panchayat power - gujarat informationimpressed by the integrated master gujarat was a power...

VOL-II, ISSUE-1, January, [email protected]

Nari Gaurav NitiGender Mainstreaming

Gujarat’s Power SurgeSector Overview

Gujarat RTOsA New Service Paradigm

Rann UtsavCrossing to Kutch

Panchayat Power

1

January, 2012

Greetings!

I would like to take this opportunity to wish you a happy and prosperous new

year! The beginning of a new year is an occasion to rejoice and hope. As we step

into a brand new world filled with newer possibilities, we stay agile and adapt

proactively by viewing challenges as opportunities. The Gujarat Government

remains resolved to adapt with the changing times to bring in a positive light in the

lives of its citizens.

It is heartening to note that we have already seen 4 issues of ‘The Gujarat’

being released and received warmly since its launch. With the launch of this 5th

issue we continue to bring to you, opinions and analysis of various public sector

schemes and initiatives explained in depth by senior officials and bureaucrats of

the state government.

The cover story of this New Year issue of The Gujarat is on the 'Sarpanch

Sammelan' ceremony that was held on November 16, 2011. It has been the State

Government's unwavering endeavor to ensure that development of villages keeps

pace with the growth of the entire state. Villages are the backbone of our country

and even today, a huge majority of the population continues to inhabit villages. It

was due to this reason that the Government took up the initiative of appreciating

efforts and providing funds for further development that fulfilled various

criterion of all round development of their villages.

The book review section brings to you for the first time, a bird's eye view of '50

years of speeches in Gujarat'- by the Honorable Excellencies, the Governors of

Gujarat. I sincerely hope that the vast ocean of data and interesting facts about our

great state presented in this magazine gives you a deeper perspective about the

exponential progress that Gujarat is making with each passing day.

May all your good wishes come true in making our state of Gujarat even

greater in times to come!

Message from the CM

Jai Jai Garvi Gujarat, Jai Hind

Narendra ModiChief Minister, Gujarat

CHIEF EDITOR V. Thiruppugazh

MANAGING EDITORArvind Patel

Dy. CHIEF EDITOR Pulak Trivedi

TEAM 'THE GUJARAT'Mihir Shah

Nitasha NairIndrani Mantripragada

Madhurima MallikVasant Iyer

Abhisar GaurAkshaya KaranthSahit Chirutapudi

Vineet Kanabar

DESIGN & LAYOUTGrey Orange Brand Pvt. Ltd.

DISTRIBUTIONSharad Bumbadiya

Jayesh Dave______________________

Letters should be addressed to

Commissionerate of Information

Floor no 2, Block no 7, Old Sachivalaya,

Gandhinagar, Gujarat, India- 382010

All rights reserved. Any reproduction of this

publication's contents, in whole or in part,

without written permission, is prohibited.

The Gujarat does not necessarily agree with

the views of the writers/contributors.

Printed by

Sahitya Mudranalya Pvt.Ltd.

Published by

Commissionerate of Information,

Government of Gujarat

Printed at

Sahitya Mudranalya Pvt.Ltd.

City mill Compound, Kankaria Road,

Amdavad-380022

Published at

Commissioner of Information,

7/2. Dr. Jivraj Mehta Bhavan,

Gandhinagar-382010

E-mail: [email protected]

VOL-2, ISSUE-1 January,2012

An English Quarterly Magazine

Sadbhavana MissionGoes to the Districts

Collective Efforts... Inclusive Growth...

Baroda

JunagadhRajkot

Rajpipla

Index Quick Bytes

2 3

January, 2012

After Malaysia, Singapore keen to inauguration of the 30 MW solar power Astrakhan exchanges protocol to partner GIFT project on 14th October. He added that enhance co-operation

Impressed by the integrated master Gujarat was a power deficient state The Vice-Governor and Head of plans of Gujarat International Finance earlier but today it is a power surplus Astrakhan region, Russia, Konstantin

one distributing 24-hour electricity to Markelov exchanged the letters of all 18,000-odd villages in the state. extension of 'Protocol of Co-operation'

w i th Ch ie f Sec re t a ry o f t he South Korean Ambassador visits Government of Gujarat, A.K. Joti, with Gujarat a view to bring the two regions closer

South Korea's Ambassador Mr. Kim with enhanced trade, joint ventures, Joong Keun visited Gandhinagar on 3rd social , cultural and economic November 2011, and discussed the exchanges. Astrakhan functionaries strengthening of trade relations have been invited to participate in the between Gujarat and South Korea. next Vibrant Gujarat Global Investors' Expressing interest in partnering Summit (VGGIS) which is to be held Gujarat in the automobile sector, here in January, 2013. shipping, electronics and knowledge industries; Mr. Kim wanted Gujarat to CM visits Chinaestablish trade relations especially with Chief Minister Narendra Modi the Kyunggi province of South Korea. visited China for the fourth time, on the CM Narendra Modi too Invited Korean invitation of the Community Party of ship-building companies to set up units China (CPC). In his meeting with the in Gujarat and expressed his Mr. Wang Gang, Vice Chairman of the Government’s determination to China People's Political Consultative develop ship-building industries along Conference, discussions were held on the 1600 km long coastline of the state. numerous subjects like trade, industry,

Tech City (GIFT), the Singapore soc io -economic deve lopmen t , Government has evinced interest to VAT registration procedure made investment, and the prevailing global take part in the project. The move may simpler economic scenario. The Chief Minister see Gujarat becoming the auto hub of The State Government has decided India, as there are many Singapore to simplify the VAT registration companies keen to shift base to Gujarat procedure in the larger interest of trade once GIFT is ready. The Malaysian and industry. The new procedure is Government is likely to sign a expected to come into effect from memorandum of co-operation with December 1, 2011. A provisional Gujarat in the next two months. number will be generated and issued

within three days of submitting the Asia's biggest solar power plant application. The surety has to be inaugurated submitted along with the application.

Asia's largest solar park is set to Besides the photograph, an individual change the face of arid north Gujarat. or organization will have to submit any emphasized on the shared heritage of The plant is set near Gunthawada one of the following documents India and China, and a common vision v i l lage of Kankre j t a luka in Passport, Election Card, PAN Card, for improving the quality of lives of Banaskantha district, bordering the Driving Licence or UID. The their people.Rann of Kutch. Mozer Baer Green application will be accepted in all the Energy Company set up this plant at a constituencies across the state. MOU with JETROcost of ` 320 crore. This initiative However, special centres will be set up A Memorandum of Understanding should go a long way in solving the coal in s ix biggest c i t ies , namely (MOU) was signed on November 15, shortage. "Gujarat is set to be the Solar Ahmedabad, Vadodara, Surat, Rajkot, 2011, between the public ventures of Capital of the World", said Chief Gandhinagar and Bhavnagar. Gujarat Government - Gujarat Minister Narendra Modi at the

18 Business this Quarter

A snapshot of the business

news in Gujarat

20 Gujarat’s Power Surge

Sector Overview

23 Gujarat Luminaries

Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel

24 Panchayat Power

Propelling Gujarat's Rural Re-

development

30 Widow entrepreneurs

The remarkable story

32 Mangroves

Stronghold of the future

34 Photo Feature

36 SAPTI

An initiative to revive Stone art

38 Gunotsav-2011

Education for all

39 Khel Mahakumbh

Ramshe Gujarat, Jeetshe

Gujarat

40 Gujarat RTOs

A New Service Paradigm

Business

On a lighter note

Special Feature

Environment

In Focus

Cover Story

3 Quick Bytes

Gujarat this Quarter

Government Initiatives

6 Nari Gaurav Niti

Gender Mainstreaming

10 Urban Development

The Kankaria Lake Project

12 School Health Programme

Health in education

14 WASMO

Drinking water for all

16 Khushboo Gujarat Ki

Tapping into Tourism

42 Bhanubhai Shah

A glimpse into the life of a

kite connoisseur

44 Rann Utsav

Crossing to Kutch

46 ‘VERBATIM’

A Recap of Gujarat’s Glorious

Past

47 Navaratri

Nine nights of cultural

extravaganza

48 Upcoming Events

In Conversation With

Travel

Book Review

Arts & Culture

Page 24 - 29

Panchayat Power

Gujarat this quarter

January, 2012

Page 44 - 45

Rann Utsav

Quick Bytes

4 5

January, 2012

Awards Galore

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year there were 301 GKMs in the state, Such a lifestyle is the best way for the the 'Gujarat model' of development, of which 224 were organised in rural conservation of natural energy Gujarat government's transparent and areas and 77 in urban areas. Apart from resources, he said. The seminar was progressive policies conducive for other schemes and benefits, Mission jointly organized by the Gujarat and industrial growth. Looking to the long Mangalam was the highlight of GKM Denmark governments. association between the Gujarat and

Sind regions, they urged for starting a 2011. Bank loans of more than ̀ 1, 000 P a k i s t a n e x p l o re s b u s i n e s s direct flight between Ahmedabad and crore were given to the two lakh Self collaboration with Gujarat Karachi.Help Groups (SHG) in the state

I m p r e s s e d b y G u j a r a t ' s covering more than 25 lakh women. development a Pakistani business Global Maritime Security & Anti-Over three phases, assistance worthdelegation called for exploring greater Piracy Meet` 7,591 crores has been directly co-operation in trade and industry An international conference on distributed to more than 55 lakh between Gujarat and Pakistan. 'Global Maritime Security & Anti-beneficiaries via 616 Garib Kalyan They were particularly impressed by Piracy' was held at Gandhinagar, on the Melas till now.

need to stop terrorist attacks along the sea-coast in the country since maritime Gujarat leads the way in Energy trade has direct implications on Conservationdevelopment and tourism. The State A seminar on 'Energy Efficiency Government called for taking effective and Thermal Audit' was inaugurated on steps to check hazardous cargo which November 28, 2011 at Mahatma poses a threat to the coastal Mandir in Gandhinagar. Speaking at the environment.event, Chief Minister, Narendra Modi

stressed for a lifestyle which is in harmony with the elements of nature.

Industrial Development Corporation to defame Gujarat. I want to send out a (GIDC); Gujarat Infrastructure message that while detractors of Development Board (GIDB); INDEXT-B Gujarat are trying to defame it, the state –and Japan External Trade Organization believes in brotherhood." (JETRO); in order to set up a special Japanese industrial zone near 'Gujarat Deepotsavi-2067' releasedAhmedabad. Designing, infrastructural The Chief Minister, on 24th facilities and the subsequent vision of October, released “Gujarat Deepotsavi the industrial zone will be developed by – 2067” – a voluminous book published GIDB, whereas INDEXT-B will handle by the state's Information Department. the work of facilitating the Japanese The book contains 432 pages of investors and delegations of various colourful images, articles, essays, short of peace, unity and harmony across the Japanese companies in Gujarat. plays, stories and poems. The issue nation. Delivering his speech while

costs just Rs.40 and is now available for rounding up his daylong fast as part of Sadbhavna Mission reaches every purchase.the district-wise Sadbhavna Mission district Abhiyan at Navsari in south Gujarat, he

After the successful completion of Garib Kalyan Mela 2011 said that Gujarat has become the state-wide Sadbhavna Mission in The 2011 Garib Kalyan Mela began synonymous with peace as also with Ahmedabad, the Chief Minister started on November 3 and went on till development. While addressing a his day-long fasts in various districts of November 29 across various districts of public gathering at Jamnagar, Chief Gujarat. He had wished that the the state. All the ministers and Minister Narendra Modi said, "I do not Sadbhavna Mission coinciding with parliamentary secretaries of the state want to gain anything by staging a fast Diwali would brighten-up people's government participated in the event in but I want to highlight the efforts of lives in Gujarat; and spread the message their respective constituencies. This those who do not miss any opportunity

transmission and distribution with power supply in rural areas under Jyoti from all the corners of the world to the application of Information- Gram Yojna, and 'Khushi Yojna' for the Gujarat. TAAI is an august body which Communication Technology (ICT).The farm sector. There were nine states in Chief Minister was presented with the the fray in this category. The third e-Ratna Award of CSI at the function. award under 'Information Technology Inaugurating the 8th international (IT) Solution' also went to the Paschim conference on e-Governance jointly Gujarat Vij Company for innovative IT organized by Communication Society and metering application. The fourth of India (CSI) and Gujarat Government award went to the Uttar Gujarat Vij at Nirma University, he defined e- Company in the category of 'Expert governance as easy-effect ive- Management of Power Distribution by economic governance with a view to Women'.apply the technology in everyday life

is India's largest and only national for the welfare of the common man. Best Tourism Board Award

Travel & Tourism Association with The Gujarat Tourism Board won the

around 2500 members. Next year, the Gujarat’s Energy Sector bags four TAAI Travel Award in the category of

very successful Khushboo Gujarat ki national awards Best Tourism Board of India for 2011.

campaign will be presented before the Gujarat Government won four Gujarat Tourism is said to have

world travel community in the Indian national awards in the energy sector witnessed a growth rate of 14 per cent

Travel Congress, 60th Exhibition and instituted by the Council of Power which is double the national growth

Convention of TAAI; which is to be Utility for the year 2011, maintaining rate. In recent times, the state tourism

held in Istanbul, Turkey.its awards winning spree in the energy department has taken various initiatives sector for the last ten years. Two awards for creating good infrastructure, hence went to the Paschim Gujarat Vij facilitating tourism. A special Company for 'excellence in power campaign with Mr. Amitabh Bachchan sector reforms', '24x7 rural feeder'. The as the Brand Ambassador of Gujarat for second one was for uninterrupted Tourism did the rest to bring people

