraded his farming skills with inputs from agriculture scientists. He took assistance from various pro-farmer initiatives of state government, and engaged in cultivation of watermelons, castor and cotton.
With scientific use of drip irrigation, in no time he earned rich produces. Experimenting new ways, he tried growing watermelons in middle of castor crops, which proved successful with outcome of double the produce. Not only this, he also cultivates over 15000 tissue-cultured Eucalyptus plants. Today, Sindhabhai is a source of inspiration for many farmers in the neighborhood. The living condition of his family has improved manifolds with his success.
Dear friends, Kharif Krishi Mahotsav, celebrated across the state since last few weeks has ended. It is gratifying that like Sindhabhai, hundreds of farmers have gained guidance for modern approach to agriculture under the aegis of Krishi Mahotsav. Krishi Mahotsavs have been instrumental in transforming lives of farmers and their families forever.
I have spent my childhood amidst the fields with my family. I have witnessed my father to progress on the foundations of modern approach to agricultural practices. I have always nurtured the vision of equipping our farmers with best of modern training and technologies, and thus empowering them to grow rich produce of crops, sought-after world-wide. I envisage our farmers to be ‘Global Farmers’!
With the same motive in our minds, State Government has been organizing Kharif and Ravi Krishi Mahotsavs. Krishi Mahotsavs have become one-step solution for farmers and cattle-rearers, where they not only gain knowledge of modern practices, inputs from livestock-agriculture scientists and progressive-successful farmers ‘Krishi na Rishi’, but also get agri products like seeds, fertilizers, pesticides, at subsidized rates. To expose and educate our farmers with global techniques and technology, Gujarat government has been organising International Agricultural Fair and Exhibition since last few years.
Demand of horticultural crops has been on a rise across the world today. Farmers of Gujarat have proved to be successful engaging in horticultural practices. With an aim to encourage them, we have allocated Rs 350 crore to provide assistance and technical guidance for sapling nursery, and to enhance the area and productivity of horticultural crops.
World is turning to organic farming. People have become more aware about the use of organic fertilizers and the side-effects of hazardous chemicals on crops. Gujarat farmers should excel in this new age of sustainable farming, and thus state government is planning a new Organic Farming Policy.
Pashu Aarogya Melas (animal health camps) have also been organized across the state along with Krishi Mahotsav. Modern medical treatments, best medication and advice from expert veterinary doctors are provided to cattle at these centers.
Gujarat government also encourages women in animal husbandry, by extending assistance to women milk cooperative societies to build ‘Doodh Ghar’ and to buy latest milk collection and preservation equipments.
The mammoth task of connecting Narmada waters to the remotest areas of Gujarat is incessantly progressing. The works of increasing height of Sardar Sarovar Dam is rapidly taking shape. Gujarat government is leaving no stone unturned to ensure that farmers here are not helpless or dependent on rains for their crop and livelihood.
Friends, I regularly share success stories of our progressive farmers like Sindhabhai on my Facebook page and website. The idea is to encourage and inspire more farmers into our rich heritage of agriculture.
I look forward to see the rise of ‘Global Farmers of Gujarat’.
Yours,
Anandiben
On Gujarat Gaurav Divas, come, let us have a dream today
Today on the foundation day of our beloved state, ‘Gujarat Gaurav Divas’ I convey my heartiest wishes to all of you. I bow down to those visionary leaders of that time who earned us an individual identity, a separate state of ‘Gujarat’.
Today when I look back at the years gone-by, a number of memorable and not-so-memorable events flash in front of my eyes. On one hand we have happy memoirs of triumphant Industrial Revolution, White Revolution and Green Revolution in the backdrop, we boast of a new era of Gujarat on the rise under the aegis of Narendrabhai. On the other, we have bitter memories of devastating drought, floods and earthquake. But no matter what, the spirit of Gujarat and Gujaratis has always remained immortal. With progressive mindset, Gujarat has always rescued itself, galvanized itself to return to normalcy. I salute the sense of courage, culture, dignity, unity and pragmatism of each Gujarati.
