Gandhinagar: Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani today said that Gujarat Government has earmarked a whopping Rs. 3,641-crore in the State Budget for socio-economic development of the have-nots, oppressed and exploited.

Speaking at a function to distribute Rs.6-crore to 939 beneficiaries held here under the aegis of Thakor-Koli Vikas Nigam, he said his government’s motto is to take along all communities in the march to development, to ensure the youth belonging to oppressed class compete with their peers in global arena.

He said there is budget provision for Rs.272-crore to provide Rs.1,500-3,000 under the Apprentice Scheme. The amount will be deposited into the beneficiary’s bank account to ensure transparency.

Rupani said that education is the stepping stone to progress and the state government is conscious about its role in building Samras Chhatralaya, Science Stream Schools in each taluka, scholarship to brilliant students, stipend to apprentice and assistance to the skilled, to light lamp where there is darkness still.

He wished that today’s event succeeded as a Gramotthan scheme to make people self-reliant and self-employed to mark Nanaji Deshmukh’s death anniversary.

Social Justice and Empowerment Minister Ishwarbhai Parmar gave details of the Central and State Government’s welfare schemes for the oppressed class. Minister of State for Backward Class Welfare Vasanbhai Ahir echoed the government’s compassionate concern.

Those present on the occasion included Labour and Employment Minister Dilipkumar Thakor, Ministers of State Ishwarsinh Patel, Bachubhai Khabad and Parsottam Solanki, MLAs, Directors of the Nigam and Gandhinagar Mayor Pravinbhai Patel.

Nigam’s Chairman Nandaji Thakor delivered the welcome address and Managing Director Jashwant Gandhi conducted the programme.

– Information department