US embassy's campaign in Jakarta Governance Awards 2010-11. These during Barack Obama's visit. The awards have been instituted by CSI's

Gujarat awarded "Overall Best SABRE award for “Best government (Computer Society of India), Special Improved State and Most Improved communications campaign in Asia- Interest Group on e-Governance with State for core investment" Pacific” was given in Singapore on Nihilent Technologies Ltd. sponsoring

At the India Today Conclave, held N o v e m b e r 3 r d . T h e G u j a r a t them. These awards are given in in New Delhi on November 4th, The government was also awarded “Best recognition of the efforts made in the Government of Gujarat received an Communications Campaign in the area of e-Governance, especially award for the 'Most improved state Indian sub-continent” for Vibrant between the period of April 1, 2010 and overall' and 'Most Improved state for G u j a r a t a t t h e I n t e r n a t i o n a l March 31, 2011; at the state, i nves tmen t ' . S t a t e Res idence Communications Consultancies' department, district and project levels.Commissioner Bharat Lal received the Organisation conference in Lisbon. award on behalf of the state from Union Subsequently, the government with CSI presents e-Ratna award to Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee. APCO Worldwide won the award for Gujarat Chief Minister

Mr. Arun Purie, Chief Editor of “Best Government/Public Sector Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra India Today, while speaking at the campaign in Asia-Pacif ic” in Modi, on 17th October, called for the occasion accorded a glowing tribute to Singapore. use of e-Energy projects for qualitative the state's consistent double digit improvement in power generation, growth rate in comparison to the Three awards for excellence in e-nation's average growth rate of 8-9%. Governance

The state of Gujarat has bagged two Vibrant Gujarat campaign wins awards of excellence for,'e-Governance multiple international awards at Chief Minister's Office' and 'e-

The Gujarat government has won Governance of Mineral Administration global recognition for its 'Vibrant (Geology & Mining)'; and one award of Gujarat' campaign. The campaign won appreciation for 'e-Dhara (Revenue SABRE awards beating entries like the Department)' at the CSI - Nihilent e-

January, 2012

departments of Government of Gujarat undertaken jointly by Finance Depar tment , Women & Chi ld Development Department and GRC. The State Mission Authority formed under the National Mission for Empowerment of Women (2010) aims to address gender issues through inter-sectoral convergence. Nari Adalats providing easy and accessible justice to poor women are in the process of expansion by the state government. 242 Multipurpose Women Welfare Centres (MPWWCs) have been formed in 25 districts and 217 taluka and urban areas across Gujarat to help women for dealing with social, legal and employment-related concerns of women. The MPWWCs act as service providers to help women under the Protection of Women against Domestic Violence Act, 2005. Gujarat Women's Economic Development Corporation has been consistently working to improve the economic status of women through financial support, training, and marketing support to women.

contribution of a woman towards the planning, budgeting, but also development of society and her rights to programmes and schemes, implementation, benefit from the society? The response monitoring, evaluation, auditing, is that the Government of Gujarat does. research and advocacy. Gender To promote gender equity and equality, Mainstreaming is necessary for two gender mainstreaming in the state's reasons namely; to address specific overall development is a key state issues of women like maternal objective. mortality and for inclusion of gender

needs in sectoral and macro policies. The approach of the state government is to promote gender mainstreaming through formation of policy-making, institutional mechanisms and women-specific processes, women-specific schemes and services.

Institutional Mechanisms and Women-Specific Processes The Policy – Nari Gaurav Niti

The Gender Resource Centre Nari Gaurav Niti – The State Policy (GRC) was established by the for Gender Equity announced by

Gender Mainstreaming is a Department of Women and Child Government of Gujarat in 2006 for the continuous, dynamic process of Development (DWCD) in 2003 with development and empowerment of integrating a gender perspective into the mission to ensure that the relevance women in the state is based on each stage of the development process, of Gender Equity and Equality is Mahatma Gandhi’s principles on with a view to enabling equality and accepted in the overall development women's rights and equality. The equity between men and women. It process of the state. Gender Budgeting guiding philosophy of the policy is that means not only integrating a gender is an ongoing process for strengthening women and men have equal rights, perspective into policy, legislation, gender mainstreaming across all

January, 2012 Government Initiatives

6 7

ari Gaurav – dignity and respect for a woman's life, Nher work, her concerns, her

rights is central to the development of any society. A woman in the role of mother, wife, daughter, daughter-in-law has been responsible for bearing the burden of the unpaid care economy by contributing immensely to human resource development which in turn c o n t r i b u t e s t o t h e e c o n o m i c development of a society. The question is do we recognize the unequivocal

Mahatma Gandhi

. . . but I am uncompromising in the matter of women's rights. In my opinion she should labour under no legal disability not suffered by men. I should treat the daughters and sons on a footing of perfect equality.A daughter's share must be equal to that of a son.

by Sangeeta Singh I.A.S

Principal Secretary,

Women and Child Development

Nari Gaurav Niti

Inter-sectoral convergence for gender mainstreaming

Action plans and monitoring mechanisms

Multifaceted approach and operational strategies

Key Features

Encouraging self-sufficiency : Sakhi Mandal members extended financial support

January, 2012

Gender Mainstreaming - An endeavourto accord a woman, the dignity she deserves

242 Multipurpose Women Welfare Centres (MPWWCs) have been formed in 25 districts and 217 taluka and urban areas across Gujarat to help women for dealing with social, legal and employment-related concerns of women.

Government Initiatives

analysis and gender convergence. Niti has detailed action plans in eight Inter-sectoral partnerships and key sectors. These detailed action

coalitions between departments, p l a n s c o n s i s t o f r e s p o n s i b l e development of new institutional department/agency, nodal agency and mechanisms, institutionalization of time frame to translate policy opportunities and responsibilities to gender concerns in capacity building commitments into concrete actions. All contribute to the well being of the are the main operational strategies departments are required to prepare a society. The approach of the policy is to outlined by the policy for further detailed plan with a focus on promote gender equity and equality by strengthening gender mainstreaming mainstreaming gender issues in their putting gender concerns in the within government. To achieve inter- programmes and monitor the progress. mainstream of the state's overall sectoral convergence, the Nari Gaurav Individual departments would also development plan with one of the goals

be ing , 'mains t reaming gender perspective in the development of processes, policies and programmes'.

The policy aims to create an enabling environment for enjoyment of all human rights and fundamental freedom by women on equal basis with men in all spheres – personal, political, economic, social, cultural and civil. To address gender issues in private and public arenas, it aims towards a shared responsibility for children and home and step by step elimination of prejudices and practices that are gender d i s c r i m i n a t o r y i n c l u d i n g t h e strengthening of legal systems. It also endeavors to eradicate all forms of violence against women and girl child. To achieve these aims, it recommends multi-faceted approaches of gender sensitization, gender mainstreaming, gender planning, gender audit, gender

maintain a beneficiary database for all the programs contributing towards women's development.

Women-specific Programmes and Schemes

The government focuses on providing services and social security to women through various programmes and schemes. The birth of a girl child is celebrated through Beti Vadhavo Abhiyan, Mamta Diwas and other awareness activities. Every month, supplementary nutrition is provided to over 7.3 lakh pregnant and lactating women and to 29.55 lakh children of age 6 months to 6 years and 10.31 lakh adolescent girls. Further, during 2010 – 11 the state spent an additional of

143.27 crore for supplementary nutrition to beneficiaries of Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) over and above the 50% state sharing norm. Balika Samriddhi Yojana has been continued by the state government after it was withdrawn by the Central Government. Under this scheme, two girl children from each household are given 500 post-birth grant and an annual educational scholarship for each year in school. The Chiranjeevi scheme provides private doctor-services benefitting 15.09 lakh pregnant women. Women have benefitted in various areas through Garib Kalyan Melas in Talukas. Property registration fees worth 283.54 crore were exempted by the Government for registration of property in the name of 9.60 lakh women. The emergency response service – 108 has helped 826930 pregnant women in accessing pregnancy related emergencies service whereas 22682 women got emergency delivery services (delivery at scene and in ambulance). The Kanya Kelavani Yatra and Vidyalaxmi Bond for school enrollment, free education to girls from school to university are some of the ongoing programmes for promoting education among girls. 25 Mahila Police Stations and 9 Mahila Police Cells have been established to help women in need.

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Government Initiatives January, 2012 Government Initiatives

98

Sr. No. Type of Benefit No. of Women

1. Housing 203832

2. Employment 243783

3. Agricultural 49361

4. Social Security 50239

5. Women & Child Welfare 287867

6. Social Welfare 59021

7. Other Support Schemes 493415

No. of Women Benefitted from Garib Kalyan Melas(2010-11)

Economic Opportunities

Governance and Decision Making

Health and Quality of Life

Violence against Women

Natural Resource Management

Education

Women Related Laws

Advocacy and Capacity Building

Key Programme/Scheme Achievements as per Nari Gaurav Niti

Economic Empowerment

Housing

Governance

Health

Formulation of about 2.24 lakh Sakhi Mandals (2011-12) leading to saving worth 181.38 crore and linkages built with Mission Mangalam for sustained economic development of members of the mandals.The widow pension scheme has provided 1,23,000 widows with monthly pension of 500 each and 80 per child (upto two children). 10792 widows (age 18-40 years) given vocational training. 133 schools/colleges have a special guidance corner for women on career and job options.50% of the total PDS shop permits given to Mahila Mandals.Leadership development trainings to Mahila Sarpanches have been established to support women candidates in Panchayat elections.Commissionerate, Women and Child Development has trained 53123 women for economic empowerment.12 Women ITIs and 24 Women wing in general ITI have been established.50% seats are reserved for women under Craftsman Skill Development Programme6299 urban BPL women employed under Urban Income Employment Programme61310 women farmers received training in agriculture & 10000 women farmers participated in Krishi Melas

1.40 lakh houses built in the ownership of wife and 30850 houses built in the joint ownership of husband and wife under Indira Awas Yojana (2010-11)Under Sardar Awas Yojana, 1.44 lakh houses were allotted in the name of women (2010-11)141822 plots were allotted to BPL Families and 67654 SANAD were given to BPL Families (2009-11). The SANAD has been issued jointly in the name of wife and husband.

30% reservation for women in Government jobs with an increase in age limit by 5 years for women72512 women are members on 17773 Pani Samitis across Gujarat (33.9% Women)493149 women are members of 3205 Participatory Forest Management Committees 2119 Women Milk Cooperatives are run with a membership of 642208 women

Rights of charter of patients displayed in all PHCs and CHCs Quality Health Assurance Programme provided to 91.7% PHCs with water facility and 92.54% with sanitation facility29608 ASHA workers appointed in remote areas to address health concerns of women and children

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Standing on her own feet : Vocational training being imparted

Action plan : Key Sectors

January, 2012

needed oxygen levels. However, over the years, due to uncontrolled misuse and degradation, the lake lost its glory and had been reduced to a desolate place.

Several studies were made and attempts undertaken to revitalize the lake at various points of time. But these did not lead to anything concrete and systematic. Consequently, the ULB made a comprehensive plan to revitalize the lake front.

The major objectives of the project were to provide unobstructed sidewalks and to streamline traffic to make the lake precincts more environment-friendly and vehicle-free by the way of converting it into a 'pedestrians-only' area. Some of the other objectives were to protect the heritage structures, to organize informal activities, to provide adequate parking space, to provide public amenities, to create facilities for clean & hygienic food at affordable rates, to increase the tree cover, providing quality lighting and creating a place for citizens to unwind and relax.

several times in the years following the The Kankaria lakefront project has Kankaria project. During the period become a runaway hit with the citizens between 2001 to 2005-06; the ULB was of Ahmedabad. Based on several PPP able to spend ̀ 365.42 Crores on capital models and designed to earn aprojects, while it was able to raise the constant revenue stream to make it capital expenditure to ` 3205.81 sustainable, the lake has been visitedbetween 2006 and 2011. The city has by 1, 30, 92,258 visitors as recorded on received several nat ional and October 10, 2011. The trains have been international awards and accolades for used by 24, 81,641 riders, while the its stellar performance in several areas project receives an average annual such as the BRTS, houses for the urban revenue of ` 17 crore by way of user poor, the Riverfront project and several charges. From a dead place, the area has others. been completely revitalized and

Today, it is one of the must-see transformed. places on the itinerary of a tourist as The transformation of the Kankaria well as a favorite with the people of the lakefront by the ULB acted as a trigger city. It holds several events, and the factor for the city's local government. week-long Kankaria Carnival, starting As its self-confidence rose, also did its from the 25th of December every year, ability to take up other big and equally is a sought-after event in the city's ambitious projects, like the Sabarmati calendar.Riverfront Development Project and

the Bus Rapid Transit System (BRTS). Its capacity to plan, look ahead and

implement mega schemes went up

The project was executed with the following salient features in a record time of 18 months (mid 2006-2008) involving an expenditure of approx Rs. 36 Crores.

