Rajkot: Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani today assured the farmers that crop insurance dues would be paid before the Janmashtmai festival (August 15, 2017).

Speaking at a function to mark the general meeting of Rajkot district co-operative institutions at Jamkandorna, he reiterated his government’s resolve to work for rural uplift, prosperity of the poor and for the benefit of farmers.

Mr. Rupani said the Narmada Canal-based SAUNI project has so far filled up 22 dams in the Saurashtra region, as 115 more dams are planned to be filled up with the Narmada waters. The Central Government permitting closure of the radial sluice gates at the SSP dam on Narmada River has literally extended the ‘Lifeline of Gujarat’ up to Saurashtra, promising a permanent solution to the water scarcity of the region.

Referring to misinformation being spread about the land resurvey promulgation undertaken, the Chief Minister assured the farmers that not an inch would be deducted from their land. If needed, he said, the government would buy their crops at support price next kharif season. He explained the purpose of stricter law to prohibit cow slaughter.

Praising the co-operative sector activities in Rajkot district, he said the co-operative could do what the government often could not – like caring for the members even after their death – be it in dairy, animal husbandry or general life. He handed over cheques to the next in kin of members killed in accidents and natural calamities. He felicitated veteran co-operative leaders.

Gujarat Ministers Jayeshbhai Radadiya and Jasabhai Barad spoke about co-operative activities in the district.

Member of Parliament Vithhalbhai Radadiya said that co-operative banks in Rajkot nowadays advance loans at zero interest, as against a time when their interest used to be higher than other banks.

Rajkot Jila Sahkari Bank Chairman Maganbhai Ghonia, MD GThanshyambhai Khatariya, General Manager also spoke.

Others present on the occasion included MLAs Pravinbhai Mankadia, Bhanuben Babaria, Jayrajsinh Jadeja and Bavanjibhai Metaliya, Rajkot Dairy Chairman Ranpariya.

– Information