Friends, today on Gujarat Gaurav Divas, let us together have a dream, a dream for Gujarat’s development journey. In this age, the whole world has chosen to be a part of the rat’s race for ‘development’. As a general perception, we look westward when we aspire for development. We have forgotten to value our heritage, our legacy. I believe that in Gujarat of our dreams, we should take pride in bonding with our roots. Our strong and rich foundation is where we truly belong.
Gujarat government is striving to harness the potential of technology and modern infrastructure in the collective progress of our villages, towns and cities. With the vision of Government of India, we have welcomed the concept of ‘smart’ cities in our state. At the same time we are working towards rurban – urban amenities in rural areas. We are making all efforts to recast the landscape of our state with latest amenities and infrastructure.
But, pause and think. Can Gujarat’s progress be scaled merely on the measures of brick and mortar or on the latest versions of our gadgets? Is that how we envision Gujarat of our dreams?
While we move ahead in our journey towards development, let us determine to stay rooted. Let us remind each other to take our morals, our value system along with us. Let us not get blinded by tangible wealth, rather prioritize on true happiness. Only then will we be able to carve a golden future for our beloved state.
We don’t need to and should not ape the west in deciding our goals, our journey ahead. Let us conceptualise our homes, roads, villages, cities, technology as per our own needs. Let us value our art, celebrate our festivals and promote our sports in a way that the world would look up to! Conserve our heritage architecture and preserve our handicrafts. Innovate and invent technology as an answer to achieve inclusive development. Let us focus on a life with good health and peace of mind.
West, of course has its own strength, mainly in the areas of science and technology. Let us redefine our inherent strengths by blending them with those.
This is my dream. And I strongly believe that we are capable to build a Gujarat of our dreams.
Fifty years ago, Martin Luther King Jr gave an address ‘I have a dream’ that resonates even today. It deeply inspires us to have a dream for our state, our country.
Today on the foundation day of our beloved state, let us have a dream today, dream of a glorious Gujarat. And then, together work towards shaping ‘Gujarat of our dreams’.
Yours,
Anandiben
You are more than just ‘home-maker’ you are a ‘nation maker’
In my series of blogs on Budget, after the first one on child development, today I am sharing my thoughts on empowering women. And how the new state Budget facilitates handholding ‘nari shakti’.
If we, as a state, wish to take Gujarat to the next milestone of development, then it is inevitable for us to work together towards uplifting women power. The state government has taken all initiatives in this direction. The new Budget continues the tradition of Gender Budget, with a total provision of Rs 47,845 crore to propel women empowerment. This includes individual beneficiary oriented schemes as well as infrastructural and community developmental schemes. There are 132 schemes that have 100% allocation for women. In addition, other 461 schemes have allocations for women in various proportions.
With a view to raise the female literacy rate in Gujarat, an allocation of Rs 28.25 crores have been made in the Budget for Vidhya Lakshmi Scheme. Villages having a literacy rate lower than 35% and the BPL families in the urban areas are covered under this scheme, where Narmada Shri Nidhi Bond of Rs 1000 is given to the girls enrolled in class 1. When the girl finishes primary education, the entire amount of the bond is given to her along with the interest. An amount of Rs 2000 is given to the girls when enrolled for secondary education, which is then given to her once she clears class 10.
Also, an allocation of over Rs 100 crore has been allocated for establishing government hostels wherein girls students of class 11 till post-graduation are provided with free lodging and boarding facilities.
It is very important for the state that its tribal and rural women are engaged in various economic activities, and so it becomes vital to take steps for their skill development. A step in this direction, basic training in computer and Information Technology is provided at 716 centres and various short term training courses are also made available at 500 Kaushalya Vardhan Kendras across the state. Rs 20.34 crores are allocated for the same in the new Budget.
It is always heartwarming to see women engaged in cattle-rearing and agricultural activities. Financial aid of Rs 40.56 crore is provided by the state government to women for purchasing milch animals and milking machines. Also, a special effort is made under Mission Mangalam scheme to provide skill upgradation training to women and empower them financially through Sakhi Mandals. This year, Rs 36.13 crore have been allocated for the same.
It is important to ensure that women’s health is given prime priority in every section of our society. Supporting this, SABLA scheme for health and nutrition of women is implemented in nine districts of Gujarat.
