Gandhinagar, 24 February, 2012

Finance Minister Vajubhai Vala in his budget speech today announced Rs 500 crore as share capital for Ahmedabad – Gandhinagar Metro train project. He announced Rs 100 crore for Sardar Patel’s tallest statue in the world, ‘the statue of unity’. Vala announced 60 crore for new air strips at Ambaji, Palitana, Ankleshwar and Dwarka by the State Aviation Infrastructure Company and Rs 25 crore for Dholera international airport. He announced boost for e-libraries, a new Spinning park, addition of 500 MW wind energy, introducing 5 MW roof-top Solar power generation in Gandhinagar, Science museum in Patan, Sant nagari in Sabarkantha, 12 KU band educational channels, Rs 9000 crore for Narmada department, anti-human trafficking cell in police and much more. Following are the announcements in Shri Vajubhai Vala’s own words:

A provision of ` 2300 crore under Water Supplies and Kalpsar Department

 A provision of ` 219 crore is made for the canal rehabilitation works in the State Irrigation Schemes including the medium irrigation schemes like Dharoi, Kadana, Panam, Mahi, Ukai, Shetrunji, Machchhu-1, Und, Bhadar, Sukhi, Kutch etc.

 Further, a provision of ` 439 crore is made for the Sardar Patel Participatory Water Conservation Scheme and for the works related to new check-dams, ponds, tube wells and ground water recharge works under other schemes.

 Provisions are made for the filling up of reservoirs through Narmada Pipeline under the Sujalam Suphalam Scheme, namely-

 A provision of ` 140 crore for the dams of Vatrak, Maajam and Meshwro in Sabarkantha district.

 A provision of ` 100 crore for Dantiwada and Sipu Reservoirs in Banaskantha district.

 A provision of ` 45 crore for new pipeline from Patan to Dindrol of Sidhdhpur taluka

 A provision of ` 125 crore for the reservoirs of Sukhbhadar, Goma, Kaniyad of Surendranagar and Bhavnagar districts and Krushnasagar in Botad.

 It is planned to undertake 31 kilometer long pipeline on PPP basis at an estimated cost of ` 170 crore, from Karannagar of Kadi taluka to Dhandhusan of Mehsana taluka, under the Sujalam Safalam Scheme.

 A provision of ` 113.37 crore to prevent erosion and salination ingress in South Gujarat and Saurashtra-Kutch.

 A provision of ` 40 crore for the works of Sant Sarovar Barrage near Indroda.

 An allocation of ` 40 crore for Kalpsar division, of which a provision of ` 11.80 crore for Bhadbhut weir near Bharuch.

 A provision of ` 434 crore for extending the irrigation schemes for the farmers of tribal area in the State, Panam High level canal, Ukai Purna high level canal and water conservation works like new checkdams, depending the tanks, lift irrigation schemes, canal reforms of the existing scheme etc. has been suggested.

 A provision of ` 27 crore has been made with an ambitious plan of undertaking a satellite based contour survey in the tribal region extending from Ambajee to Umargam, that will enhance the irrigation facility for the farmers with the construction of new ponds and expansion of existing ones.

Provision of ` 9000 crore under Sardar Sarovar Yojana

 Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel was the architect of unified independent India and a proud son of Gujarat. His memoir-the Statue of Unity- will be the symbol of national unity, apart from being the tallest statue of the world. Provision of ` 100 crore.

 The details of the Canal works pertaining to the Narmada that have been mentioned earlier in the Agriculture sector are as follows. A provision of ` 1514 crore is made to complete the works of Botad branch canal, Morabi branch canal, Dhangadhra branch canal and Limbadi branch canal in Saurashtra area at the cost of ` 2600 crore. Besides, Moreover, it has been planned to provide irrigation facilities for about 6.25 lakh acres of land in the seven talukas of Surendranagar district, two talukas of Rajkot district, five talukas of Bhavnagar district and four talukas of Ahmedabad district using the distribution works of Botad, Morabi, Dhangadhra, Maliya, Limbadi and Vallabhipur.

 Similarly, a provision of ` 713 crore has been made to facilitate irrigation for the farmers of Santalpur, Varahi, Rapar and Bhachau talukas; as well as a provision of ` 447 crore has been made to complete the works of six branch canals of Radhanpur, Vav, Tharad talukas of Banaskantha district that will serve about eight lakh acres of land. A provision of ` 521 crore has been proposed to complete the works of branch canals in the Kadi, Detroj, Viramgam, Sami, Harij talukas of Uttar Gujarat, which will facilitate irrigation in eight lakh acres of land.

 Automation works will be undertaken in the Narmada main Canal and the Sankarda and Vadodara branch canal connected with the main canal, for which a provision of ` 104 crore

 A provision of ` 50 crore to construct a weir near Garudeshwar, at the cost of ` 300 crore. The weir will facilitate storage of 30,800 lakh sq.ft water in 11 kilometers downstream of Sardar Sarovar Dam and will also help for generation of additional electricity.

Provision of ` 2500 crore under the Water Supply Division

 A provision of ` 1425 crore for bulk pipelines from Navada to Botad, Navada to Budhel, Dhhanki to navada, Dhhanki to Malia and from Dhhanki and Ratanpur. The 467 kilometers long pipelines will extend drinking water facilities to 900 villages of Saurashtra and Kutch region.

