Distribution of toll elimination grants to panchayats under the ‘Developed Village, Developed Gujarat’ program in Rajkot, honoring those who excelled in sanitation and women’s empowerment

Chief Minister distributed Rs 576.72 crore in toll elimination grants to village panchayats during the state-level program ‘Developed Village, Developed Gujarat’ held in Rajkot on Saturday. This amount was provided to the state’s village panchayats as a ‘Diwali gift’.

While Diwali will be celebrated on October 20 in the state, the announcement of grant distribution has already brought the ‘Diwali’ of development to rural areas. The program was organized at the Swaminarayan Temple auditorium on Kalavad Road in Rajkot, where the Chief Minister addressed panchayat representatives, officials, and women’s self-help groups.

During his address, the Chief Minister stated that the Prime Minister promoted ease of business by eliminating the toll system in the state. Now, to ensure village development doesn’t stall due to lack of toll revenue, the state government is providing crores of rupees in grants to panchayats. He mentioned that the Prime Minister has consistently increased Finance Commission grants for developing basic infrastructure like roads, electricity, and water in village panchayats.

The Chief Minister said that the Prime Minister’s decision to provide incentive grants to progressive panchayats has given new direction to rural development. This year, 761 village panchayats in the state have done remarkable work toward progress. The Chief Minister also noted increased youth participation in panchayat administration. Currently, 42 percent of sarpanches are between 21 and 40 years old, and many PhD-holding youth are also stepping forward for village service.

During the program, panchayats with best performance under the ‘Cleanliness is Service’ campaign and eight government institutions were honored. Additionally, four self-help groups doing excellent work were also recognized.

Speaking about the state government’s commitment to women’s empowerment, the Chief Minister said the government is providing all possible support to women’s self-help groups. Citing the example of the Drone Didi scheme, he said women are becoming economically empowered through this scheme. “Seeing that one Drone Didi is earning up to 14 lakh rupees annually brings great happiness.”

The Chief Minister stated that under the Prime Minister’s leadership, positive changes have occurred in both people’s mindset toward development works and the governance work culture. “Where earlier even the smallest work would take months to get approval, today municipal corporation councilors can easily complete works worth up to one crore rupees.” The program concluded with a resolve for rural development and self-reliance, where the Chief Minister called upon panchayats to maintain this pace of development.

Rajkot

Rajkot is a major city in the western Indian state of Gujarat, founded in the early 17th century by Thakur Sahib Vibhoji Ajoji Jadeja. It holds significant historical importance as the childhood home of Mahatma Gandhi, where he spent his early years, and it also served as the former capital of the princely state of Saurashtra.

Swaminarayan Temple

The Swaminarayan Temple, also known as Akshardham, is a prominent Hindu temple complex dedicated to Lord Swaminarayan. It was established by the Bochasanwasi Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS) and its modern, large-scale constructions, such as the one in Delhi, were inaugurated in the early 21st century. These temples are renowned for their intricate architecture, cultural exhibitions, and role as a center for spirituality and community activities.

Kalavad Road

Kalavad Road is a major thoroughfare in the city of Rajkot in Gujarat, India. Historically, it has developed into a prominent commercial and residential area, known for its markets, educational institutions, and as a key hub for the city’s growth.

Developed Village, Developed Gujarat

“Developed Village, Developed Gujarat” is not a specific historical or cultural site, but rather a modern slogan representing Gujarat’s progress in rural development. It highlights the state’s successful initiatives in transforming villages through improved infrastructure, sanitation, and economic opportunities. This concept reflects contemporary efforts rather than a historical legacy, showcasing Gujarat as a model for regional development in India.

Cleanliness is Service

“Cleanliness is Service” is not a specific place or cultural site, but rather a motto or principle often associated with the Shinto religion in Japan. It reflects the belief that the act of purification and cleaning, whether of a shrine or one’s own heart, is a form of devotion and service to the kami (spirits or gods). This philosophy is embodied in the meticulous upkeep of Shinto shrines and the ritual cleansing performed by visitors before entering sacred spaces.

Drone Didi scheme

The “Drone Didi” (Drone Sister) scheme is an initiative launched by the Indian government to train women in operating drones for agricultural purposes. The program aims to empower women in rural areas by providing them with skills to use this technology for tasks like spraying pesticides and fertilizers, thereby improving farm efficiency and creating new livelihood opportunities.