A 2.25 km long continuous pedestrian promenade made of Vermont grey graniteA 2 metre wide bicycle track along the peripheryTwo 42-metre long mini toy trains equipped with Lincoln locomotive engines and 4 coachesA handicraft market and the creation of two 200-metre wide linear parks on each sideNew public toiletsRegularisation of hawkers and street vendorsA tethered helium balloon safari called, 'Ahmedabad Eye'The creation of a one-of-its-kind project in India; the Kids City

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Until about 10 years back, The historical Kankaria Lake in Ahmedabad was a thriving city without Ahmedabad is a 500 year old man-a sound urban infrastructure. The city made structure with a periphery of lacked primary infrastructure, which about 2.5 kms located in the south-could ensure cent-percent treated water central part of the city. Almost supply, treated sewerage, storm water completely round in shape, it has come h o u g h c i t i e s h a v e drainage, parks, gardens and places of to be a symbol of Ahmedabad's identity historically been engines of recreation and amusement. The city's since long before independence. The Teconomic growth, very few ULB had taken up some good projects lake, along with its island garden called cities provide adequate quality urban but the right momentum and the thrust Naginawadi and other attractions like infrastructure to the residents. Many were missing. The city required a the Zoo, the Bal-Vatika, the Aquarium Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) have failed trigger factor, a showcase project to and the surrounding hill gardens have to provide basic services of a certain show that it could deliver and start the historically offered a recreation centre standard leading to the description of chain of development efforts thereafter. for the citizens.urban living as tough. Against this The Kankaria lakefront development Further, given an expanse of around backdrop, the transformation of project was one such trigger factor, 4 sq km of a permanently filled water Ahmedabad and Surat into models of which catapulted the city into a body, it had come to be the lungs of urban transformation provides an different league. Ahmedabad, enriching the much interesting insight.


1110

Urban DevelopmentThe Kankaria Lake Project

Municipal Commissioner, Ahmedabad

by Dr Guruprasad Mohapatra I.A.S

Kankaria Carnival : CM with delegates at the event

January, 2012

for cardiac, cancer and kidney disease to children; providing eye check-up and free spectacles; free super specialty treatment for heart , kidney and cancer including renal transplant, free cardiac treatment outside Gujarat for the people belonging to the BPL category; improving the nutritional status and awakening health consciousness among children.

U n d e r t h e S c h o o l H e a l t h Programme, villages of the state celebrate a 'School Health Week', which lasts for five days. Each day, the state health department observes a pre-identified theme and relevant activities are carried out subsequently. Day One (Sanitation Activities), Day Two (Basic Health Check Up), Day Three (Nutrition), Day Four (Health Check Up) and Day Five (Cultural Day) are the different themes usually observed. The third day is especially important, since nutrition has always remained a major concern. Activities like; exhibitions on nutritional food, cooking competitions, competitions for suffer from complex cardiac ailments people to keep not only their own pregnant women and children judging or other chronic diseases, the state even houses or hamlets, but also the entire their levels of nutrition are carried out arranges for treatment in reputed village clean. This is an innovative on this day. Also, awareness is spread hospitals outside the state, if necessary. approach to inculcate good habits about the locally available nutritious The environment surrounding among students, spread awareness about foods and good cooking habits. children plays a vital role in healthy nutritious food, clean environment and

The beneficiaries of the program are growth. Thus, spreading messages like clean drinking water. The Health Week all children who go to Anganwadi "Health is Wealth", “Clean Gujarat, programme also covers issues related to centres, all school going children, Healthy Gujarat" will go a long way in the environment and has started a drive infants and even, children who are creating awareness in the society about against the consumption of tobacco.unable to attend schools. For, children sanitation and hygiene. This will also After its annual conclusion, the belonging to the BPL category, who help in developing an insight among programme is evaluated by the people;

by convening a Gram Sabha in order to invite people's opinions so that meaningful health services can be provided with community monitoring.

The program is already seeing testimonials and thank you letters pouring in from grateful parents acknowledging the government's relentless pursuits to safeguard the interests of their wards and thereby the future of the country.

If our children aren't healthy and if we cannot ensure that “they have access to nutritious

food, educating them is pointless”. This was a concern raised regularly by parents who sent their children to any state funded school. Gujarat has come a long way since, in the last 10 years.

“Health is a state of complete programme operating in Gujarat, every well-being of all the children of physical, mental and social well-being year. It is a commendable initiative on Gujarat. Under this broad objective, it and not merely the absence of disease or part of the State Health Department, in works towards improving the health infirmity.”- Keeping this as the guiding the direction of making the future status of primary, secondary and higher principle, the Department of Health & generations of the state healthy. secondary school going children and Family Welfare conducts the School The program aims at providing children in 'Anganwadis'; making Health Programme, the largest health 'Comprehensive Care' for the health & available free super specialty services


12 13

Health in education. Delivered.

Promoting Good Health : Government doctors examining students

Sch l Healthoo

Programme

January, 2012

by Shri P. K. Taneja I.A.S

Principal Secretary and CommissionerHealth and Medical Services and Education

Services Rendered by the School Health Program (2010-11)

Total Children inspected 1,44,78,029

On-the- Spot Treatment 15,27,775

Specialized Treatment 1,30,018

Prescription Glasses Distributed 1,05,187

(*Data as on 31st December, 2011)

commendably well and the water delivery infrastructure is being maintained with a great feeling of ownership.

A paradigm shift has been achieved in the role of governance from provider to facilitator due to the creation of an enabling environment for strong community engagement by a people-friendly organizational structure of the State Government.

The water supply through tankers has been reduced from 4054 villages in 2001 to less than 210 in 2010. A permanent solution has been devised for water quality problems. Water borne diseases have been considerably reduced; leading to a significant improvement in the Human Development index. Most households' receive water Board (GWSSB), Gujarat Water Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRI's) and due to the household-tap connectivity Infrastructure Limited (GWIL) and formation of Pani Samitis in the Gram in rural areas which has increased the Water and Sanitation Management Sabhas is taken up in the villages availability of water from 26.6 % in Organisation (WASMO) have been through a social process driven 2001 to 72.22 % in 2011. There has also established with exclusive roles and approach. The Pani Samitis work under been a considerable reduction in the responsibilities. All these organisations the overall guidance of Gram Sabha for construction of deep bore-wells in the a re gu ided by Wate r Supply project formulation, implementation state. From a drought-stricken arid Department, Government of Gujarat and further operation and maintenance state, Gujarat, with its relentless efforts, and work in close coordination. of the intra- village infrastructure for has today risen to address its people's service delivery up to household level. water-problems.Statewide Water Supply Grid The Pani Samitis have worked

An ambitious plan for drought proofing of water supply sector is under implementation by the state for covering 75% population with safe and sustainable water sources. Bulk Water transmission to water-scarce and water-quality affected areas is now being done through the grid of pipelines. Till now 3.61 crore population of the state has been covered through this Grid. Due to the infrastructure driven approach of the state, Water supply sector is all set to gain drought proof status with multiple impacts on Human Development Index and quality of life in the State.

WASMO acts as facilitator with active community participation

Gujarat State has taken up reform process and extensive community engagement in a mission mode approach by creating a special purpose vehicle in the form of Water and Sanitation Management organization ( WA S M O ) . E m p o w e r m e n t o f

drought years. The State Government spent about 125 to 150 crore rupees annually in making emergency arrangements of drinking water to overcome the scarcity during droughts upto 2002. Also, water quality problem in terms of excessive fluoride and nitrate content as well as salinity, was observed in a significantly high number

u j a r a t h a s d i v e r s e of habitations. As per reports, more than geological, hydrological, 50 percent of total habitations were climatic and soil conditions, G facing either low water availability or

all of which have implications on the water quality problems. status of surface and groundwater The state has tried to address this resources in the state. Most parts of the situation on a long term basis by state comes under the scarcity prone ambitious planning. area. The strategies adopted are; a

paradigm shift from ground water to Drinking Water Scenario surface water; focusing on infrastructure

The state has 5.96 percent of for drought proofing and supply of nation's geographic area with 5 percent treated surface water; supplying water population but only 2.63 percent of to the affected areas through Statewide country's water resources. Regional Water Supply Grid; strengtheningvariations are also very high. The south local water sources; formation ofand central zones, which have major Pani Samiti for an in-village water supply rivers like Narmada, Mahi, Tapi, system through active community Ambica, Poorna, etc. and forested participation; installing individual areas, have 1932 metric tonnes per rooftop rain water harvesting structures capita per annum fresh water in remote areas; decentralising (equivalent to 70% of the total State desalination; installing solar pumping freshwater availability), whereas North systems in remote tribal areas and Gujarat has very low (lowest in the giving priority to household tap state) freshwater availability with 427 connectivity in the state.metric tonnes/annum. In the past 75 Three independent organisations; years, twenty six years were declared as Gujarat Water Supply & Sewerage


1514

by V.A PatelChief Engineer, WASMO

Drinking waterfor all

Bulk Pipeline 2214 km

Distribution Pipeline 118719 km

Storage tanks (Sump) 11055 (2564.00 million liters)

Elevated Storage Reservoir 11399 (1204.70 million liters)

Handpumps 187014 (12963 Village)

Mini pipe Scheme 5154

Filtration / Treatment Plants 156 (2810 million liters daily capacity)

Average daily water supply through grid 2700 million liters daily

R.O. Plant 278 Nos.

Solar pumps 290Nos.

Water supply systems and existing service facilities

Towards water sufficiency : Charting a new path for water conservation

January, 2012

tourist places for the young and old making Gujarat a popular tourist alike. destination worldwide.

Gujarat is an economically Mr. Amitabh Bachchan, an icon of developed, peaceful and culturally rich Indian cinema is the brand ambassador state, making it both an intriguing and for Gujarat Tourism. The Ad Promo feasible option for tourists. The Gujarat “Khushboo Gujarat Ki” (the flavor of Tourism Corporation ensures that the Gujarat) has been received with great important tourism schemes are given a appreciation. Places like Sasan Gir, boost time and again. The state's only Dwarka and Somnath are now hill station Saputara is being developed attracting tourists in droves as a result. to woo tourists from all over the globe. Private sector entrepreneurs are now Developing beach tourism is another ready to invest in the development of sector which is being worked on. tourist places in Gujarat. With a current Development plans at Siddhpur, Patan, growth rate of around 15% in domestic Narayan Sarovar, Junagadh, Ambaji, tourist inflows and 19.8% in foreign Pavagadh , Somnath , Dwarka , tourist inflows, it will not be long before Nageshwar, Bet-Dwarka, Porbander, Gujarat emerges as the numero uno Lothal, Shamlaji, Becharaji etc. are at tourism destination of India.

located in Gujarat. It also has a natural their final stages.wild-life habitat and stunning mountain The state government also gives ranges. Adventure sports and Buddhist importance to event-based tourism like heritage add to the variety that Gujarat the Tarnetar Fair, Navratri Festival, has to offer to its visitors. Saputara is Kutch Rann Utsav, International Kite the new paragliding destination, thus Festival and the Saputara Monsoon reiterating the fact that Gujarat covers festival. This has further helped in

in 1978. In spite of consistent efforts, Gujarat did not figure as a prominent destination on the tourism map of India. This led Gujarat to restrategise its tourism policy in 2006. Its focused

our i sm has gradual ly implementation has enabled the e m e rg e d a s a m a j o r tourism industry to leapfrog in growth. economic activity and is at Today, Gujarat ranks fifth on the T

par with industry and agriculture in tourism map of India.becoming Gujarat's Growth Engine. Tourism is one of the fastest The Government of Gujarat is feverishly developing industries worldwide. It has encouraging the development of been established that tourism is a tourism. This conscious resolve was growing economic activity, generating reflected in the budgetary outlay for new employment opportunities. tourism promotion which shot up from Gujarat known as a centre for trade and just a nominal amount in 2006 to over a industrial activities is rapidly becoming

equally popular as a tourism hub with whopping 200 crore, in the present its rich cultural and religious heritage; times.its long coastline and its potential for The State Tourism Department was adventure tourism. The astonishing established in 1973 which was renamed growth of tourism has opened up Gujarat Tourism Corporation Limited myriad business opportunities for the state.

Gujarat has huge potential for development of tourism and mainly because of its diverse platter of tourist attractions. Places of pilgrimage like Somnath, Dwarka, Ambaji, Pavagadh etc. in Gujarat have immense religious significance. Asia's only lion sanctuary, ancient locations with historical and archaeological importance are all

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MD Tourism Corporation of Gujarat Limited

by Sanjay Kaul I.A.S

Khushboo kiGujarat

Tourism Development Roadmap

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Identifying and developing tourist destinations

Diversification of products in order to attract more tourists

Development of pilgrimage centers as tourist destinations

Creating affordable and good facilities

Strengthen infrastructural facilities and develop new facilities wherever necessary

Promotion and preservation of local handicrafts, folk arts and culture of the state and thereby attract more tourists

Creating lavish infrastructure facilities under PPP model to attract international tourists; also prepare target-oriented schemes

Creating and developing tourist circuit matching international standards

To generate employment at tourist places


1716

January, 2012

Tapping into Tourism

Business January, 2012 Business

1918

strategy to develop sports in the state.

Israel and Gujarat to collaborate Prof. Uri Shani, General Manager

of Israel government's Water and Suez Authority met Chief Minister Narendra Modi and discussed possibilities of mutual cooperation between Gujarat and Israel in the area of water management in Gujarat.