 Rajkot, Morbi, Mahesana, Ankleshwar, Bharuch, Vapi, Valsad are the rapidly growing industrial areas. in order to provide drinking water in the OG areas of such cities, a provision of ` 150 crore has been made.

 Provision of ` 180 crore has been made under Sagarkhedu Vikas Yojana for strengthening of water supply system in coastal regions of the State.

 Provision of ` 316.10 crore for strengthening the water supply scheme in tribal areas of the State.

 Provision of ` 57 crore has been made for Scheduled Caste Sub Plan.

 Provision of ` 50 crore to increase inflow of water sources in about 1600 ‘Falias’ of different districts.

 Provision of ` 150 crore to create internal distribution system in about 1200 villages through the Water Committees created under WASMO.

 Provision of ` 150 crore to provide drinking water to Dahod and Bhavnagar. Provision of ` 4260 crore under Road and Building Department

 Up-gradation of 5800 kilometers of the roads connecting to different villages and cities of the State will be undertaken with a provision of ` 1400 crore.

 A provision of ` 133 crore has been made for the construction of 117 kilometers long Ahmedabad-Dholera express highway, connecting Dholera Special Investment Region.

 At an estimated cost of ` 133 crore, about 180 kilometer long roads will be re-surfaced as a part of the Vikas Path Yojana. A provision of ` 60 crore has been made for the current financial year.

 It is planned to construct six lane road for Bagodara-Vataman-Tarapur Vasad, four lane road for Surat-Kadodara-Bardoli Anjar-Chirai and for widening and strengthening the roads of Bhuj-Bhachau etc., with the estimated cost of ` 3080 crore through public private partnership.

 About 340 kilometers of the roads connecting industrial areas like Navlakhi, Ghogha and Okha ports and Umargam, Savali and Halol are proposed to be widened upto 10 meters with the expenditure of ` 746 crore on public private partnership basis.

 With an estimated cost of ` 150 crore, railway over-bridge and under-bridge will be constructed near Anand, Palanpur, Mahesana and Sobhasan (Dist. Mahesana) on public private partnership basis.

 Being highly important, Sanand and Mahesana by-pass highway is proposed to be built at an estimated cost of ` 200 crore.

 A provision of ` 294.45 crore has been made to further continue the schemes of Vikaspath, Kisanpath and Pravasipath.

 Provision of ` 88.50 crore for the construction of District Seva Sadan and Taluka Seva Sadan buildings.

 For providing tar-road connectivity to the villages with a population less than 250 in tribal areas and less than 500 in other areas, a provision of ` 150 crore.

 Inspired by the experience of road connectivity provided in the tribal areas of the Dangs, it is planned to extend similar all-weather connectivity to other tribal parts as well. The remote villages of the Sagbara, Dahod and Vijaynagar are proposed to be connected by roads, with a provision of ` 50 crore.

 A provision of ` 80 crore for Mitha Khadak, Gandhi Upavan, Dandi bridge and Gandhi Museum in Mahatma Mandir and for the Swarnim Park in Gandhinagar, capital of Gujarat.

 An extensive planning for Gujarat State Highway Project aided by World Bank with the expenditure of ` 2200 crore for the strengthening of total 1576 kilometer long roads.

 A provision of ` 16.35 crore for the construction of bridge connecting Ahmedabad and Kheda district near Vautha.

Provision of ` 1081 crore under Ports and Transportation Department

Due to the rapid growth of the State, it has become mandatory to explore the alternative means of connectivity, apart from the traditional road and railway network, especially when there are feasible alternative available to the State. The State seeks to exploit the possibilities of creating an extensive water-based transport network over the 1600 kilometers long coastal line. Such a network connecting the important cities on the coast will accelerate the economic growth in general as well as in the coastal region, would be economical both in terms of money and time and will also be a boon for the environmental protection.

 For starting the Ro-Ro ferry service between Ghogha and Dahej in the Bay of Cambay, a provision of ` 255 crore has been made for the construction of the first phase of the ferry terminal Project.

 To examine the possibility of creating similar Ro-Ro ferry service between the ports like Hajira, Pipavav, Jafarabad, Okha, Jamnagar, Mundra and Mandavi, a feasibility study will be undertaken for the same.

 For facilitating the Navy Ships patrolling on the coastal line as well as the commercial ships, a jetty will be constructed at Porbandar. Provision of ` 255 crore.

 A provision of ` 290 crore for purchasing 1600 new S.T. buses.

 A provision of ` 13.86 crore for building new RTO Office at Surat, Vadodara and Bavla.

In the modern world, the term infrastructure is not confined to roads and railways only. An extensive network of Energy infrastructure is also needed. We have given priority to the infrastructural development of Energy sector, that will give long term dividends.

With an increase of 50 percent, a provision of ` 3731 crore under the Energy and Petrochemicals Department.

 Our established capacity of electricity is 13,914 megawatt as on 01.01.2012. We are planning to increase it in a single year by 33 percent i.e. 4583 megawatt, by 31.12.2012., resulting in 18,497 megawatt in the established capacity.