We, as state government, believe in safeguarding safety and speedy justice for women. There are provisions in the Budget for setting up of Nari Adalats across Gujarat. Also, it has been decided to expand the reach of 181 Abhayam helpline for women across the state
As a significant step towards ensuring secured life through pension fund, provision to cover 3 lakh women of Self Help Groups under National Swavalamban Scheme has been provided in the new Budget.
Dear friends, I envision our state to prosper on the foundations of women empowerment. The new Budget has many such provisions that supports this ideology. Gujarat should progress to be a state where women get all the opportunities to rise above and prove their caliber. I want all the women of Gujarat to realize their ability to be a ‘nation maker’, and not just a ‘home-maker’. I wish that Gujarat shall be known world-over as a state that gives due respect, safety, economic and social security to women. Wouldn’t it be a matter of real pride for us, as a state, to boast of such an identity?
Yours
Anandi Patel
Tell me how children are nurtured in your State, and I shall tell your State’s future
You would be coming across news related to the ongoing Budget Session of Gujarat Legislative Assembly. Unending debates and discussions continue to occupy the prime time on news channels and front pages of newspapers. I understand this may not interest
I understand that this may not be of much interest to the common citizens. But is the Budget only about mere dry numbers? I felt the urge to write to you, may be a series of blogs, with the motive to share with you some simplified details of the Budget. I feel it would be interesting to know about the Budget, and understand the direction and pace of our developmental journey and partner it. I wish to bring to the fore the smiles on faces of common men and women, that have come alongside the new Budget.
I will begin with the subject closest to my heart and that is child development. I strongly believe how we nurture our children mirrors the future of the state. As a teacher, a grandmother myself, it is gratifying to ensure that children, specially to those belonging to weaker sections of the society, getting equal rights to education and nutritious food. I feel happy to share with you that a new initiative in the state Budget will now provide hot meals straight from centralized kitchen to aanganwadi children in Ahmedabad, Vadodara, Surat and Rajkot districts. Also, Doodh Sanjivani Yojana has been extended to all tribal talukas that will facilitate milk to aanganwadi children there.
Over 500 existing kitchens will be modernized under the new Budget that will guarantee nutritious food for the children. A total provision of over Rs 966 crore has been allocated towards implementing Mid Day Meal scheme in more than 35,000 primary schools of the state.
Education travels beyond boundaries and schools extend beyond any walls. No child should be restricted from having the best education facilities. With a view to provide free of cost education to children of the poor studying in private primary schools, state already provides an assistance of upto Rs 10,000 per child towards fees in certain cases. It is now proposed to provide an additional amount of Rs 3000 per child for uniform, shoes, school bag and ancillary facilities to 43,000 children, over Rs 55 crore has been provided for the same.
To ensure that talented children belonging to poor families may not be deprived of the scope of higher education, it is proposed to create a corpus fund of Rs 1000 crore within the next four years to expand Chief Minister Scholarship Scheme. It is proposed to augment the Fund by Rs 300 crore in the coming year. Ten new colleges will be set up in talukas not having a single college and a new university, to cater to tribal areas in the eastern belt of the state. I cannot wait to see tribal children taking benefit of pre-metric scholarships that have been almost doubled in all standards. Also, maintenance grant for students in Ashram Shalas has been increased by 50%.
Along with education, inculcating good habits, manners and lessons of good conduct in the young generation is vital for nation-building. Initiatives like Gunotsav, Gyan Saptah, Student Police Cadet and Shala Praveshotsav by the state government focus in the same direction. Children can also prove to be a huge driving force for this movement of ‘Swachh Gujarat, Swachh Bharat’. A grant of Rs 21,600 per annum is provided to around 33,000 primary schools for the purpose of maintenance and cleanliness. Also, under the new Budget, Cleanliness Kits will be made available in the schools to engage children and schools in the Swachhata Abhiyaan.
Smiles on faces of little children and its impact on nation’s future are immeasurable, beyond any tangible targets and outlays.
I wish to see every child of my state happy, educated and a part of Gujarat’s success story.
Yours
Anandi Patel
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