Modasa: Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel today marking the 76th Independence Day of India unfurled national flag at district headquarters Modasa of Arvalli district in North Gujarat. The Chief Minister in his address highlighted the success of Gujarat so far and the way forward. He also later witnessed cultural performances.

The Chief Minister made some new announcements in his speech. He said: 71 lakh NFSA card holders across all talukas of Gujarat will get 1 kg chana at affordable rate per month. Presently only 50 talukas are served with this scheme.

Rashtriya Ann Suraksha Kayda coverage eligibility criteria will be increased to Rs. 15,000 from Rs. 10,000 at present.

In order to encourage green energy, zero air pollution electric buses will be put on routes of Dwarka, Ambaji, Statue of Unity and other such iconic routes.

1200 D56 buses worth Rs. 367 crore will be purchased. 50 bus stations will have ATMs.

As part of the World Bank-aided project, a system for water quality testing of rivers at the gulf of Khambhat will be set up. Also a real time coastal monitoring system will be placed.

The Statue of Unity fame Ektanagar will have a 50-bed district level new hospital with a trauma centre.

The Chief Minister announced a 3 per cent hike in the dearness allowance of state government staffers and pensioners from 1st January 2022. The staffers and pensioners benefited with the seventh pay commission will get the benefit of this announcement. The seven month difference from 1st January 2022 will be paid in three installments. The first installment will be paid with a salary of August 2022, the second and third will be paid with salary of September and October 2022. Total 9.38 lakh persons will be benefited with this announcement. The State will bear the burden of Rs. 1400 crore annually due to this decision.
DeshGujarat