 With a cost of ` 765 crore, 140 new substations are planned to be installed to strengthen the electricity transmission network, including five substations of 400 K.V. at Kalavad, Keshod, Dhandhuka, Aanchaliya (Bharuch) and Santalpur.

 It is planned to add new electricity transmission lines and replace old lines of 3067 circuit kilometers at the cost of ` 1145 crore.

 One lakh poor families will be provided domestic electric connections at the cost of ` 47 crore under Huts Electrification Scheme, Kutir Jyoti Yojana, Electrification scheme in scheduled caste area.

 It is planned to provide electricity for 24 hours for Green House System

 Provision of ` 227 crore for improvement of distribution lines and repairing of transmission lines with a view to provide qualitative electricity supply in the coastal area. This will overcome the disruption due to humidity in such regions.

 Development of Non-conventional Energy Sector as a part of long term planning of the State:

 It is planned to set up transmission infrastructure to evacuate power from the “Swarnim Solar Park”, situated in Patan district. The Asian Development Bank has sanctioned an amount of ` 500 crore for this biggest solar park in Asia.

 With an aim of making Gandhinagar a solar city, 5 MW capacity will be created in Gandhinagar city under Roof-top Solar Power Generation Scheme. Similar capacity will be developed in cities such as Rajkot, Mehsana, Surat, Bhavnafgar and Vadodara.

 As the entire world is facing an unprecedented energy crisis, we need to explore alternative means like solar energy. Gujarat has initiated an innovative plan that saves resources like land and water as well as transmission loss. For the first time in the country, electricity will be generated by erecting solar panel on the Narmada canal near Sanand Branch Canal.

 It is planned to add total 500 megawatt capacity from wind energy.

 Global warming has compelled the world to explore non-conventional energy sources. Gujarat has the potential of converting the 1600 kilometer long coastal line as a source of economic advantage by exploiting the tidal energy. Again, Gujarat may be the first to do so in the country. Apart from this, the hot-water streams at places viz. Tulsishyam, Unai, Tuva-timba are the indications of the huge potential of geo-thermal energy in Gujarat. A provision of ` 50 crore is made to undertake research in this field.

 In Gujarat, electricity generation through solar energy, wind energy and biomass is developing rapidly. This means that technically trained youth will be required even in the smaller habitats all over the state. A provision of ` 10 crore to establish a training institution to impart primary training to youngsters and thereby creating a well-trained force.

 Gujarat is the first State in the country that has succeeded in creating a state-wide network of the gas-grid pipelines which caters the rural areas as well. It is a matter of pride that the Gujarat State Petronet Limited Company, engaged in the gas transmission, is one of the two biggest companies in entire country. Pipeline network of about 544 kilometers length are proposed to be laid by March, 2013.

 In terms of PNG Gas distribution, GSPC Gas Company of Gujarat has emerged as the fastest growing company of the country in last five years. GSPC Gas Company and the Sabarmati Gas Company will collectively provide about one lakh domestic gas connections. With this, the total number of domestic gas connections will reach to five lakhs. Thus, this company would become the first in the country to cater to as many as 515 villages and towns. Further, 50 new CNG stations will be added for gas supply to the vehicles, making a total of 205 gas stations.

 The Government of India is required to spend crore of rupees on the subsidies provided to LPG cylinders and on petrol and diesel. As Gujarat has created an extensive gas-grid extending even to rural areas, it has certainly created burden on the State owned enterprises; but the same time, it saves ` 500 crore subsidy per year for the national exchequer.

 It is a matter of pride that the first ever oil well was dedicated to the Country in Gujarat. Today, Gujarat has emerged as a petro-capital of the country. Till recent times, Gujarat was contributing significantly in the field of oil-wells, gas and oil exploration and oil refineries.

With increasing capabilities, Gujarat has come forward to take a challenge for creating infrastructural facilities in the field of gas and oil for the whole country. Recognizing our capabilities in the field of petro-chemicals, the Government of India has also taken initiative to create a partnership. The Gujarat State Petronet Limited Compnay will be a partner to the Public Sector companies of the Government of India, which will be laying inter-state pipelines project

 from Mallavaram (Andhra Pradesh) to Bhilwara (Rajasthan) (1611 kilometers)
 from Mehsana (Guajrat) to Bhatinda (Punjab) (1688 kilometers)
 from Bhatinda (Punjab) to Jammu (Jammu and Kashmir) (720 kilometers)

The above-mentioned pipeline network, with an estimated cost of ` 12,500 crore, will encompass almost one third of the area of the country and Gujarat will be a major contributor in the project of national significance.

With an increase of 50 percentage, a provision of ` 5670 crore is made under Urban

Development and Urban Housing.

In the past, the planning and development of a city depended upon the capacity of that particular city and its financial resources. As Gujarat is urbanizing rapidly, we have resolved to compete with the developed nations of the world in terms of urban amenities. This requires us to go for wellplanned urban development. Given limited resources, it is difficult for smaller towns to achieve this by their own resources. Hence, on the occasion of the Swarnim Jayanti Year, the State Government launched Chief Minister’s Urban Development Scheme of ` 7000 crore.

 As the Chief Minister’s Urban Development Scheme has been an immense success, the program will be strengthened and its scope would widened further. This task is so huge that we have planned to spend ` 18,000 crore over next five years. A provision of ` 3000 crore has been made for the same in the current year budget. The planning would be a great service to the middle class of the urban area, which survives on a fixed income. Multi-dimensional planning has been made for the said scheme.

