If our rocks, our homes, our streets are our heritage… our Pol is our heritage, then the lifestyle that has emerged over time…that also is our heritage and that itself…is our soul. And it is this soul that connects us.
The Garib Kalyan Mela Abhiyan has taken off; it has created a unique niche. Chief Minister Shri Narendrabhai Modi said, 'The shops of mediators have closed down. The Garib Kalyan Mela has detected new strength among the poor. In the past, those who gave support and patronage to the agents are getting uncomfortable. Vested interests have got united to play their role behind the curtains.'
Chief Minister expressed his commitment, 'It is all about improving living conditions of the poor. In the past, no one thought about it. But we have launched the Abhiyan. The critics are making hue and cry. 'Chief Minister was addressing Garib Kalyan Mela held at Mehsana today.
The 43000 beneficiaries from Mehsana, Vijapur, Kadi and Becharaji Talukas received tool-kits and benefits worth Rs. 50 Crores. During the two Melas, around 85000 beneficiaries got tool-kits and financial assistance worth Rs.94 Crores. It is aimed to bring them above the poverty-line.
Ethical response to poverty-eradication, Present Government is alive to the plight and difficulties of the poor. Chief Minister Shri Narendrabhai Modi highlighted the theme of Garib Kalyan Mela Abhiyan.
Issue of poverty is festering for decades; it is prevalent in every corner of the universe. But Gujarat Government has launched a battle against penury. Chief Minister detailed the landmark achievements of the Government, successful rehabilitation and reconstruction works carried out in Kachcha after devastating earthquake, success of Sujalam Sufalam; Jyotigram Yojana provided 24 hours electricity supply to all the villages. It reflects sincerity of purpose; State is making sincere endeavors for achieving the poverty -alleviation goal.
Intended benefits are reaching to appropriate beneficiaries. The B.P.L card holders are getting benefits, they strive to come out of poverty. Chief Minister claimed that everyone desires to uplift himself. It implies that no one can take benefits in the name of the poor.
Chief Minister elaborated upon the theme of Mission Mangalam, presently 1.25 Lakh Sakhi Mandals (Women Self Help Groups) manage the fund of Rs.400 Crores for carrying out economic activities. He reiterated that the funding is to be enhanced up to Rs.1000 Crores. It is aimed to make them free from the debt-burdens. He made fervent appeal to come out of addictions. He administered a pledge to de-addict the poor.
Education Minister Shri Ramanlal Vora, Minister for Urban Development Shri Nitinbhai Patel addressed the gathering.Collector Shri Ajay Bhadu delivered welcome address.
Revenue Minister Smt. Anandiben Patel, Social Justice and Empowerment Minister Shri Fakirbhai Vaghela, Health Minister Shri Jaynarayan Vyas, Minister of State Shri Parbatbhai Patel, Minister of State Shri Jaysinh Chauhan, M.P. Shri Jayshriben Patel, Ex. M.P. Shri Jayantibhai Barot, Shri Punjaji Thakor, MLAs Shri Anilbhai Patel, Shri Kantibhai Patel, Shri Bharatsinh Dabhi, Shri Jashodaben, Chairman Dudh -Sagar Dairy Shri Vipulbhai Chaudhari, District BJP President Shri Rushikesh Patel, District Panchayat President Shri Ramanbhai Patel, Prabhari Secretary Shri Sunayana Tomar, Ex. Ministers Shri Khodabhai Patel and eminent leaders attended the Mela
