Amdavad, 25 February, 2012

Chief Minister Narendra Modi today called upon the Prant Officers to take the lead in providing able and efficient governance from the taluka level itself as part of the government’s policy of decentralization of administration.

Just as Gujarat has developed by itself over the last ten years, overcoming various crises and maintaining peace without any guidelines from the Centre, he said that each taluka has the capacity to develop by itself and it is in the same spirit that the government has reposed confidence on the taluka-level administration under innovative ‘Aapnu Taluko Vibrant Taluko’ (ATVT) programme.

Mr. Modi was inaugurating a two-day state-level workshop of 112 prant officers from 225 talukas in the state being organized by the State Revenue Department at Sardar Patel Institute of Public Administration (SPIPA).

It being the golden jubilee year of panchayati raj in Gujarat, he said, it is a great opportunity for each taluka to generate its own financial resources, manage spending, coordinate and implement various government programmes and projects.

Mr. Modi said that one secret about Gujarat’s success is minimum political interference but extending positive assistance when needed. He exuded confidence that empowerment of taluka would lead to a healthy competition among the talukas for their all round development, setting a benchmark of development at the taluka level as well.

The Chief Minister on the occasion released the ATVT Manual and e-Dhara Manual.

Speaking on the occasion, Revenue Minister Anandiben Patel said that the Chief Minister’s call for ‘sauna sath, sauna vikas’ for ‘inclusive growth through collective efforts’ has lent a new lease of life to the department. She said that ATVT programme would also help the government reach the last man in the last mile more effectively.

Prominent among those present at the inaugural session included Chief Secretary A.K. Joti, Principal Revenue Secretary C.L. Meena, Principal Panchayat Secretary R.M. Patel, SPIPA Director-General Arvind Agrawal and Secretary Sutaria.

Amazing passion visible on face