 Every middle class citizen dreams of having a home of his own. The State Government has envisaged a scheme to provide affordable housing for the middle classes, at the cost of ` 2000 crore.

 With a view to improving the human development index of urban the citizens living in slum area, primary education, health and nutrition sectors will be strengthened.

 It is planned to impart training to urban youth that enhances their skills and provides employment opportunities in consonance with the emerging economic activities.

 It is planned to strengthen the infrastructural network along with creating a cost and time effective city-transport network.

 It is planned to provide ` 2000 crore to provide for the internal development of the societies and streets, including roads for internal development of societies, paving and street light.

 It is planned to provide ` 4000 crore for strengthening of water supply, drainage system.

 In order to create social infrastructure facilities in cities, it is planned to provide ` 750 crore for the construction of new school building and repairing of the old school buildings; and ` 500 crore for the Urban Health Centres.

 For creating congenial ambiance for the children of urban areas, Nandghar (Aganwadi) shall be constructed in the cities.

 Given the success of the “Vanche Gujarat” campaign, this is an opportune moment to modernize the libraries of the State. If a wide network of E-Libraries is created throughout the State, the youth and citizens could avail of numerous e-books and emagazines. A special plan is proposed to create E-Libraries across the State.

 The success of Khel Mahakumbh has began a new era in the field of sports in Gujarat. A special provision is proposed for development of sports facilities in cities.

 With a view to keep the cities clean and healthy, ` 500 crore is planned to be provided for Solid Waste Management and Liquid Waste Management. An amount of ` 500 crore is planned to be provided for vegetable markets, seasonal trades, market for small traders and parking and public utilities in the cities.

 In order to connect Ahmedabad-Gandhinagar and to provide economical, rapid and efficient transportation in the bigger cities at a cost of ` 15,000 crore, a provision of ` 500 crore as share capital to the ambitious project of MEGA.

 A provision of ` 45 crore for construction of Railway Overbridge / underbridge.

 Night shelters shall be built for homeless poor in cities with more than five lakh population.

Economic Services

A vibrant economy has become the identity of Gujarat. And yet, there are unexplored possibilities in the field of industry. We could still touch new heights in the sphere of economic activities. Likewise, we can establish our identity at international level in the field of economic services through qualitative improvement. In this view, I would like to draw the attention of this august House to a number of plans.

Provision of ` 2800 crore under Industry and Mines

 The contribution of the manufacturing sector in the GSDP of the State, is 27 percent at present. With an aim to attain the target of 32 percent by 2017, specific sectors will be given priority as per the Industrial Policy, 2009 with a provision of ` 200 crore.

 The major sectors which are planned to be promoted include Technical Textiles, Food and Agro Business Park, Auto and components, specialty and fine chemicals, solar and wind equipments manufacturing and electronic system design and manufacturing (ESDM).

 Gujarat has attained remarkable achievement in the field of cotton production and now is at the stage where we could contribute considerably for cotton seed production in the country. However, the benefits reaching to the State would be more meaningful, if we are able to harness the entire value chain. A provision of ` 70 crore has been made for this, which includes;

 It is planned to address the entire value chain encompassing all the stages of production, i.e. from Farm for Fabric. This includes conversion from cotton to yarn, yarn to cloth and cloth to readymade garment. This would result in noteworthy benefits for the farmers involved in cotton cultivation.

 The cotton spinning units will be supported with an aim to double the present capacity of 25 lakh spindles within five years.

 Infrastructural facilities are proposed for creation of Spinning Park.

 In the wake of industrial and tourism development in Gujarat, a provision of ` 60 crore has been made for new air strips to be developed at Ambaji, Palitana, Ankleshwar and Dwarka by the State Aviation Infrastructure Company and to promote aviation institute.

 A provision of ` 25 crore towards share capital to establish International Airport at Dholera.

 A provision of ` 117.50 crore is made for creation of facilities befitting to national & international convention, in phase-I-B as a part of Mahatma Mandir complex.

Cottage and village industry Department

 A provision of ` 165 crore has been made for creating supplementary employment for about two lakh fifteen thousand youth of the State in the cottage industry scheme and for implementing schemes aimed at the development of the workers of unorganized sector. Tourism and Yatradham Development Department

Gujarat has emerged as an attractive tourist destination due to well-orchestrated strategy implemented in past few years. It is for this reason that the number of visitors coming to Gujarat has increased by three lakhs in the last one year. While the national increase in tourists is 10 percent, Gujarat has attracted tourists with an increase of 16 percent. Gujarat has been awarded in the tourism sector at National level as well. The Government aims to develop the tourism sector further on public private partnership basis. Kutch and Junagadh have become important destinations. The government also plans to come up with new Tourism Policy in order to develop novel dimensions of spiritual tourism, heritage tourism, historical tourism, adventure tourism, ecotourism, water sports, etc. in the future. Interventions like tourist guide, tourist police, tourist publications, etc. would be developed bring about qualitative change in this promising sector. The day is not far when Gujarat would be reckoned as best host at international level.

