Abhiyan of 'Garib Kalyan Mela' has now also become a mission of people, said Chief Minister Shri Narendrabhai Modi in Talaja. He assured the poor that they can trust the State Government in tough days of their lives.

The State Government, today, organised a Garib Kalyan Mela covering five talukas of Bhavnagar district - Talaja, Bhavnagar, Ghogha, Mahuva and Palitana where Chief Minister and other Ministers gave away aid worth Rs 95 crore to about 44000 beneficiaries. Two melas organised for Bhavnagar district, jointly helped more than one lac families with Rs 187 crore worth of benefits and allotted 4.5 lac square meter land to homeless poor.

Chief Minister said that a poor also have dreams and emotions and so must be treated as a human being, not as a vote-machine. The spirit of Garib Kalyan Mela has now animated economically backward people. They are now vigor to come out of poverty, he said.

Referring to the welfare of rural women he said that Sakhi-Mandals will be entrusted a management of Rs 1000 crore to battle the evil of debt. He expressed confidence that women of Shakhi-Mandals will take up a fight against mediators. He assured that the Government is taking strong measures against mediators.

Finance Minister Shri Vajubhai Vala emphasized educating girl child and said that education is an important medium for eradicating poverty.

Agriculture Minister Shri Dilipbhai Sanghani admired the Chief Minister's vision and efforts for fighting poverty.

Energy Minister Shri Saurabhbhai Patel, Chief Whip Shri Pradipsinh Jadeja, MLA Smt.Bhavanaben Makavana also addressed the mela.

MP Shri Rajendrasinh Rana, Naranbhai Kachhadiya, MLA Shri Mahendrasinh Sarvaiya, Keshubhai Nakarani, Vibhavariben Dave, Government office bearers, leaders and people in large number were present on the occasion.