During the discussions, the Government of Israel expressed keen interest in taking up projects in the areas of cost- effective water desalination technology to convert sea water into sweet water; automation technology for water pipelines and canals; solar energy system for the desalination plant; conservation of rain water; rain water recharging and harvesting technology; waste water reuse technology and water purification.

CPVC Plant at DahejJapan's Mitsui India Chairman-

cum-Managing Director, Mr. Suzuki visited Gujarat recently and spoke about the Chlorinated Polyvinyl Chloride (CPVC) manufacturing plant which is to be set up in collaboration with the Meghmani Group in the private joint sector at Dahej.

This new enterprise would be an addit ion to Gujarat 's growing collaboration with Japan, particularly after Japan became a partner in Vibrant Gujarat Global Investors' Summit 2011. Koyali refinery, near Ahmedabad, is French firm to set up Sports village

the second-largest of the 10 refineries near AhmedabadONGC reports new oil discovery in which IOC owns. Mr. Loic Lecomte, CEO of French Mehsanamultinational sports company Oxylane

The ONGC board has declared two Chinese company to set up Rs.400-cr Decathon Sports and Mr. Michel new oil and gas discoveries to the plant near Vadodara Aballea , CEO of its Indian subsidiary Directorate General of Hydrocarbons. TWBB signed a memorandum of proposed the development of three One of the two is the discovery of understanding with Gujarat's Atlanta Sport Villages in Gujarat.onshore oil in north Gujarat's Mehsana Transformers and Electricals to set up a district. mega high voltage power transformers' The French MNC which has entered

The discovery had been made in the and reactors' plant as a Joint venture at as a sports retailer in 17 countries fields allotted to the company before Padra-Jambusar highway near showed interest to set up the first Sports the new exploration licensing round Village near Ahmedabad for which they Vadodara at a cost of ` 400-crore. The came in.applied for 20-acres of land. The Sports plant will start construction in February

villages are expected to create new 2012 and start production from April opportunities and promote development 2013, to produce equipment ranging of human resource for sports. The French from 750-1200 KV.MNC praised Gujarat's initiative and

Green Energy Park in Karjan A Memorandum of Understanding

(MoU) has been signed between the Government of Gujarat and TBEA Energy (India) Private Ltd, a Chinese firm to develop a Green Energy park in Karjan near Vadodara.

TBEA Energy (India) Private Limited will invest ̀ 2,500 crore on the “TBEA Green Energy Park” project. In the first phase, they will invest ` 400 crore, which consists of building a “TBEA Ultra High Voltage Transformer Plant” and the production is expected to start soon.

Third Maruti Suzuki manufacturing facility in Mehsana

The Maruti Suzuki India (MSI) Board has given approval for the purchase of land in Mehsana district for its third manufacturing facility.

MSI had stated that it is ready to invest, along with vendors, up to` 18,000 crore in Gujarat.

The company is seeking about 500 acres of land from the Gujarat government for the plant, and another 500 acres for its vendors. The plant is expected to have a production capacity of 20 lakh cars per annum.

Tata AutoComp, Gujarat govt sign MoU

of skill development programmes and complex in Dahej.In a first of its kind public-private the introduction of modular employable Lubrizol will initially pump $245 partnership, leading automotive skills' (MES) courses. components manufacturer Tata million (` 1,177 crore) into the venture

AutoComp Systems Ltd has signed an in Gujarat. The construction work is Buffett is back, to invest in Gujarat MoU with the Gujarat Government for expected to start in January 2013 and chemical JVimparting vocational training to the production from October 2014.

Billionaire investor Warren Buffett, enhance employment generation.the Oracle of Omaha, is back in India Tata AutoComp signed the MoU IOC plans to invest in Gujarat doing what he does best: investing.with the Directorate of Employment refinery

Ohio , US-based spec i a l i t y and Training (DET) which aims at State-owned IOC is mulling over chemicals maker Lubrizol Corporation, improving the employment prospects investing $1.87 billion to raise the a wholly owned subsidiary of Buffett's of rural youth. The agreement is capacity of its Koyali refinery in investment company, Berkshire expected to address the skilled Gujarat to 18 million tonne.Hathaway Inc, will be setting up a manpower shortage faced by the Currently, it is trying to estimate the chlorinated polyvinyl chloride (CPVC) automobile sector. size of land required for the expansion. industrial unit, in partnership with The partnership will facilitate It has already identified potential areas Astral Poly Technik, at the Gujarat upgradation of the State's Industrial for development near Bajwa village, Industrial Development Corporation Training Institutes (ITIs), the launching adjacent to Koyali.

&BUSINESS

NEWS

( Source : iNDEXTb, December 2011 )

January, 2012

distribution losses were 30.64% and AT&C losses were 31.62%. These mounting losses were a cause of concern since the figures were as high as 1932 Crore in FY 2003-04 and

8394 Crore in accumulated loss.Post unbundling, in the very first

year of operation, the performance of GUVNL and its subsidiary companies had shown encouraging results. The government initiated various measures to improve the financial health and efficiency. As a result the sector has been able to book a net profit of 203 crores in 2005-06 which has increased to 533 crs in F.Y. 2010-11.

Moreover, there has been a significant reduction in T&D losses which has come down to 20.13% at present. There has been a substantial In order to meet the fast growing participation and its share in the capacity addition which is presently demands for electricity, the Government installed capacity of the state is going to 13314 MW. Today, the state supplies of Gujarat has been taking various increase in future. 24x7 3-Phase electricity for household initiatives. Gujarat was the first State in consumption and atleast 8 hour 3-Phase the country to have successfully carried Performance improvement initiativeselectricity for agricultural consumption out Case-I Competitive Bidding and The process of restructuring not to all the villages. Gujarat has also sold tied up 3200 MW capacity in early only envisaged transfer of assets, power to the extent of 4191 million 2007. Out of the 3200 MW capacity, liabilities and proceedings of GEB to units in 2010-11 to other states on a 1500 MW capacity has already been seven successor entities but also short term basis. commissioned and Gujarat has also involved creation of a business

completed a second round of environment conducive to improvement Demand Supply Scenario Competitive Bidding in 2010 and tied in efficiencies & business practices and

Gujarat is a highly industrialized up additional 2610 MW power at very consumer orientation. Efficiency state. The state had witnessed strong competitive rates to meet part of the improvement focussed on key areas of growth across sectors in manufacturing, additional power requirements of the revenue management, AT&C loss agriculture, trade, transport and services. State beyond 2014-15. reduction, power purchase, cost Due to rapid industrialization and a The private sector contributes 30% optimisation, fuel costs optimisation, high degree of rural electrification the to the total installed capacity of the rural electrification and IT initiatives. per capita consumption of power has State at present. The state government The Plant Load Factor of State grown at a rate much faster than the has been providing an encouraging GETCO which was 67% in 2004-05 has national average (1615 units versus environment for private sector increased to 79% in 2010-11. The national average of 778 units in 2009-10).

Presently, the state's demand is 11000 MW as against the installed capacity of 13314 MW. The state has surplus power throughout the year. The average energy generated has risen rapidly from 160 million units for the financial year 2004-05 was 160 million units per day, which has to 251 million units per day for the current financial year. The state has planned to achieve a total installed capacity of 30500 MW by the end of 12th Five Year Plan whereas the demand is likely to be 19670 MW.

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The power sector reforms in Gujarat viable and consumer centric utilities. have broadly focused on two objectives The vertically integrated utility, – to improve the financial and erstwhile Gujarat Electricity Board operational performance of the sector (GEB) was unbundled into six separate and to improve the availability and functional entities – one each for quality of supply to its consumers. generation and transmission and four ne of the acclaimed success

The restructuring of the State for the distribution.stories in the Indian Electricity Boards and introduction of Gujarat Urja Vikas Nigam Limited Oinfrastructure sector is the new mechanisms like Open Access, (GUVNL), acts as a nodal planning and power sector reforms in the state of trading of power, ABT and competitive co-ordinating agency in the sector. Gujarat. The scenario has completely bidding – started the process of change GUVNL also undertakes the activity of transformed in the last decade- the state in the sector. Understanding the bulk procurement and supply of power now has surplus power; its entitieschanging business environment, to DISCOMs (Distribution Companies)/ in generation, transmission and Gujarat decided to embark on an Licensees. GUVNL leads the policy distribution are profitable; rural areas ambitious reform program with the front of reforms and guides the various get reliable power; Private sector enactment of the Gujarat Electricity entities to ensure a co-ordinated reform power companies are playing a Industry (Reform and Reorganisation) and development of the sector.complementary role; transmission and Act as early as May 2003. This process Prior to this restructuring, the distribution losses have come down got further impetus with the enactment installed capacity of the state was 8683 remarkably and the system has become of the Central Electricity Act in June MW. The state was facing a shortage of consumer oriented. The spectacular 2003. power i.e. in terms of capacity and growth in industry and agriculture in

As part of the restructuring and energy. There was a difficulty in the last decade in Gujarat has been reform agenda, the sector in the state meeting the power requirements of its facilitated by availability of adequate was reorganized to create vibrant, consumers . Transmiss ion and and quality power.

Business January, 2012 Business

2120

Gujarat’sGujarat’s SurgePowerThe road to surplus power

MD, GUVNL

by Mukesh Puri I.A.S

January, 2012

Generation Gujarat State Electricity Corporation Ltd.

Transmission Gujarat Energy Transmission Corporation Ltd.

Distribution Dakshin Gujarat Vij Company Ltd – Southern Gujarat

Madhya Gujarat Vij Company Ltd – Central Gujarat

Uttar Gujarat Vij Company Ltd – Northern Gujarat

Paschim Gujarat Vij Company Ltd – Western Gujarat

Re-organised Gujarat Electricity Board (GEB)

Promoting Green Energy : CM outlines the Government’s Initiatives

state utilities. The state of Gujarat is also bestowed with high solar insulation and has potential for development of 10,000 MW solar power projects. To develop this potential, the state government has notified investor friendly 'Solar Power Generation Policy' which has generated encouraging responses from investors. State Utilities have signed Power Purchase Agreements for 969.5 MW, out of which 41 MW are already commissioned and a large number of solar projects are likely to be commissioned in the near future Gujarat is the first among all states to tap the highest Solar Power Capacity.

In light of capacity addition on both the conventional and the non conventional front, Gujarat will remain a power surplus state in future, significantly contributing to the vibrant transmission availability of GETCO the state and to increase the installed growth of the economy.which was 99.54 % has improved to capacity of wind power to 4000 MW in

99.68%. Similarly, transmission losses the next three years. The present 4.39% in 2004-05 has reduced to 4.20% installed capacity of wind power in the in FY 2010-11. Total revenue increased state is 2346 MW. In order to further

encourage wind power capacity to 21894 Crores in 2010-11 fromaddition, an attractive feed-in-tariff of10677 Crores in 2004-05 and

3.56 per unit has been offered by the Collection efficiency increased from 97.52% in 2004-05 to 100% in 2010-11. Profitability after tax has increased to

533 Crore in 2010-11 as against the loss of 1932 crore in 2003-04 even without any significant tariff increase in last 10 years. Further, T&D losses have been significantly reduced from 30.64% in FY 2004-05 to 20.13 % in FY 2010-11.

Distribution companies have introduced innovative and customer friendly initiatives for extending better services to the customers and to improve the collection efficiencies.

The state government recognizes the adverse impact of climate change due to global warming and thus has formulated an integrated energy policy emphasising on green and clean energy. The twin objectives of this initiative are the efficient use of conventional energy and the promotion and sustainable use of new and renewable energy sources.

The state government has also taken steps to optimally utilize about 10000 MW wind energy potential available in

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Business January, 2012 On a Lighter Note

2322

Karamsad, a small village in Gujarat claims

the honour of being the birth place of Sardar

Vallabhai Patel - The Iron Man of India. Born to

farmer parents Sardar Patel belonged to the

Patidars of Nadiad, who played a notable part in

the first war of India's Independence A lawyer by

profession, he did not practice law to make a

fortune. A life of comfort was not his ideal; he

lived his life with extreme discipline and

sincerity. He was a messiah of the poor. In 1942,

he actively participated in the Quit India

Movement under the leadership of Mahatma

Gandhi. He is to be credited for bringing all the

princely states together under a united India post

Independence. He was a great administrator and

one of the best statesmen that India ever had. His

death on 15th December 1951 left an eternal void

in the political history of India.

Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel

by Nirmish Thaker

January, 2012

‘03-04 ‘04-05 ‘05-06 ‘06-07 ‘07-08 ‘08-09 ‘09-10 ‘10-11

1000

500

0

-500

-1000

-1500

-2000

Increase in Revenue Generated

` cr

.