 A provision of ` 39 crore for the development of pilgrim places like Somnath, Dwarka, Junagadh, Palitana, Ambaji and Dakor and other religious places.

 A provision of ` 3.5 crore for Sant-Nagari in Sabarkantha district. Provision of ` 200 crore under Science and Technology Department

 Provision of ` 35 crore for the works of phase-II at Science City.

 Provision of ` 8.33 crore for setting up a Science Museum at Patan.

 Provision of ` 10 crore for setting up of 2000 GUJCOST Science Clubs with a view to cultivate scientific approach in children at school level as well as establishment of 50 Lokvigyan Centres at taluka level for creating awareness.

 Five centres of excellence and 20 minor research projects are proposed to be established in order to promote scientific research.

 With a view to enhance the capacity of Setcom Digital Uplink, an antenna of 11 meter Ku- Band uplink shall be established.

 The State has succeeded in gaining access to the 36 megahertz transponder on Indian Communication Satellite. In order to take maximum advantage of the technology, 12 channels shall be launched at the first stage to provide education in remote areas using modern technology.

General Services

Gujarat has earned reputation at national and international level for good governance in various sectors by providing public management/amenities and administrative infrastructural services in the entire State.

A provision of ` 978.98 crore for Decentralized Planning and Taluka Centric Development.

In order to strengthen the decentralized district planning program, a provision of ` 403.25 crore is made for allotment to Executing Committee under Prant Officer, for mitigating the issues pertaining to basic needs such as internal rural roads, sewerage system, disposal of solid waste, arrangement for drinking water to improve life standard of backward people as well as citizens of small villages and towns under “Apano Taluko Vibrant Taluko” (ATVT) Scheme.

 Under Decentralized District Planning, for balanced development of all the districts, allotment has been made for various schemes such as Discretionary Provisions, Incentive Expenditure Provision, development of geographically backward areas of 12 districts, rehabilitation of assets under District Innovation Fund, allocation for comprehensive development of 41 developing talukas and for community works of local importance. A provision of ` 575.72 crore is proposed under Decentralized District Planning. Provision of ` 1034 crore under Home Department

Gujarat is well known at the national level for the maintenance of Law and Order, and we would want to move ahead of the conventional methods of maintaining law and order. Gujarat has established three important institutions, namely Rakshashakti University, Forensic Science

University and Gujarat National Law University to serve the future generations. The manpower that will be trained at these three institutions would become an asset in future for maintaining law and order. Also, we have recognized the importance of specialized interventions like coastal police and tourist police.

A provision of ` 760 crore under Revenue Department

 The Revenue Department has adopted a novel and extensive approach to maintain all the land records related to land in a modern manner. A provision of ` 14 crore is made to update Record Rooms of City Survey Offices at district level.

 Provision of ` 10 crore to digitalize the records of land-rights by scanning such registers and prepare a data base.

 Provision of ` 10 crore to prepare a data-base that includes photograph and finger print of land holders, under E-Dhara project.

 Provision of ` 17 crore to strengthen functioning of the taluka offices under Apano Taluko Vibrant Taluko (ATVT).

 After devastating earthquake, Gujarat has undertaken many innovative approaches as a part of our preparedness to mitigate such challenges. A provision of ` 190 crore is made for strengthening response systems and augmenting equipment for field of disaster management,.

A provision of ` 240 crore under Food and Civil Supplies Department

Being committed to the welfare of the poor, the use of technology has been promoted to ensure that the food-grains supplied by the Public Distribution System reaches the neediest citizens. For this, PDS has been modernized with interventions like bar-coded ration cards and biometric system.

 Present storage capacity of godowns of Civil Supplies Corporation is 2.44 lakh metric tons. A provision of ` 42.75 crore is made with a view to increase such storage capacity by further one lakh metric tons.

 A provision of ` 45.62 crore is made for implementation of Door-step Delivery of foodgrains to the dealers of fair price shops.

A provision of ` 465 crore under Legal Department

 A total provision of ` 69.10 crore is made for construction of new Court buildings in various districts and talukas.

 The Dangs being designated as a Judicial District as well, six new courts will be set up, ranging from the Court of Sessions Judge to the Court of Additional Civil Judge. A provision of ` 2.90 crore for the same.

 Provision of ` 1.68 crore for setting up four courts of full-time Additional District Judge at Kalol, Visnagar, Jetpur and Limdi.

 Provision of ` 1.69 crore for setting up four courts of full-time Senior Civil Judge at Halol, Lunawada, Keshod and Limdi.

 Provision of ` 294 crore for the development of infrastructural facilities for the judicial sector.

 Provision of ` 19.45 crore for the developing the campus of Gujarat National Law University.

A provision of ` 915 crore under Panchayat and Rural Housing Division.

Today is 24th February, 2012. We are getting ready to commemorate the Golden Jubilee Year of the historical event when Gujarat gifted the Panchayati Raj system to the nation. On this occasion, it is planned to strengthen the Gram Panchayats and reiterate our commitment to the Panchayati Raj.

 Today many villages have grown to town-like dimensions. Given this, Gujarat has taken up an innovative RURBAN approach to provide urban amenities in the rural areas, and still retain the flavor of rural life. Provision of ` 120 crore is proposed for creating infrastructural facilities in the Rurban schemes.

