Rajkot, March 28 (NationPress) - On Saturday, Gujarat's Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel officially launched and initiated approximately 45 developmental initiatives totaling Rs 751.20 crore in Rajkot. This includes the completion of 1,010 new housing units under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana.

The housing units, categorized as EWS-II, were constructed at an investment of Rs 119.05 crore and are designed to offer modern amenities for families. Additionally, a new Regional Transport Office and an advanced vehicle testing track were inaugurated at a cost of Rs 9.78 crore.

In his address, Patel stated, “With the vision of ‘Ease of Living’ and ‘Earn Well, Live Well’, Rajkot is now the recipient of development projects worth Rs 751.20 crore. Gujarat's model of development and its financial management capabilities are unmatched in India.”

The Chief Minister reiterated that no project essential for public welfare would remain incomplete, ensuring that proposed initiatives receive prompt governmental approval. He underscored the significance of upholding quality in ongoing projects.

Referencing the Prime Minister’s ambition for a developed India by 2047, Patel mentioned, “To achieve a developed India, it’s crucial to integrate everyday citizens into the mainstream. To facilitate this, the Vibrant Gujarat Summit has been expanded to regional levels across the state.”

Recalling the Prime Minister’s extensive tenure of 8,931 days in public service, Patel noted that his own journey as a public representative commenced in Rajkot, with this record continuing to grow.

“The Prime Minister, with his commitment to the welfare of the common man, has made substantial improvements in the lives of the underprivileged. The excise duty on petrol has been decreased from Rs 13 to Rs 3, and the excise on diesel has been completely removed,” he said.

Patel added that the Prime Minister envisions a future where every impoverished and middle-class family possesses their own home, and the Gujarat government is making consistent strides toward this aim.

“With the housing initiative in Rajkot, over 1,000 families are now acquiring their dream homes,” he stated.

The in-charge minister for Rajkot district, Jitu Vaghani, referred to the event as a momentous occasion for public welfare.

He highlighted that in the last fortnight, the Rajkot Municipal Corporation has inaugurated and laid the groundwork for projects exceeding Rs 1,100 crore, achieving a new record.

Vaghani also discussed the recently introduced Uniform Civil Code Bill, stating, “The UCC Bill is of utmost importance, and Gujarat stands as the second state in India to implement such legislation. The government will consistently make decisions that are beneficial for citizens.”

State Urban Development Minister Darshana Vaghela announced that projects worth Rs 543 crore were inaugurated, with foundations laid for initiatives totaling Rs 207 crore.

She congratulated the residents, asserting, “In addition to roads, drainage, and water supply, housing for the underprivileged has been prioritized. The state government remains dedicated to public welfare, aiming to transform Rajkot into a model city in the near future.”

MP Parsottam Rupala commended the Chief Minister's leadership in fostering comprehensive development across Gujarat, noting that the regional Vibrant Gujarat Summit in Rajkot was executed successfully under his guidance.

Municipal Commissioner Tushar Sumera reported that road projects worth Rs 161 crore and the foundation for Saurashtra's largest water filtration facility were laid during the ceremony.