Year

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24x365 days power supply is available for all categories of consumers other

than Agricultural consumers (who are supplied at least 8 hours quality power )

The state is now surplus in power

Proactive actions have been taken to address the concerns of climate change

Consumer centric approach of power utilities

Power infrastructure for ancillary industries also available in rural areas

IT enabled activities for improving operational efficiency and customer

services

Sound financial health of the sectoral entities

Assurance for providing and further strengthening the robust T & D

infrastructure for uninterrupted quality power supply

Salient features of the sector's success

Cover Story January, 2012 Cover Story

2524

Panchayat PowerPropelling Gujarat's Rural Re-development Story

January, 2012

offered the opportunity to choose to be a 'Samras Gam' as an effort towards fast-tracking development in the countryside. Another scheme offered

Sarpanch Sammelan that villages which remained Samras Meticulously planned to showcase three times in a row would be offered

the strength of Gujarat's rural standard aid ahead of non-samras backbone, the Sarpanch Sammelan was panchayats in the state besides other a sight to behold. As three stages with incentives like solar streetlights, paved giant screens showcased the various roads and 25 per cent extra funds, in aspects of Gujarat's growth, the great addition to the 2 to 5 lakh prize money hall at the Mahatma Mandir was abuzz handed out to a host of villages for with the milling of a sea of white various developmental achievements. turbans and more than a few colourful The prize amount for 'Samras gam' with odhnis, among the gathered media and less than 5,000 populations be 3-lakh, dignitaries. and that for 'mahila samras gam' will be

The event was marked by a host of 5-lakh. The incentivization of exhibitions that told the different development in the state is sure to yield narratives of the tale of the progress of an increase in the general quality of life Gujarat, with representatives from all in the villages, a fact that ensures departments putting forth their best continued progress of the villages in foot. There was the impressive outlay of keeping with modern, changing times weaponry used by our defence forces at the global level. Chief Minister on display, a glittering array of schemes Narendra Modi also distributed awards and plans for development laid out, and worth 121.35 crores to 6598 village striking replica of the Statue of Unity, a panchayats in an event that will sure to glimpse into the many facets and fronts have historic ramifications in Gujarat's that the government is trying to make rural development. people's lives better. Enthused by the huge participation

Brought to the venue by specially in the 'Best Gram Panchayats' chartered buses for the occasion, the competition in the year of the state's Sarpanchs were the real chief guests of golden jubilee, the government has also an occasion that celebrated the spirit of decided to continue the competition for self-governance. The villages were

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by Vineet Kanabar

maintenance and care for trees was Samras in six stages. For the purpose of Below Poverty Line in rural areas of named the Panchavati Yojana. The selection of the village to be declared as Gujarat is under implementation since positive effects of forestation and tree- a Tirth Gram, the Village Panchayat 1972. The scheme has seen progress planting for villages are manifold, the was required to fill an application in the and evolution as the needs have least of which are a preservation of the proper format and send it to the changed over the years, with provisions way of life of the rural-folk. The merits concerned Taluka Development for the making the houses stronger to of tree-planting were explored with the Officer. The applications received for withstand earthquakes brought in the co-operation of the villagers, restoring this plan are primarily checked by the year 2000, as well as permissions to fallow land and the land around the concerned Taluka Development Officer alter the house design and structure of villages with a green cover that was or Taluka Mamlatdaar, who forwards the roof as per requirements of specific being lost. The state government has the checked applications for presentation cases to the extent that a relaxation implemented Panchavati Yojana in in the District Level Committee for where the beneficiary himself the entire State with a view to maintain Implementation. constructs the house, instead of faith in traditional village cultural institution or Gram Panchayat was heritage. Sardar Patel Awas Yojana introduced in 2005.

The Sardar Patel Awas Yojana is a Samras Yojana shining example of the pro-active E-Gram Yojana

The Samras Yojana was aimed at efforts of the government to provide Amidst all these innovative and preserving village culture in India, and for a wholesome, well-rounded largely successful schemes for to keep party politics out of the way of development model for the rural development of villages in Gujarat, the grass-roots development. Under this individual and society. 'Free plots crown jewel is the E-Gram Yojana,

scheme of house site' of the State blending together the tenets of rural scheme, a grant of 2306.40 lakh was Government for landless agricultural upliftment with technology. The result sanctioned as incentive grant, leading labours and village artisans living is Gujarat becoming the only state in the to over 3700 villages being classified as

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prizes to be awarded every third year a proponent of the local self after evaluating the progress every six government model that the Gram months. Panchayats were based on, believing

Moved by the success of the event, that every village must have the power the Chief Minister was emotional in his and ability to deal with the issues that speech. He recalled how this Mahatma were truly local. Bapu's vision of Mandir was built by the contribution of c o n t e m p o r a r y d e m o c r a c y i n villages from across the state offering independent India was anchored with a 'Jalabhishek', bringing soil and water hope of the genuine participation of from their respective places. people in their own welfare and

Paying a tribute that highlighted the development through self-governance, importance of the Sarpanch, the Chief central to which was the Panchayati

the citizens in these rural parts to get Minister revealed some impressive Raj. Throughout the history of modern benefits out of the government's statistics – talking about the cleanliness India, leaders have expressed the policies. This last mile, for a large initiatives, over four lakh toilets have importance of the Panchayati Raj, population that dwells in our villages is been built in villages in the leadership making amendments in its structure to left to be covered by the Sarpach and his of Sarpanchs. As many as 4000 villages include those oppressed in the past to Gram Panchayat, literally, the leader have become 'Nirmal Vil lage' ensure a well-roundedness in its and the wise ones of the village. But compared to just four villages a decade representative nature, thus making what makes the Gram Panchayats even ago. Placing the baton of development India not only the world's biggest more important is the fact that they are squarely in the hands of the villages' democracy, but also the world's most representative, enabling every village self-governments, in inimitable style, representative democracy.in the country to have a voice in the CM Modi observed to thunderous process of development, to express applause – “If a Sarpanch desires and Swachha Gram Swastha Gramexactly what the need of the hour is. take leadership, the village can The Swachha Gram Swastha Gram

The panchayat system is part of an demonstrate a turnaround.” scheme tha t emphas ized and ancient culture innate to agricultural incentivized cleanliness in the streets, village life in India. The ancient texts Executing Schemes to Empower public buildings and roads of villages speak of the system employed in Panchayats was well received. Restating the virtues ancient times, as do the Buddhist The importance of the role played of cleanliness, the scheme aimed at memoirs of multi-layered councils of by the Panchayats in the development incentivizing cleanliness by way of self government called 'janapadas', of India since before independence grants to villages in lieu of a scavenging 'nagar sabhas' and 'gram sabhas', cannot be stressed upon enough. In a tax. The villages were advised to emphasizing the importance of a degree sprawling country with far flung structure the interaction with waste and of autonomy and pro-activeness that villages, the last mile in development refuse in a planned manner, with dung-came with these. Mahatma Gandhi was becomes the most important in enabling hills, roads and public gutters and

animal shelters becoming the focus, supplemented by a drive to build public and private toilets in local self government buildings, schools, panchayat ghar, anganwadi and primary health centres, with a view to total sanitation in villages. As an added benefit for sanitation, the state government promised to grant villages a sum equivalent to the scavenging tax that was collected, which the villages could claim up to a 110%, under a provision of 500 lakh that was made for this scheme in the year 2007-08.

Panchavati Yojana Keeping in mind the importance of

greenery in the environs of rural Gujarat, a drive to promote planting and

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Gram Sachivalaya : A fully commissioned ‘Gram Sachivalaya’ at Banaskantha

January, 2012

Mahatma Gandhi was a proponent of the local self government model that the Gram Panchayats were based on, believing that every village must have the power and ability to deal with the issues that were truly local.

There are three functioning Aanganwadis in Gharmoda, and in the past few years, there has been noticeable improvement in the quality of education offered here. Better roads and health care in the village has made our lives easier

Installation of pumps, water amenities & facilities under the Government's Water Supply and Sewerage board’s scheme has benefitted the village greatly. Construction of roads has improved connectivity from the village to Taluka. The health department has recently sanctioned a PHC for the village. The schemes of the Government have really turned our village on to the path of progress

Aashaben Vijaykumar Jain(Sarpanch)

Gharmoda, Patan District

Vikrambhai Ramanbhai Mehta(Ex - Sarpanch)

Vedchha, Navsari District


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Union of India which has the infrastructure to provide E-services through computers to 13685 Gram Panchayats, an achievement that has been years in the making, firmly based on the vision of the Chief Minister Narendra Modi to empower villages and give them a voice in the political and development process.

In the first phase the priority is to make available through E-Gram, certificates of birth and death, proof of income, proof of caste, bona-fide certificate, proof of residence, etc. as well as forms/applications of various government schemes, making it easier for the villages to avail these documents without the hassle of long queues and frequent trips to urban centres.

Establishment of Taluka Information Poverty Line' (B. P. L.) as well as This impressive array of schems Centers having touch screen kiosks to services rendered to citizens through and reforms are not the labour of an provide necessary information related different government departments such overnight premonition. The past few to each Taluka Panchayat office and the as certificates, memos related to Acts, years have been watershed in the accounts of the Panchayat have enabled and E-services available through planning and execution of the online availability of accounts through different schemes as well as E-services government's plans. The mobilization the E-Prima software. of private companies will be provided of an entire workforce with a concerted

The aims of the E-Gram Yojana are at the Gram Panchayat. focus on lasting development aimed at lofty and the E-Gram Vishwa-Gram The Common Service Center is a bringing around a wholesome society has dedicated resources pilot project of the Gujarat Government betterment of the standard of village life towards achieving those. All villages to under the National E- Governance in Gujarat has resulted in results that are now connected centrally as well as Scheme. The Common Service Center were for all to see at the recent Swarnim to each other through Voice-Over will be a network providing information Puraskaar Pradaan Samaroh and the Internet Protocol, enabling the efficiently to 6000 villages of Gujarat. Sarpanch Sammelan – a congregation imparting of training and information This network aims to provide of the heads of local governments in all exchange with ease and without information efficiently to each of the of Gujarat's 18,065 villages at the incurring high costs. Facilities for 6000 Gram Panchayat offices thus Mahatma Mandir in Gandhinagar.online application, resolution of creating a completely new mode of complaints, lists of people 'Below the distribution of E-services.

Speedy Seva : A citizen claims his documents from a computerized ‘Gram Seva’ centre

of the village's attitude towards agriculture, with potato and cotton that he introduces us to a few members d e v e l o p m e n t – “ F o r u s , t h e being the crops of the season as we of the panchayat as well as the talati government's schemes can only be drive to the school. As we pass through for the village, mentioning their realized when the Sarpanch tells us the gates of a green garden, the contribution to Punsari's rise to about them or helps us complete the Sarpanch informs us of plans to make prominence. He also tells us about how formalities to avail the benefits. The expansions to allow for students from the village tackled the problem of tax past few years have changed a lot nearby villages to come to this school collection by incentivizing the filing of around here. The working women's for a proper education in sync with the taxes with Sintex tanks and shows us a groups (Sakhi Mandal) have deposited times. He shows us the computers in the shopping centre that has been built for

classrooms, and tells us of another the benefit of the Mahila Mandal in the 32 lakh of savings, and are about to school in the village with a fully village, to be completely managed by a open the new convenience stores and equipped computer laboratory. It is here working women's collective. Along the shopping centre, where we intend to use

way, the Sarpanch stops over at the RO the savings as capital.” There are over plant that his father told us about, and 1000 women in about a 100 Sakhi we behold what is a model in the Mandals in Punsari alone, showcasing intelligent adoption and application of the emphasis on women's development government policies for collective in the village. Furthermore, the fact that benefit. Punsari managed 100% institutional

On the last leg of the trip to Punsari, delivery of newborn children is nothing we ask the 29-year old what his short of exemplary, even as the ambitions were for the future, career Sarpanch stresses on the important role wise in Gujarat, to which his reply was played by the public and private 24x7 as effective a summary of the hospitals in the close vicinity of the importance of the position of the village.Sarpanch and the panchayat in the The next stop is a school en route to Indian political system. “When a poor, which we pass what is the centre-piece below poverty line family from the of Punsari's development story – a 65 margins of the village get their first kV sub-station that supplies power to house because you guided them the area, powering the 'rurban' lifestyle through the process and the father tells that the village has come into his children to forever be grateful to prominence for. you, that's the kind of recognition that Most of Punsari's 1500 households only being a Sarpanch can bring.” still derive most of their livelihood from

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Sarpanch walks in. Smartly dressed in a waistcoat, Himanshu Patel looks the part of an ambassador who embodies

need them. The containers cost 4 at The Swarnim Puraskaar Pradaan the Gujarati workman ethic with a room temperature but at 6, you can Samaaroh saw the village of Punsari worldly view aimed at inclusive and enjoy the luxury of cold water. Apart conferred with top honours. The associative development, a fact he from this unique system that has also Sarpanch of the village panchayat, reinstates as he narrates one after yielded employment opportunities Himanshu Patel won the best Sarpanch another the benefits that the people in within the village, there are also the award even as the panchayat of Punsari his village are reaping from informed water coolers that the panchayat has was declared among the best in the action on the part of his panchayat. installed inside pucca cement booths at state. Systematically, he counts off efforts the bus stop. Moreover, the former To know more about the people towards education of children,

behind this achievement, a team from empowerment of women, sanitation The Gujarat met the young Sarpanch and security, while taking special pride for a tour through this village in the in telling us about the public address picturesque and agrarian district of system that plays out everything, from Sabarkantha. As we wait at his devotional music to announcements residence for the Sarpanch to return from his own desk, at the same volume from rounds, a discussion with his throughout the village. father, himself a former Sarpanch, in As we embark on the tour through the footsteps of his own father, yields the village, he points out the completely