 Provision of ` 90 crore for consolidating e-Gram system in 13,685 Gram Panchayats of the State and making them more useful to people.

 A provision of ` 10 crore for construction of Panchayat Ghar and residential quarters for Talati-cum-Mantri.

 For the Golden Jubilee Year of the Panchayati Raj, there are plans to strengthen the local self governance institutions and to infuse new enthusiasm in the Panchayati Raj institutions through different programs. A provision of ` 50 crore is proposed. A provision of ` 800 crore under Rural Development Division.

 A provision of ` 800 crore with a view to provide employment for livelihood in rural areas, water management, assistance for residence for homeless rural families and creation of Nirmal Gam through complete sanitation.

 A provision of ` 125.59 crore for setting up 2700 Gram Sachivalaya.

 A provision of ` 132 crore for making 5000 villages “Swachha Gram Swastha Gram” under the total Sanitation Campaign.

 A provision of ` 37 crore for 450 watershed projects covering 3000 villages. A provision of ` 110 crore under Climate Change Department Recognizing the challenges of Climate Change, Gujarat took initiatives in responding in a formal manner as well. It includes,

 A provision of ` 28 crore as assistance for special project to develop Gandhinagar as a Solar City and Carbon Neutral City.

 A provision of ` 23 crore for promotion of technology for development of energy efficient instruments, to motivate people to adopt such technology and thereby creating awareness. A provision of ` 549 crore for Forests and Environment Department:

 A provision of ` 526 crore for conservation and development of forests and wild life, which includes,–

o A provision of ` 192 crore for the tribal areas,
o A provision of ` 24 crore for Special Component Scheme for Scheduled Castes.

 Planning for coastal environmental mapping and integrated coastal zone management.

 A provision of ` 18 crore for conservation of environment.

 A provision of ` 12 crore for conservation of lions, the pride of Gujarat.

Social Services Provision of ` 2700 crore under Education Department.

 A provision of ` 551 crore for the construction of 15,600 class-rooms and 7688 compound walls, and repair of 1200 school buildings for primary education.

 As Standard-VIII is now incorporated in the higher primary education, it is planned to recruit 10,000 teachers.

 Provision of ` 32 crore for providing educational material to 32000 primary schools.

 Provision is made of ` 12.50 crore for construction of 1000 toilets blocks for disabled students in primary schools.

 It is planned to undertake for computerization under BOOT system in primary education at a cost of ` 78 crore.

 A provision of ` 82 crore for construction of 350 new secondary schools, 73 new model schools and buildings of girls’ hostels.

 A provision of ` 19.85 crore for construction of six new government schools and modernization of 60 government schools.

Home department:

 Modernization of the police force is necessary for maintenance of law and order. A provision of ` 50 crore is made for the modernization of the communication system and other equipment.

 Provision of ` 72.50 crore is made for purchasing of arms and modern ammunition for the police force.

 Provision of ` 100 crore is proposed for construction of office buildings and 1000 police staff quarters.

 Provision of ` 29 crore to equip Police force with more than 500 vehicles.

 Provision of ` 22.47 crore for establishing 17 new Police stations, up-gradation of 11 police stations and 13 police outposts in order to increase the span of Police Administration.

 A plan to create 1000 new posts of traffic police in urban areas.

 As a part of approach to get co-operation of people at large in maintaining law and order, a provision of ` 1 crore for Community policing.

 The Forensic Science Laboratory of Gujarat has earned reputation at national level. In order to enable the FSL to undertake scientific methods in the investigation of crime, a provision of ` 13.20 crore to equip the FSL with advanced machines and equipments.

 For different constructions works of the Forensic Science Laboratory University, a provision of ` 17.66 crore has been made.

 Proper training to police personnel from time to time enables them to meet challenges. Hence, an exclusive training unit shall be established at Sundhiya of Mehsana District for the Home Guards and another training center shall be established to impart training to Police Constables and Lokrakshak.

 As a part of preparedness for mitigating the challenges of crime changing with time, an anti-Human Trafficking Cell shall be established and courses for Coastal Police and Tourist Police are proposed to be started at Rakshashakti University.

 A provision of ` 29.34 crore for construction works under the Jail Department.

 A provision of ` 18 crore to purchase equipments, vehicles and to install CCTV system and for other measures for upgrading the Jails.

Development of deprived sections of society The participation of every citizen in the development of the state is of utmost importance to us; especially such citizens who could not earlier get sufficient opportunities for development due to social and geographical reasons. Development cannot be termed balanced, unless every section of society gets appropriate developmental benefits. Keeping in mind, such of our brothers, we had presented a trio of schemes viz.,

Vanabandhu Kalyan Yojana, Sagarkhedu Sarvangi Vikas Yojana and Shahari Garib Samrudhi Yojana. Government is the support for those who have no other support. We believe that the development of the deprived is service to God. Earlier, the desired developmental results could not be achieved, because of the dis-aggregated nature of various schemes. Therefore, a concerted strategy was necessary to express our sensitivity towards Dalit, marginalised and deprived sections of our society. After implementation of this trio of schemes, today when we look back at these five years, we are assured that the we have been guided to the best way to provide welfare to the marginalized sections.

