Surat, 25 January 2013

Even as Gujarat celebrates 64th Republic Day in the Dangs as part of the state government’s policy of combining national festivals with decentralization of administration, Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi today took part in a number of functions at Vaghai and other places in the district.

Speaking at different functions on the eve of the R-Day, he said that government has this year decided to celebrate the national festival at the doorsteps of predominantly tribal people of the district to involve their participation and co-operation, lending development works the pace of a movement. It has reposed people’s renewed faith in the government.

Mr. Modi said that national festivals like R-Day are the occasion for the people to take stock of the government’s performance. The electorate that elects a government has this time done it fourth successive time, reposing unflinching confidence on the government. He said that his government is also committed to reciprocate the gesture with taking development to one and all living in remote areas.

He said that Dangs holds immense potential as a popular tourist destination, and can create job opportunities. He dedicated the new RTO office building to the people, distributed sports kits to Vivekanand Yuva Kendra. He wished the Yuva Kendras as a centre for skill developments of its youth exuberating with energy and enthusiasm.

The Chief Minister said his government will continue focusing on skill development programmes for youths as it did as a part of Swami Vivekananda’s 150th birth anniversary celebration the last year. The state’s efforts for encouraging skill building among youths have started yielding fruits as the youths in rural areas and the girls in large numbers have started joining the skill development centres. “The trained young manpower has infused a fresh vigour in the state’s manufacturing sector and Gujarat’s skill development centres have emerged as a model in the country”, he added.

He said that Suputara in Dang district is emerging as a favorite tourist spot among people. Likewise the entire Dang district will prove to be an attractive tourist place in the coming days, creating ample of employment opportunities for the youths, he hoped.

Even as the country is struggling with the issue of female feticide, the tribal people of Dang are far from this blemish. In Dang there are 1007 female against every one thousand male, which is a proud indicator of gender equality, he said.

Speaking about the Dang’s rapid development the Chief Minister said that migration of tribals to the cities in the want of employment has reduced from 40% to a mere 14%. Due to the availability of irrigation the agriculture produce have increased, giving more income to the tribals. Food grain production has increased from 73,000 ton to 1.25 lakh ton. Vegetables are cultivated in 5000 hectares. A huge amount of Rs.150 crore has been spent for putting up concrete roads in 305 villages out of 311 villages in Dang’s forest area.

In his welcome address Secretary to Youth Services and Cultural Activities Bhagyesh Jha called upon people to imbibe the ideals of Swami Vivekananda.

On the occasion, the President of Ahawa’s Vivekananda Sardh Satimandal Sanjay Patil presented a photo-frame and Mr.Ghanshyam Patel presented a bamboo art piece to the Chief Minister. Mr.Modi also launched a de-addiction drive by presenting photographs carrying about 7000 slogans to Mr.Sanjay Patil. Trainees of short term ITI computer courses were given e-Empower certificate. Ahawa’s Dipdarshan School, which won a state-level quiz, was also felicitated and presented a memento.

MLA Mangalbhai Gavit, District leader Babubhai Chorya, Transport Commissioner Mr.Gupta, District Development Officer B.K.Thakkar, officer bearers, officials, NGO leaders, youths and the people of Dang district were present in large number on the occasion.