Sarpanch tells us, the village has interesting facts about the trajectory of underground drainage system and the arranged for a water tanker for use development that the local self water cooler at the bus stop. The during functions like weddings in the government has adopted. panchayat also runs a bus known as village. The tanker provides for an He tells us of the water problems 'Atal Express', named after the former affordable solution to the perpetual that people have always faced while Pr ime Minis ter of India , for water crisis during these events, and waiting at bus stops, or in line at offices transporting working women and girl over 300 of the village's 1770 or even trying to get a drink in the hot students for free, while male students households have made use of this summer. To counter this very basic need pay a nominal fee. A group of women innovative development. of drinking water, the panchayat has had just alighted from the bus and a

Just as we begin to marvel at this installed an RO plant in the village, and brief chat with them provides insight most practical achievement impossible employed the youth to ferry 20 litre into how the fruits of the panchayat's to conceive in cities, the young plastic containers of water to those who work has seeped in deep into the fabric

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“The most important steptowards achieving goodgovernance is to heareveryone” : - Himashu Patel,Sarpanch, Punsari

January, 2012

Punsari – Reaping the Rewards of Informed Panchayati Raj

To counter the very basic need of drinking water, the panchayat has installed an RO plant in the village, and employed the youth to ferry 20 litre plastic containers of water to those who need them

hardships every single day of their widow pension to all widows (not lives, especially if they are widowed. necessarily only BPL) and 80/month Widows are known to experience for their kids (up to two kids). In this special difficulties and deprivations case, the state share is 300/- per connected, inter alia, with the widow and the support for the child is restrictions that are imposed on their entirely covered by the state lifestyle amid the persistence of government. negative social attitudes towards them. For widows in the age group of 18 -

Looking at the need for economic 40 years, the state government has been self-reliance of widows, the Government providing various kinds of training of Gujarat has been organising training enabling them to independently earn programmes in entrepreneurship for their livelihood. They are offered nine consecutive years now. As per the courses in animal husbandry, tailoring, BPL (Below Poverty Line) survey there vermiculture and even computer are about 1, 51, 603 BPL and 1, 45, 495 training. After successful completion of APL (Above Poverty Line) category the training, tool-kits worth 5,000/- widows in the state. Out of the total, are provided to them. In cases where the state government provides pension they want to establish independent and training to 1, 23,684 widows, as businesses they are introduced to the reported on October 2011. The banks for marginal money support. financial support scheme covers Every year about 10,000 widows get widows belonging to the age-group of trained under the scheme.18-64 years, and is not limited to widows who are 40-64 years of age. The state government has made provisions of 500/- per month as

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has definitely improved.” says Parmar Babuben Lakshmanbha i f rom Amraiwadi. She is one of the numerous women who have benefitted from the state-initiated training programme for widows.

In a country where majority of the Initially people were hesitant population resides in villages; single about giving me work and I women with little or no formal had to face strong opposition “education seem to be lost in a maze. from my family, when I expressed my Because of this handicap, they have to desire to work. Today, I successfully stumble upon roadblocks and face run my business and my social standing

Special Feature January, 2012 Special Feature

3130

by R. S. Patel I.A.S

Director, Social Defense Department

Alone, no more : A beauty parlor run through thesupport of Niradhar Vidhwa Sahay Yojna

January, 2012

Gujarat’s widowentrepreneurs

The remarkable story of

The state government has made provisions of ` 500/- per month as widow pension to all widows (not necessarily only BPL) and ̀ 80 /month for their kids (up to two kids). In this case, the state share is ` 300/- per widow and the support for the child is entirely covered by the state .

Manishaben Patel, After her 6-month probation period, Amtulla Ikbalbhai Daudivohra,Trade : Computers she will even receive increments Trade: Entreprenurship/Business,Area : Paldi, Ahmedabad. according to her performance. Her Area : Chuda, Surendranagar

salary is expected to increase up toWithin nine months of losing her Amtullaben is a 29 year-old 15,000 as promised to her by the

husband, Manishaben took-up the widow. When her husband died, she company. five-week training in Computers. was not employed and had little When a Social Defense Officer Later, she appeared for several formal education. She was helpless from Ahmedabad District asked interviews, secured a job and this is and desperate for work. Someone in Manisha about the changes in her life not all, she is also pursuing her LLB her village told her about the widow after the training, she confidently now. Unlike many, Manisha has a training scheme. She has never looked replied that now she has begun to supportive family. This further back since. value her innate abilities. She still encouraged her to become self-reliant. Once the training was over she feels the need to keep updating herself

While, Manishaben Patel first and has a desire to learn Tally received financial support of 5000/- worked as a computer trainer at the programming and also about with which she started a small shop in Ahmedabad Training Centre, the computer hardware. her village. She says, “It is a novelty centre co-ordinators made efforts to “I acknowledge the hard work put item store, I earn about 3000 – send her resume to other companies. in by the trainers at the centre and 5000/- per month from it. The

For the first time in her life thank the Government of Gujarat for practical knowledge imparted during Manishaben Patel at the age of 38 got having developed such schemes for the training proved to be very helpful. a job as an Administrative Assistant widows. “, says a jubilant Manisha. I am very happy that the Government with a Private Limited Company. She is running such a scheme that makes is being paid 5000/- as salary now. us financially independent.'

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Success Stories

Environment January, 2012 Environment

3332

Gujarat occur in the Gulf of Kutch, people about Mangroves and their mainly on the coast of Kutchh and ecological and economical importance. Jamnagar. Presently 14 different Positive results of the efforts are visible species of mangroves have been in the latest forest survey of India 2009, reported in the State among which, which reports an increase in mangrove he beauty of Mangroves has Avicennia marina is the predominant cover of 55 sq km in the state alone as enamoured all for centuries, species. compared to a 58 sq km net increase in by giving wing to people's T

Unfortunately, in some areas, the country. imagination it has subtly found a place dependency of local people on One of the most productive in India's history, mythology and mangroves for fodder, fuel and timber ecosystems on this planet, Mangrove popular culture. From being protectors is very high. The mangrove ecosystem are important features of coastal of the coast to providing a thriving has suffered degradation over time due habitats. They are known for their salt ecosystem for countless species, to various reasons including natural tolerant characteristics as well as other mangroves definitely play multiple disasters and human-animal interactions tangible and non-tangible benefits. The roles. including cutting, lopping and camel thick root network of mangroves proves The word "Mangrove" is considered grazing. to be an excellent bio-diversity habitat to be a combination of the Portuguese

To conserve this valuable ecosystem, for varied marine animals. The intricate word "Mangue" and the English word Gujarat Ecology Commission (GEC) root network of mangroves holds on to "grove". The term "Mangrove" is used started a restoration project with a the soil tightly and effectively prevents to describe both an ecosystem as well as Community Based Management soil erosion. Mangroves also function individual plants. What is fascinating is approach. The mangrove restoration as stabilizers of sediment on the that they thrive in an environment

inhospitable to most plant species; an interface between land and sea marked with fluctuations in salinity, storms and tidal surges. Since the mangrove trees remain submerged partially in water they have developed a very interesting survival mechanism. They have snorkel like roots called pneumatophores which stick up from the surface. The plants have developed these because they need to get oxygen directly from the atmosphere.

Mangrove cover in India accounts for about 3% of the world's mangrove vegetation. According to the latest Forest Survey of India held in 2009, Gujarat holds nearly a quarter of the

effort is initiated under the joint shoreline and protect the coasts from total national mangrove cover with

initiatives of the state (through the storm and salty wind. In Gujarat too, 1,046 sq km.

Gujarat Ecology Commission) and the Mangrove forests in the Gulf of Kutchh Gujarat enjoys the distinction of

community based organizations are important nesting areas for resident having the longest coastline in the

(CBOs). water birds as thousands visit them country which stretches over more than

What made this venture successful during summer. In recent years, 1650 kms. Gujarat's coast provides an

was the innovative approach of mangrove areas are also being used for ideal environment for mangroves to

involving communit ies in the tourism. Lush green forests and thrive; hence it's hardly surprising that

conservation efforts. This not only attractive surroundings makes the visit Gujarat has the second highest

involved Mangrove plantation activity of a tourist memorable.mangrove cover in the country after

bu t a l so i nc luded awarenes s What is heartening to see is that the West Bengal.

programmes conducted to educate Gujarat Government has not stopped at Over 90 % of the mangroves of

that. It has also made a provision of15.21 crore in the latest 2011-2012

budget for further boosting the Mangrove cover in the state.

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by Nitasha Nair

January, 2012

State Year 2005 Year 2009 Increase(area in sq km) (area in sq km) (area in sq km)

Gujarat 991 1,046 55

West Bengal 2,136 2,152 16

Orissa 217 221 4

Tamil Nadu 36 39 3

Goa 16 17 1

Top Five States with Increase in Mangrove Cover

Which is the largest mangrove forest in the world and where is it located?

Bangladesh's vast Sunderbans mangrove forest is the largest in the world.

Trivia

Mangroves Gujarat's stronghold of the future

Source : India - State of Forest Report 2009, Forest survey of India

Photo Feature January, 2012 Photo Feature

3534

The Year Gone By

“}¢ñæ Ýãèæ, ã}¢”“}¢ñæ Ýãèæ, ã}¢”

One TeamOne Vision

One Mission

TEAM GUJARAT

One TeamOne Vision

One Mission

TEAM GUJARAT

”

“

1) Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit 2011

The year 2011 ushered in development's new dawn for

Gujarat in form of the Vibrant Summit which garnered a

record investment intention of USD 450 billion creating 52

lakh new job opportunities for the youth

2) Sadbhavna Mission

Gujarat's initiative for attaining inclusive growth based on

the foundation of peace, unity and harmony

3) Swarnim Samapan

Marked the end of golden jubilee year of the formation of

the state amidst much fan fare and with a promise to take

the good work forward

4) Mission Mangalam

Empowering women by making them financially

independent, this unique campaign has impacted over two

lakh Sakhi Mandals engaging more than 22 lakh rural

women in economic activities.

January, 2012

1.

2. 3. 4.

decision to establish these institutes at development in the industry and to now up to those interested to take up the Surendranagar (Dhangadhra) and explore its employment potential. It is challenge and carve out a good life.Banaskantha (Ambaji) districts was to target the artisans who live in these areas. These courses absorb men in between the ages of 15 to 40 irrespective of course-type, provided they hold a 10th certificate. Preference is given to the poor and backward classes. The only quality which the management looks for in a candidate is the passion and zeal to learn. To start with, the courses have been segregated into three categories; the one– week p r o g r a m , t h e s h o r t d u r a t i o n programmes and the year-long programme. Throughout these courses, the main aim is to make the concerned artisan self-sufficient.

T h e o n e - w e e k p r o g r a m m e concentrates on acquainting the student to the environment. This course is essentially about arousing the student's interest in stone craft. In a week's time, the course covers drawing, stone carving, computers, spoken English, entrepreneurship, and project work.

The short-duration courses are categorised into three slots. The 3 month , 2 month and 25 day programmes.

All these courses include the 1 week orientation course-work along with a specialisation. The students can specialize in 3 different sectors – The 3-month course specialises in stone-craft machine operation, the 2-month course in hand-carving and the 25-day course in entrepreneurship for prospective entrepreneurs.

For students interested in all three specialisations, the institute proposes a one-year programme for all round sculpting skills, machine-operation skills and entrepreneurial competencies.

More than any other characteristic, this institute stands out for imparting absolutely free training and education. The Government finances the entire course for all the students. Apart from free training, transport (for students who opt for it), lunch and stay, and a stipend of 100 (everyday) are also given. This initiative on part of the Gujarat government is to ensure niche

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Stones (CDOS), National Institute for encourage people who already have design (NID) etc. But Gujarat, in a one ancestral roots in stone work, like the of its kind initiative, has recently started tribals, and also novices. Since most of an institute called the “Stone Artisan the artisans living in interior villages Park” (SAPTI) at Dhangadhra and are unaware of the potential they ndia unlike most other countries Ambaji. These Training Institutes are possess, SAPTI aims to steadily guide has a living and national art, under the “Swarnim” Gujarat section of them towards national and international intimately bound to the social Ithe Geology and Mining, Industries recognition. and religious lives of its people. For as and Miners Department; Gujarat Two institutes have been established long as we know, it has been a land of Industrial and Technical Consultancy in Dhangadhra and Ambaji. The heritage castles, temples and buildings. Organization Limited (GITCO).The traditions of Indian sculpture date

The Government of Gujarat has back to 300 BC. Stone sculpting, at a been aware of the constraints which juncture in history, was one of the most slowed down the pace of the growth of chosen occupations by people in India. this industry and of its potential for But in recent times, it has been e m p l o y m e n t g e n e r a t i o n . T h e neglected as contemporary architecture endeavour behind this initiative is to has crept in. There exists a huge market cultivate a certain competence in small even now for stone related work, and time artisans without disrupting their India is one of the leading nations to already strong roots in the craft. provide workmanship to this industry. Training them to meet human resource There are various centres in India requirement of this industry is an which encourage stone development integral part of the Stone Artisan Park's like the Centre for Development of objective. This course is structured to

In Focus January, 2012 In Focus

3736

SAPTI

by Indrani Mantripragada

An initiative to revive Stone art

“I had never imagined that p e o p l e w o u l d e v e n b e interested in my work. SAPTI has encouraged me and I will pursue my art with vigour now.” says a 35-year-old stone sculptor from Dhangadhra who participated in the 1-week course.