Today, we are able to observe the positive results. The deprived sections of society now have the confidence and enthusiasm that they can move out of poverty with the co-operation of the government, that they can not only benefit from development, but that they too can contribute to the developmental process. A huge increase is proposed to be made in the welfare schemes in order to harness this new confidence and to ensure the participation of the poor and deprived sections of society in the process of development. Education and Health may be most important means to free this section of society from poverty. Therefore, priority has been given for schemes relating to educational assistance. Mainly, the schemes being implemented by the Social Justice and Empowerment Department, Tribal Development Department, Rural Housing Division, Rural Development Division etc. have been included hereunder:

 Provision of ` 149.25 crore for increasing the amount of assistance for school uniforms provided to about 50 lakh students of primary schools with an:
 Increase from ` 200/- to ` 300/- for scheduled castes.
 Increase from ` 200/- to ` 300/- for scheduled tribes.
 Increase from ` 200/- to ` 300/- for developing castes.
 The scholarship given to the students of primary schools is proposed to:
 Increase from ` 150/- to ` 250/- for scheduled castes.
 Increase from ` 150/- to ` 250/- for scheduled tribe
 Increase from ` 150/- to ` 250/- for developing castes.

Besides, the scholarship given to the students of the secondary schools is proposed to
 Increase from ` 300/- to ` 400/- for scheduled castes-
 Increase from ` 300/- to ` 400/- for scheduled tribes-
 Increase from ` 300/- to ` 400/- for developing castes-
Total provision of ` 61.66 crore for both the above mentioned schemes giving benefit to 50,53,000 students.

 Scholarship given at present to 36 thousand ITI students, is proposed to:
 Increase from ` 250/- to ` 400/-for scheduled castes-
 Increase from ` 250/- to ` 400/- for scheduled tribes
 Increase from ` 250/- to ` 400/- for developing castes-
Provision of ` 14.68 crore is made for the scheme.

 Existing scholarship of ` 650/- given to the students studying in standard 1 to 8 and scholarship of ` 650/-given to the students studying in standard 9 and 10 from the most backward class of scheduled castes and scheduled tribes is to be increased to ` 750/- and ` 1000/- respectively. More than 3,83,000 students would benefit. Provision of ` 32.89 crore is proposed.

 Post metric scholarship is given to the girls of scheduled castes, wherein the maximum amount of ` 740/- and minimum amount of ` 235/- given to the hostellers is to be increased to ` 1200/- and ` 380/- respectively. Besides, the maximum amount of Rs.330/- of assistance given to the day scholars is to be increased to ` 550/- and the minimum amount of ` 140/- is to be increased to ` 230/-. As a result, 12,500 girls of the scheduled castes would be benefited directly. A provision of ` 8 crore for the same.

In the last ten years Gujarat has undertaken noteworthy work in the field of primary education, particularly relating to the education of girls, and the positive results are being seen now. There is a felt need for education among the deprived sections of society. Children from these sections of society have turned towards higher education. Therefore, there is an immediate need to establish a network of new hostels for them.

 For the students coming from poor families belonging to the scheduled castes, Scheduled tribes and other developing castes, a hostel is not merely a place of residence. Rather, it provides the very basic support for the educational development of the child. Keeping this in mind, a provision of ` 100 crore is proposed for construction of new hostels, equipped with all necessary modern facilities for the students of the scheduled castes, scheduled tribes and developing castes. Such a huge amount may not have been spent in the last fifty years for the hostels for the youth of the weaker sections of the society. 10,000 seats are to be increased in the hostels of the scheduled castes, scheduled Tribes and developing castes for which provision of ` 10 crore.

 Provision of ` 84 crore for increasing the rate of the maintenance grant from ` 600/- to ` 1000/- to the grant-in-aid hostels and Ashramshalas for the scheduled castes, scheduled tribes and developing castes. As a result, about two lakh students of various institutions of social welfare and about 9000 students of grant-in-aid institutions would be benefited.

 Provision of ` 3 crore for assistance of upto ` 50,000/- to give opportunity for developing the natural talents in arts and skills of youth of most backward castes of scheduled castes, scheduled tribes and developing castes and to provide training to them with a purpose that it may become a source of their livelihood.

 Provision of ` 2.50 crore for the purpose of scholarship and fee for professional courses to Students belonging to nomadic and denotified tribes and extremely backward castes of Socially and Educationally backward castes.

 Beneficiaries of Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes and Developing Castes shall be provided loan of ` 20 lakhs on similar norms, at the rate of 4% for Commercial Pilot Licence Training.

 Assistance given to patients of scheduled castes, schedule tribes and developing castes, suffering from TB, Leprosy and Cancer is to be increased to ` 500, ` 800/- and ` 1000/- respectively. A provision of ` 10 crore for the same.

 Under Scheme of Kunwarbai nu Mameru, a total provision of ` 9.65 crore is made and Assistance given to girls of scheduled castes, scheduled tribes and developing castes is to be doubled from ` 5000/- to ` 10,000/.

 The assistance given as incentive to the Scheduled castes, Scheduled Tribes and developing castes beneficiaries of mass marriage programs is to be doubled from ` 5000 to ` 10000, whereas assistance per couple given to organizer agency is to be increased from ` 1000 to ` 2000. A provision of ` 2.95 crore for the same.

