What New Development Package Did Gujarat CM Unveil for Banaskantha?

On July 24, in Banaskantha, Gujarat, Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel officially launched and initiated the groundwork for development initiatives valued at Rs 358.37 crore.

Addressing a gathering in Suigam near Nadabet, the CM reiterated the government’s commitment to turning border villages into hubs of growth and tourism.

“Once barren lands are now transforming into tourism hotspots due to ongoing efforts in improving water connectivity and foundational infrastructure,” Patel noted, mentioning that development benefits are now reaching even the most remote areas.

Patel unveiled new projects totaling Rs 55.68 crore and underscored Gujarat’s dedication to health, education, water management, and environmental initiatives. He referred to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s campaigns, including “Catch the Rain” and “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam”, as timely measures against climate change.

“Every district in Gujarat now boasts a medical college, and we train over 7,000 new doctors annually. Citizens benefit from free medical care up to Rs 10 lakh under schemes such as Ayushman Bharat,” Patel added.

The success of the Amrit Sarovar Mission was also acknowledged, with Gujarat surpassing its target by building more than 75 reservoirs in each district. Banaskantha alone has completed over 30,000 recharge wells through collaboration with Banas Dairy.

Gujarat Assembly Speaker Shankarbhai Chaudhary praised the CM's leadership and noted how Banaskantha has evolved from being seen as underdeveloped to a model of rural revitalization and border tourism.

He highlighted initiatives like school enrollment drives, girls’ education campaigns, and Gunotsav as pivotal in enhancing education in the district. “Banaskantha excelled in this year’s Class 10 and 12 results, a proud achievement for us all,” he remarked.

Industries Minister Balvantsinh Rajput pointed out that the government allocated Rs 7,200 crore to Banaskantha over the last three years, promoting job creation through cooperatives like Banas Dairy and new GIDC estates across the area.

Patel attributed Gujarat’s progress to robust fiscal management, transparent governance, and strategic long-term planning—a legacy he credits to Modi's earlier tenure as the state’s Chief Minister.

In a ceremonial moment, the Jay Bhole Group from Ahmedabad presented the CM with a replica of 51 Shakti Peeths and a Shri Yantra crafted from sacred soil. Citizens also celebrated the recent approval of the new Vav-Tharad district, viewing it as a significant step towards improved governance and local development.

The event was attended by several dignitaries and local MLAs, including Swarupji Thakor, Praveen Mali, Aniket Thakor, Keshaji Chauhan, and Mavji Desai, along with District Collector Mihir Patel, DDO M.J. Dave, SP Akshayraj Makwana, and various departmental officials.