The Gujarat, spoke to Raju Davey, sculptor and entrepreneur at Bhairavee Crafts, Ahmedabad, about the growing Indian stone industry and SAPTI.

What do you think of SAPTI as an initiative?I think it is one of its kind in India. Nowhere are there institutes which fund and provide students to learn and develop. SAPTI is a welcome initiative in Gujarat, as many people, especially youth, are not even aware of a career in stone art and sculpting.

Is there a lot of potential in the Indian Stone Industry?Yes of course. In the last 10 years the Indian Export for stone and sculptures market has increased by almost 4-5 times. The export industry can be taken by storm by Indian artisans. India is the largest producer of stone in the world accounting for 30% of world production. The Indian stone industry has grown at a healthy clip of 10% p.a. in recent years. Not only the export industry but also the local market has a lot of scope. Handicraft items, sculpture, temple architecture, and several such areas have immense scope for new talent. There is also the commercial industry, locally, that needs to be tapped.

What is the mantra for success for new sculptors?Work hard and never lose patience. Once you master the art, there is no looking back!

January, 2012

h e s t a t e g o v e r n m e n t launched the Gunotsav programme, an annual T

education awareness drive in 2009 with a view to raise the quality of education in government primary schools across the state that are assessed and evaluated on various criteria such as reading, writing, arithmetical skills etc.

In a first, the Gujarat government has decided to go in for an independent third-party evaluation to check the effectiveness of Gunotsav. This year, the state government has also roped in Pratham, an NGO which works in the field of education, for evaluating the campaign. The level of primary

children were found lagging behind 3rd 'Gunotsav' campaign to evaluate education in the state has improved earlier. When these children were 32,274 government primary schools in significantly as a result of Gunotsav and evaluated by the UNICEF subsequently, Gujarat for three days from November its concentrated efforts.85% of them had improved and had 24 to 26, 2011.Last year's Gunotsav brought in reached a satisfactory level. This and several other such success some encouraging results; over 12 lakh

The entire Council of Ministers, led stories demonstrate that the state by Chief Minister, IAS officers and government's mandate of making 3,000-odd officials participated in the quality primary education compulsory

and accessible to each and everyone will be realised steadily with the co-operation of over 6 crore 'Gujaratis' and the lakhs of committed Government 'Karmacharis' across the state.


3938

by the Editorial Team

Gunotsav-2011Education for all

second annual month-long mega event from sports due to the lack of has received 21 lakh a th le te encouragement. Sports is the only registrations this year, surpassing last sphere where failure and success are year's participation by 14-lakh athletes. held in equal regard. We, in Gujarat, The opening ceremony at the Maharaja will make sure, that through Khel Sayajirao University Pavilion in Mahakumbh, we promote active Vadodara was inaugurated by Chief participation in sports.”Minister Narendra Modi and was an This year's Khel Mahakumbh also astounding success. included a special Olympic organised

The event was also graced by for 60,000 physically disabled Akshay Kumar, actor, celebrity and the participants, and beach sports for brand ambassador for the Special 3,500 athletes from the fishing

215 runs off 65 balls, including 42 Olympics, who arrived in an electric communities. Over 27,000 kabaddi

fours well before end of day's play. This golf trolley. Amazed at the dedication teams participated in the event. The 2nd

is not another Virender Sehwag special and the enthusiasm of the special Khel Mahakumbh is said to be set to

or a bludgeoning handed out by the athletes present at the event, he said, create a record of sorts.

likes of Chris Gayle or Sachin “Mr. Modi has put in his heart and soul With the state government focusing

Tendulkar.in this initiative. It is truly heart- intensely on developing and promoting warming to see special athletes being sports and physical activities in the

his feat was achieved by a given a chance to participate in this state, success stories such as that of

visually impaired, standard event.” Kokila's shall only rise up from every T10 student, Kokila Motapia,

The CM in his address to the corner of Gujarat. This significant who hit a monstrous double century that

audience said, “Khel Mahakumbh's initiative taken up by Gujarat might even Sehwag would be proud of,

main objective is to develop and also usher in the much awaited positive against Palanpur in a recently

promote sportsman's spirit. I used phase in the sports scenario of the conducted cricket one -day match

to observe people drifting away country.organized at the Khel Mahakumbh.

The daughter of a poor farm labourer, Kokila, hopes to play for India one day. "Sehwag and Sachin Tendulkar are my role models and it is my dream to meet the two greats one day." She adds she would have loved to equal Sehwag's 219!

This senior secondary student's feat is special also because she played with over 18 year olds and left many people stunned with her hitting prowess. Such stories of indomitable willpower showcased through sheer grit have emerged in mainstream media due to the platform provided by Khel Mahakumbh.

After a ringing success last year, Gujarat's very own sporting event, Khel Mahakumbh, kicked off with a grand opening on the 28th of Nov 2011. The

Khel MahakumbhRamshe Gujarat, Jeetshe Gujarat

by Vasant Iyer

At the Inaugural function : CM with brand ambassador for Special Olympics, Akshay Kumar

The three-day Gunotsav campaign included the CM’s surprise visit to a primary school at Jaswantgadh Bhemal village in Danta taluka of Banaskantha district. The school, named 'Sanskaar Dhaam' or 'School of Values' has come to be famous due to its various initiatives in the sphere of overall human development. Birthdays of children in this school are celebrated as 'Aajna Deepak' day. The most well groomed child is titled 'Aajna Gulab' for the day!

The school is especially known for one of its teachers, Shri Rahimbhai Rajpara who is known to inculcate noble values in children and is dedicated to the cause of improving the standard of education in rural Gujarat. Rahimbhai has over 37 years of experience in teaching and was specially called upon by Chief Minister, Narendra Modi, to congratulate him on his impeccable service record and devotion to teaching.

Rahimbhai mentions with tears of joy welling up in his eyes that when a leader of the CM’s stature appreciates the good work done by remote villages in the most interior regions of the state, it gives courage to people like him to continue the endeavour of imparting quality education.

January, 2012

along with better service standards.Along with the Swarnim year

celebrations in 2010-11, a mantra of growth and development was embarked upon by the RTOs called the “SWARNIM RTO”. This concept was not only a roadmap for the following year but also a make – over for the forthcoming decade. This initiative was meant to ensure and increase efficiency and transparency and to methodically implement the processes of e-governance by acquir ing new capabilities in technology, logistics and administration.

Single Window Applications records completely in a span of one Prior to the introduction of the New Document Delivery Initiatives year. This will help in building the

Single Window System concept, the RTOs have a tie up with the regional master database and will facilitate easy applicant was required to move from post offices to ensure safe and timely retrieval of records, and the public will one window to the other and wait for his delivery of documents like RC Books, have access to the database, obviating turn, which ultimately resulted in long licences etc. to designated addresses. their frequent visits. queues. The system was very time - This process has ensured that the The automated driving Test tracks consuming and tiring, causing customer need not visit RTO offices are being made by the department to inconvenience. Therefore the Single repeatedly for obtaining the required ensure that a higher bar is set for Window System was conceived. All the documents. This also ensures that the checking the driving skills of a processes related to an application like address of the applicant is verified prospective licence holder. The track receiving applications, scrutinising, fee while delivering the document. There is will be equipped with electronic collection, bio-metrics etc. are no extra cost charged to the customer sensors which will help in providing an processed at a single window (counter). for this service. on the spot grading of the driver's skill, The applicant is required to wait at the knowledge and the movements will counter while his application is being Modernization of RTOs also be recorded. processed. There are a number of such The old offices were designed for counters. Thus, effectively, the queues manual and low volume work. In recent Traffic Education and Awareness are eliminated. times there has been a surge in the Mobile-Van Campaign (TEAM)

number of applications for driving Mr. Narendra Modi launched the Online Appointment System licences and vehicle registrations Traffic Education and Awareness

The flow of the processes is through speed post services. This has Mobile-van (TEAM) campaign from cont ro l led th rough an on l ine necessitated computerisation of the Gandhinagar. This scheme is targeted appointment or token system. Through entire system, along with the towards upper-primary and secondary this, people can arrive at designated renovation of the offices to suit school students in 11 districts of the time slots without having to wait. infrastructural needs. Seven new state. It seeks to spread road safety Through such unique and scientific offices are being constructed whereas awareness among school students. initiatives, the state government has the remaining offices are undergoing Specially designed mobile-vans prepared a roadmap to modernise and renovation with a designated budget of equipped with multi-media and other upgrade facilities at all RTOs across the Rs 80 crores. communication gadgets were flagged state. off. The State government has also

Digitization and Driving Test Tracks decided to include traffic rules and Re-Engineered Processes – Other initiatives awareness related chapters in the school

The previously existing process was The RTO office keeps a record of all curriculum. The TEAM campaign was complex, cumbersome and full of vehicle registrations, driving licence launched after the pilot project in redundancies which has been replaced issuances and hence it has to maintain a Panchmahal district garnered positive by a simplified and standardized huge amount of data spanning over response from the students.process to reap full benefits of the decades. The State Government has computerised system. undertaken the task to digitize these

RTOs, is responsible for the registration tremendous challenges before the of motor vehicles and the issuance of department and hence it has to driving licences along with road safety. constantly update itself to keep pace

The state has witnessed a rapid with the changes. This entails a growth in both the number of vehicles significant intervention for safer roads

We need to use modern and drivers. While 4.32 lakh vehicles technology and make services had been registered in 2001-02, 11.22 available to the citizens with lakh vehicles have been registered in “

less hassles; and that is why the state the state in the year 2010-11. The government has decided to fully corresponding figures of driving computerize the RTOs in every district”, licences issued are 7.79 lakh and 10.16 remarked Chief Minister Narendra lakh respectively, which signal the Modi during the inauguration of the phenomenal growth of mobility in the new RTO (Regional Transport Office) state. It is expected that this trend will building at Gandhinagar. Putting these accelerate and a larger number of words into action, the Gujarat RTO's vehicles and drivers will be included in have undergone a sea change. The the transport network, because of the Gujarat Motor Vehicle Department state's higher growth rate as compared (GMVD), also the headquarter of to the nation's. This growth has posed


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by J.P.Gupta I.A.S

Commissioner of Transport

Gujarat RTOs

A New Service Paradigm

SWA u

R u

NI u

M u

S ing le W indow applications

R e - e n g i n e e r e d processes

N e w - d e l i v e r y Initiatives

Modernisation of RTOs

SWARNIM RTOs

Continuously upgrading : At the launch of Swarnim RTO

January, 2012

out instructions on how a certain catalogue should be designed.

Excerpts from a conversation with Madhurima Mallik....

Yes. Recently, Mayur Art Gallery showcased 50 of my latest paintings. I am essentially an abstractionist. I used to do landscapes initially, but then I started working with abstraction after 1961. I have had about 24 'one man shows'; that is what we call an exhibition with a single artist's work.

right of hosting the festival but it came I started making kites only in 1988. I to us.

use Spinacle Nylon which is a very tough variety of nylon I buy it from France.

No, all my children are the same to me. Although, I must tell you, the most

My collection of kites was huge and romantic flying experience I ever had It is true that I have to meet and the erstwhile Commissioner of the was in Chicago. We flew stunt kites; a

interact with a funny mix of people at Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation pair of kites separated by a distance of 4 the exhibitions. But, I have never lost (AMC), Mr. Basu took interest in it. It feet (and he quickly draws a pen and my cool; I am known to be patient. was his decision to create the Kite starts making a sketch of the stunt kites

Museum. I donated my lifetime for us).The audience was enthralled.collection to the AMC.It took me 4 years to design the museum. The

Oh, I have lots of beautiful museum displays the international memories. I am an alumnus of the 1952 history of kites right from 200 BC to the I absolutely adore Ajay Chakraborty's batch. I was brought up in a small present day in 23 history panels which vocal music apart from Jasraj and village and I remember having failed in are illustrated with drawings and Omkarnath. Other than that I have two the interview, but at the end I stood photographs. A video is constantly publications; the compilation of my second in my batch, passing out as a played which is meant to give the poems-Budhvar ni Raat and Tadtadiya.merit scholar. MSU has given the visitors a feel of the Makar Sankranti Suddenly, the cover page of the country many prominent artists who celebrations in Ahmedabad. copy of our magazine catches his fancy have been influenced in some way by and he saysthe figurative style of Baroda Let me tell you Mr.Narendra Modi

is “the” person who has capably My family is the flying family of merged the enterprising spirit of the

Ahmedabad. (laughs). We have flown people of Gujarat with their rich I came to Ahmedabad in 1956 and kites in all the International Kite cultural heritage. One such instance is

saw Tankshal; one big lane of beautiful Festivals. My sons have accompanied the coming together of the business art kites. I realised that they were me to Bangkok, France and Dubai and summit (Global Investor's Summit) and exquisite works of art. I started our performances have been greatly the International Kite Festival. collecting kites from the master appreciated. Based on my experiences, As, we walk away, extremely craftsmen of Agra, Mathura, Jaipur, I compiled facts and prepared a grateful and humbled he says, “Send me Jodhpur, Bareilly, Lucknow, Calcutta, presentation on behalf of Ahmedabad, a copy, although I am off to New Delhi, Baroda, Surat and Nadiad. It when the International Kite Festival Zealand in January for a Kite festival!” resulted in a very huge collection. came to India. Many cities including

Lucknow put in their bid to claim the

That must be a catalogue for your next exhibition. Do you paint regularly?