 The income criteria applicable for the scheme of Economic Assistance for aged persons, is to be revised, to make all old age persons living under poverty line eligible for this assistance. A provision of ` 18.75 crore is made.

 Under Integrated Child Protection Scheme, a provision of ` 5.67 crore is made for support to Children’s Homes, Juvenile Homes, and district Child welfare activities.

 Scheme to confer Swami Vivekanand Daridranarayan Sewa Award to devoted social workers motivated by thoughts/ideology of national welfare and working for tribal welfare and to the organization which has given specific contribution for development of welfare of Vanbandhus living in tribal areas.

 With a view to extend focused attention on the extremely backward classes of the Dalit Community, the present Becharswami Extremely Backward Caste Development Board shall be converted to a Corporation, for which provision of ` 2.50 crore is made.

Homes for the Poor

The poorest person too dreams to have his own house, a stable life and a bright future for his children. It is well known that if a poor person gets a home, he gets motivated to take up an appropriate economic activity. With this in mind, we had focused on covering all the eligible families falling within the score of 0 to 16 on the poverty index, with the allotment of plots of land and houses. In the next phase, it is proposed to focus on the families falling within 17-20 poverty score below poverty line. An amount of about ` 500 crore is proposed to be spent on providing housing assistance so as to provide homes to all these families.

 As a part of this proposal, a provision of ` 354 crore under Sardar Patel Awas Yojana, ` 45 crore under Dr. Baba Saheb Ambedkar Awas Yojana, ` 45 crore under Pandit Dindayal Awas Yojana and ` 50 crore for Halpati Shramik Awas are proposed.

 Further, provision of ` 112.50 crore is made to give state share of the assistance to one lakh beneficiaries under Indira Awas Yojana.

 Moreover, a provision of ` 150 crore has been made for providing houses to 30,000 urban poor families.

As an expression of the State’s gratitude to the contribution of Shramik Bandhav –our labourer fraternity, toward the state’s development, we have adopted a family- oriented approach under the ShramYogi Yojana and propose to benefit 1,50,000 of the poorest families in the villages, through convergence of various welfare and development schemes, so as to bring them above the poverty line.

Blue print for the Future Gujarat

The way a society treats its poor and deprived classes indicates its inherent values. Further, any society that dreams of being vibrant and prosperous has to eradicate poverty and help the downtrodden to progress. Ever since independence, millions of rupees have been spent to realize this dream, but the results are not satisfactory. If we undertake a detailed analysis in the context of Gujarat, we had announced three different packages in this august House, along with detailed plan for implementation for these schemes.

Vanbandhu Kalyan Yojana

Keeping in view the overall development of the Tribals and creating infrastructure in tribal regions, ten dimensions were covered under the Vanandhu Kalyan Yojana and a provision of ` 15,000 crore was made. I announce with pride that in the period of the stipulated five years, we have surpassed the planning of ` 15,000 crore and spent ` 17,000 crore. To put it in the language of development economics, this experiment has been a high success not only in terms of output, but also in terms of outcome. Inspired by the experience of last five years, it is planned to provide an amount of ` 40,000 crore for the next five years, compared to ` 15,000 crore of the past five years. This shows that we are planning to spend more than the double amount in this sector in the ensuing years. At the first stage, we are planning to spend ` 6600 crore for the first year under Vanandhu Kalyan Yojana.

Sagarkhedu Sarvangi Vikas Yojana

This scheme was launched with an intention to encourage the people residing on the coastal areas to participate in the development journey of Gujarat, to make available to them, the fruits of development. The scheme was devised to suit the specific needs of such people living in a specific region and having a specific life style. Due to such focused approach, we could attain convergence of different Departments also, resulting in desired performance. We planned for ` 11,000 crore for the last five years and crossed this target as well. Hence, we are planning to continue this scheme also for the next five years. For coming five years, it is planned to provide an amount of ` 21,000 crore, out of which ` 4000 crore is planned for the ensuing year.

Shaheri Gareeb Samruddhi Yojana :

Getting attracted by the benefits of development of Gujarat, people from all over the country come to earn livelihood in the state. Many of them are living below poverty line and deprived of primary facilities. The welfare of this class providing informal services to the society is essential for the happiness and peace of the society at large. For the creation of healthy society, too; focusing on overall development of the urban poor is the need of the hour. Shaheri Gareeb Samruddhi Yojana was started with a noble aim that the urban youth get employment opportunity, women get respectful life and the family may get primary facilities of residence, health and education. In the last five years, we had planned ` 13000 crore, which we have achieved.

Considering this facts, it is planned to spend ` 25000 crore for the next five years; out of which, it is planned to provide ` 4500 crore has been made for this year.

These schemes are such that the poor person himself becomes a warrior to fight the condition of backwardness and poverty, he gets courage to defeat poverty and get satisfaction to live a self-respected life. The future will note that the honorable members of this House have done a noble work of expression of feelings towards society with far-sightedness.

Thus, under these three schemes, in the next five years, it is planned to spend ` 21000
crore as against ` 11000 crore in Sagar Khedu Sarvangi Vikas yojana, an amount of ` 25000
crore as against ` 13000 crore in Shahari Garib Samrudhi Yojana, and an amount of ` 40000
crore against ` 15000 crore under Vanbandhu Kalyan Yojana.