Banaskantha: Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel inaugurated the 14th edition of the Garib Kalyan Mela (GKM) in Deesa, located in the Banaskantha district. He announced that benefits totaling ₹4,568 crore would be distributed to help the state’s poor become “self-sustaining.”

“Thirteen phases of the Garib Kalyan Mela have been held in the state since 2009. During these, the poor, farmers, tribals, and women have received a total of over ₹36,800 crore in financial assistance. This support from the government has opened the door to a brighter future for poor families,” CM Patel stated. “Here in Deesa today, I have the opportunity to distribute kits to more than 11,000 people,” he added during the event on Friday.

Launched in 2009, GKM was initiated by then Chief Minister Narendra Modi. During the mela, held at various locations across the state, beneficiaries receive support from numerous government schemes, including vocational kits for different artisans.

In his speech, CM Patel commended Prime Minister Narendra Modi, highlighting that “25 crore people have risen out of poverty” due to his efforts.

“Since Narendrabhai (Modi) took responsibility for serving the country, a new chapter of garib kalyan (welfare of the poor) has commenced. He has established the foundation for the welfare of the poor on four pillars: Awas, Arogya, Anna, and Aavak (housing, health, food, and income). Trusting Modiji’s commitment to Garib Kalyan, the people of the country have entrusted him with the nation’s leadership for the third consecutive time,” he said. DeshGujarat