So, have you ever had an instance You make kites... where you have had to come across awkward remarks or silly queries about your work? Like abstractionist Do you have favourites among the Jeram Patel is believed to have kites you have made?driven out people from the Jehangir Art Gallery for asking what his black How did the museum come about?blob like paintings meant.

What memories do you have of Baroda & MSU ? Are you a fan of the performing arts

or literature and poetry?

And the Internat iona l Ki te Festival…

When did the fascination with kites start?Aptly defined by the illustrious like listening to a meandering story that

film-maker, Shyam Bengal, as a jumps from rooftop to balcony, “highly infectious place of aesthetics”, pavement and back. He moves fluidly the museum does not fail to mesmerise. from English to Gujarati; fact, anecdote As you enter it, you stumble upon a and gossip. At 77, his zeal for life is huge photo mural which beautifully awe-inspiring. An enthusiastic child at captures the essence of the 14th of heart, he demands undivided attention January and you cannot agree more as he walks you through a lifetime of with an American lady who wrote, “The romance with art and kites.museum flies!” When we met him at his house in

Interviewing Bhanubhai Shah is Ahmedabad, he was earnestly giving

In Conversation with In Conversation with

4342

he creator of the Kite Museum, Bhanubhai Shah, is a painter who has a vast body of work to his credit and is the recipient of numerous awards, Tincluding a National Award in 1968 and the Gaurav Puraskar by the

Gujarat State Lalit Kala Academy in 2002. He is an alumnus of the Faculty of Fine Arts of the Maharaja Sayaji Rao University of Baroda.

Kite Stories : The Kite Museum promises fascinating trivia into the history and culture of kite flying

January, 2012January, 2012

Bhanubhai ShahA glimpse into the life of a Kite Connoisseur

45

January, 2012 Travel

city in Dhordo. At Kala Dongar, CM after realising the potential of the white flagged off an adventure rally desert of Gujarat as a tourist organized by the forest department. destination. One gets glimpses of the

The annual carnival, running into rich culture and handicraft traditions of he Rann of Kutch is a unique the fifth consecutive year, was Kutch, a region that is resplendent with geological phenomenon. A conceptualised by the Gujarat Government the brilliant colours of embroidery, tie-Twhite desert spanning across

hundreds of miles transforms into a standing testimony of an ancient civilization still intact in the rich heritage and culture of the region.

As the inhospitable summers in Kutch vanish, winters set the festive spirit in full swing starting with the much-awaited 'Rann Utsav' – a fun-filled month-long cultural extravaganza. The Utsav is organized by the Gujarat Tourism Department to highlight the cultural splendor of the state. The fair is like a mirror to the traditional art forms and culture of Gujarat. On the first day of state's 38-day cultural festival 'Rann Utsav', Chief Minister Narendra Modi joined the tourists from all over the world.

This year, the Chief Minister went to Kala Dongar and offered prayers to lord Dattatreya before reaching the tent

44

Travel

and-dye and block-printed fabrics produced by the local village artisans.

The Rann Safari remains the show stealer at the event where tourists can ride on a number of decorated camel carts into the white desert to watch the sunset on one end and the moon rise on the other. This year it was both, the full moon and the lunar eclipse, which presented great scenic beauty.

A complete “Tent City” has come up at the Dhordo village in the border district of Kutch with the figures crossing a mark of 440 tents in the festival area. Not too far away is a craft village setup which offers a variety of handicrafts to the delight of shoppers. T h e R a n n U t s a v c o n t r i b u t e s significantly in providing employment in Kutch region. The vibrant Kutch has seen a tourist influx of over 35,000 this year and the count is soaring.

major attractions to enchant the and the USA. Hodka village in the Many tourists prefer staying at the revellers during the festival include hot district is ready to be marked as a Bhungas (a traditional house built by air ballooning, desert car rallies and destination to promote rural tourism. the villagers of Kutch) to get a first-rides. The village is being developed under hand experience of rural tourism. A

Kutch's popularity as a desired the United Nations Development colony is being constructed in touris t dest inat ion among the Programme (UNDP), Ministry of Dhrobana especially for tourists and metropolitan population is evident Tourism and local umbrella NGO nature lovers jointly by the Gujarat from the fact that a whole scene of Kutch Mahila Vikas Sangathan government and JP associates under the Kutchhi lifestyle adorned the exteriors (KMVS).Public Private Partnership (PPP) of the Gujarat Pavilion at the recently Rann Utsav is all about Kutch – life, model. concluded India International Trade handicrafts, eco-tourism, religious The carnival moves on to different Fair 2011 in New Delhi. circuit, economic opportunities and locales in a bid to introduce visitors to

The concerted efforts of the investments. All in all it is an indigenous traditions of the native Government have led to Kutch opportunity to escape from the population. Tourists from all over India emerging as a prosperous destination maddening crowd of the big cities to and abroad enjoy various tour packages for local, small and big investors and enjoy a rural sojourn among the that involve sightseeing in Kutch and entrepreneurs. Madhapar village in nomadic tribes of desert. adjoining areas during the festival. Kutch is considered to be Asia's richest Guests can also embark on a Temple village due to foreign remittances by trail to Mata na Madh, Narayan Sarovar NRIs in Africa, the Gulf countries, UK and Koteshwar's Shiva Temple. Other

by Nilesh Shukla

Crossing to Kutch,

on the Caravan of white Gold

Desert Royalty : The ‘Ship of the Desert’ is a major attraction here

January, 2012

Colors of the desert : Rann Utsav begins !

n the occasion of Gujarat celebrating 50 years of statehood, the Government O

of Gujarat had published and released 'Verbatim', a 3-volume collection of speeches made by H.E the Governors of Gujarat in the Budget Sessions of the State Legislative Assembly from the year 1961 to the year 2010. Compiled from the state archives by the Directorate of Economics and Statistics, this 3 – volume compendium consisting of 50 speeches was released on 1st May, 2011 at the Swarnim Samapan Samaaroh in Ahmedabad.

Starting from the first Budget Session address in the Legislative Assembly by Shri Mehdi Nawaz Jung on February 16th, 1961 and concluding of GSWAN and the construction of the analysing and studying various stages with the present Governor of Gujarat Sardar Sarovar Dam and Canal in the development of the state. Hon'ble Dr. Shrimati Kamla's address Network. The speeches also represent “A lot of care is taken in the on February 24th, 2010, the speeches various challenges faced by Gujarat. preparation of the speeches of H.E. the comprehensively explain the budgetary For instance, the budgetary speech Governors of Gujarat during the budget allocation of state funds to various made by former Governor of Gujarat, sessions”, said Mr. V.N. Maira (IAS), developmental schemes in the last 50 Late Shri Sundersingh Bhandari on Additional Chief Secretary of the years of Gujarat's statehood. Through 19th March, 2001, focussed on the General Administration Department, these speeches, one can trace the devastating earthquake that hit Gujarat “When this laborious task was growth story of Gujarat over the past 50 earlier that year and described the undertaken, it was felt that such a years and understand the mechanism by mammoth rescue – relief operations compilation would help researchers, which Gujarat, today, has become one undertaken by the Government. planners, policy makers and all those of the principal growth drivers of the Apart from the speeches, the who are committed to the development country's economy. One can visualize volumes also contain life sketches of of the state”. the efforts undertaken by the the 18 Governors of Gujarat, detailing 'Verbatim' is a valuable transcription Government through the years in fields their careers, achievements and of Gujarat's administrative history and like agriculture, land reforms, women interests. The life sketches present can act as a guide in understanding the empowerment, energy, industrialization, several interesting trivia about the past amount of thought and effort put in by water conservation, etc. Governors of Gujarat, like how Shri state governments to improve the

The speeches reflect various Mehdi Nawaz Jung was instrumental in overall standard of living for the undertakings and achievements of the the establishment of the world common man. It is a must – have for state of Gujarat like the establishment renowned SalarJung museum in your private library if you are a

Hyderabad and that the present stakeholder of Gujarat's growth story.Governor of Gujarat Dr. Shrimati Kamla was an excellent horse rider in her youth.

Releasing this compendium, CM Narendra Modi reiterated the necessity of compiling the past and the present for

by Sahit Chirutapudi

A Recap of Gujarat’s Glorious Past ome September, and the state of Gujarat erupts into a frenzy of colour, dance and C

joy. This is the time when people across cultural boundaries come together to celebrate the homecoming of the divine “Goddess”. This is also a time to celebrate fertility and the monsoon harvest. This is the time for Navaratri- the longest dance festival of the world.

Navaratri, meaning ''nine nights'', is power of goodness which destroys all The Chief Minister expressed his one of the most popular and widely the evil forces. Devotees perform the resolve to provide a “Global identity” to celebrated festival in many parts of “Devi-Sthapana” in their homes Gujarat's unique dance form, “Garba”. India. Although this festival is wherein they invite the Goddess. They He also spoke of the great potential celebrated throughout India, nowhere offer prayers and fast for nine days Gujarat holds as a tourist destination. else is it performed with more panache during the festival. He further said that Gujarat will set new and fervour than in Gujarat. Reflecting The Navratri-2011 festival at benchmarks not only in agriculture and the mood, Chief Minister Mr. Narendra Gujarat University Ground was a industry but in tourism as well. To this Modi, inaugurated the Navaratri 2011 spectacle. The grand stage came to life effect, a book, titled 'Fairs and Festivals festival at the Gujarat University w i t h a r o u n d 2 0 0 - 2 5 0 a r t i s t s of Gujarat', published by Gujarat grounds in Ahmedabad on the 28th of mesmerising the audience with their Tourism was inaugurated. A special September. The event was jointly musical drama titled “Praseed photo gallery and theme pavilion called organised by Gujarat Tourism Parameshwari” which was based on the “Sant Nagari” was also unveiled. The Department and Gujarat Industries philosophy of 'Chandi Pathh'. The Sant Nagri is a theme park which is Navaratri Festival Society. “Shaktipeeths” of Gujarat were also coming up at Dharoi and would be

Navaratri ushers in a wave of showcased in the dance performance. based on the lives of legendary saints. positivity and bears equal cultural and The performance ended with the “Maha The Navaratr i fest ival was religious significance. Goddess Amba Aarti”, which saw hundreds present at celebrated with much pomp throughout (Durga) who is believed to exist in the ground lighting lamps and praying Gujarat, and ended with the lingering many forms is offered prayers during to the Goddess. With this, the grounds sweet-salty taste of delicious “fafda and Navaratri. These different forms of the opened for Garba, hence the beginning jalebi” on the 5th of October.Goddess represent “Shakti” or the of the festival.

46


extravaganza


extravaganza

NavaratriN rav ia rat

47

Book Review January, 2012 Art and cultureJanuary, 2012

The volumes contain life sketches of the 18 Governors of Gujarat, detailing their careers, achievements and interests.

by the Editorial Team

At a Glance January, 2012

48

Bhavnagar, with the Honb'le Gover-nor, Dr. Kamla Beniwal, the Chief Minister and other cabinet ministers.

It was on this day, 1950 that the This Day is celebrated most majesti-constitution of India came into force cally in Gujarat, where symbols of the and India became a truly Sovereign, state's tradition and cultural wealth Democratic and Republic state. The are displayed in what is one of the Indian constitution stands for the most impressive parades. The CM aspirations which 'the common man visits a different district each year for of India' cherishes, and Gujarat flag hoisting; an unprecedented step foreruns in it, celebrating its Republic to unite all the citizens of the state to Day with happiness and respect for come together and celebrate a festival the motherland. This year's Republic of national importance with zeal and Day is scheduled to be celebrated at pride across the nation.

Upcoming Events

Gujarat pays tribute to one of India's greatest visionary, Swami Vivekananda, who put before the world the inherent strength of Indian culture and its people by celebratingthe year 2012 as 'Yuva Shakti Varsh' in his remembrance. To mark the beginning of this year-long celebration, on January 12, 2012, a mega youth confer-ence is to be convened in Gujarat. Swami Vivekanand spent most of his time in Gujarat during his tour of the nation and it is in the fitness of things that Gujarat celebrates the event as a guiding force to the nation. Also, it was Swami Vivekanand who had inspired the youth with the slogan of 'India First'.

January brings to us the fun-filled festival of kites Uttarayan popularly celebrated as Patang Utsav or the Kite Festival in Gujarat. Every year Gujarat showcases to the world, the most enchanting patangs and the coming year is no exception. The International Patang Utsav 2012 promises nail-biting competitions, colourful kites, memorable experiences and much more. People old and young flock to the open grounds and terraces flying kites from early dawn to late dusk, in celebration of the festival. Innumerable kites of various sizes, shapes and colours adorn the skyline making it a sight not to miss! But the excitement does not stop after dusk. The nights witness the arrival of the illuminated box-kites or the “tukkals”. These kites add a touch of glitter to the dark sky. Undhiyo, a mixed-vegetable sweet dish, is the speciality of the season along with “khicdi” or lentil-porridge.

thUttarayan – 14 January

thRepublic Day – 26 January

th Year of Youth Power Inauguration - 12 January

This new year let us pledge to work towards an

AIDS FREE GUJARAT

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New HIV

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To,

Commissionerate of Information, Block No. 7/2, Dr. Jivraj Mehta Bhavan, Gandhinagar-382010

Book packet containing printed books only

Soaring to New Heights.Progressing through Inclusivity

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