As part of Vikas Saptah, Chief Minister Presents Development Projects Exceeding ₹2,000 Crores in a Single Day

Gandhinagar : Chief Minister Shri Bhupendra Patel affirmed that Gujarat, as the nation’s growth engine, is ready to lead the realization of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s vision of Viksit Bharat @ 2047. The CM stated that Gujarat is the number one in the country in effective financial management. With a strong commitment to quality work and policies designed to prioritize the common man’s interests, we are determined to chart a path from this Amrit Kaal to the centenary of India’s independence in 2047, under the guidance of the Prime Minister. The Chief Minister was addressing the inauguration and foundation stone-laying ceremony for projects valued at over ₹2,000 crore, as part of the state’s Vikas Saptah celebrations.

On October 7, 2024, Gujarat will celebrate 23 years since Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi took office as the 14th Chief Minister on October 7, 2001, setting a new direction for the state’s development journey. To honour this 23-year milestone of Good Governance under the Prime Minister’s leadership, the state government has organized Vikas Saptah, which will include a variety of development activities. Under the leadership of Chief Minister Shri Bhupendra Patel, Vikas Saptah is being celebrated from October 7 to 15. 

At a program held at Mahatma Mandir in Gandhinagar, the CM inaugurated 16 projects and laid the foundation stones for 14 additional initiatives across various sectors, including water supply, energy, urban development, road construction, water resources, and the home department. During this event, Chief Minister Shri Bhupendra Patel highlighted that the comparison of Gujarat’s development from its establishment as a separate state in 1960 to 2001, alongside the current progress under Shri Narendra Modi’s leadership from 2001 to 2024, clearly demonstrates how visionary leadership, political will, and a commitment to the welfare of every person can lead to substantial growth. The CM further stated that Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has fostered a work culture that turns challenges into opportunities. As a result, Gujarat has emerged as a hub for renewable energy, with the largest renewable energy park being developed in Kutch. Additionally, the advancement of solar energy has made electricity more accessible and affordable for the citizens.

The Chief Minister emphasized that essential services such as water, electricity, and roads have been successfully provided to the most remote areas through sound financial management. He praised the towns in the state for actively working towards their vision of riverfront development, integrating rivers with local progress. In education, the Chief Minister highlighted the effective implementation of digital smart classrooms, the ongoing reduction in the dropout rate of girls through Kanya Kelavani Abhiyan, and the swift resolution of public issues through the technology-driven SWAGAT online initiative, all under the guidance of PM Shri Narendra Modi. He stated that the key to this success is Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s effective approach to development, which emphasizes unity among the people and builds public trust. We must work towards building a Viksit Gujarat for Viksit Bharat @ 2047. To accomplish this, the Chief Minister emphasized the importance of organizing ‘Vikas Saptah’ annually to achieve new milestones in holistic development. 

Addressing the event, Energy Minister Shri Kanubhai Desai mentioned that to position Gujarat as the growth engine of the nation’s development, Shri Narendra Modi, during his tenure as Chief Minister, implemented several key initiatives, including Shala Praveshotsav, Narmada Yojana, 
Kanya Kelavani Mohotsav, and the establishment of an Independent Climate Change Department. These initiatives have significantly accelerated Gujarat’s development journey. The Energy Minister also stated that Shri Narendra Modi introduced Gujarat’s first solar policy in 2009, leading the state to become a leader in solar energy production in the country. Furthermore, Shri Narendra Modi restructured the Power Generation and Distribution Company to ensure a continuous supply of 24-hour, three-phase electricity to villages throughout Gujarat. With the successful implementation of the “Jyotigram Yojana,” the electricity needs of the state’s citizens have been effectively met. The number of substations in Gujarat has grown from just 704 to 2,377. Under the guidance of the Prime Minister, farmers in Gujarat have received agricultural electricity connections in just four months. Currently, 90 per cent of farmers in Gujarat’s villages have access to daytime electricity, and the remaining 10 per cent will also be connected by December. Gujarat has emerged as a leader in the country in several areas, including per capita power consumption, power generation, renewable energy, and solar rooftops. The state budget has seen significant growth, rising from ₹37,000 crore to ₹3.32 lakh crore.

Water Resources and Water Supply Minister Shri Kunvarji Bavaliya welcomed everyone and emphasized Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s commitment to improving the lives of 140 crore citizens across the country without discrimination. PM Shri Narendra Modi has tackled critical issues in Gujarat, such as water and electricity, through initiatives like the Narmada Yojana and the Sardar Sarovar Dam. He introduced the Sujalam Suflam Yojana to ensure that every village in North Gujarat receives water from the Narmada, and the SAUNI Yojana to provide adequate water to Saurashtra and Kutch. Consequently, today, every part of Gujarat benefits from clean and cultivable water through Nal Se Jal initiative.

During this program, a documentary film highlighting the development achieved by Gujarat in various sectors under the guidance of former Chief Minister and current Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi was screened.

The event was attended by Minister of State for Home Shri Harsh Sanghvi, Minister of State for Forest and Environment Shri Mukesh Patel, Chief Secretary Shri Raj Kumar, Additional Chief Secretary to the Chief Minister Shri Pankaj Joshi, Additional Chief Secretary to the Chief Minister and Home Department Shri M.K. Das, and Principal Secretary of the Urban Development Department Shri Ashwini Kumar. Also present were mayors of various municipalities, municipal presidents, MLAs, officials and a large number of citizens.

Source: Information Department, Gujarat