Gandhinagar, March 9 (NationPress) Over 3,200 micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in the Ahmedabad district have benefitted from interest subsidies totaling over Rs 62.83 crore through the 'Atmanirbhar Gujarat Scheme' in the past year, as reported by the state government to the Gujarat Legislative Assembly on Monday.

In response to a query during the Assembly session, Dr. Jayram Gamit, Minister of State for Industries, stated that the support was designed to bolster MSMEs, which are vital to the state's economic and social growth.

“MSME units are crucial for the economic and social progress of our state. They create substantial employment opportunities with relatively low investments, and to promote this sector, financial support is provided under the Atmanirbhar Gujarat Scheme–2022,” Gamit remarked.

The minister noted that in the last year, a total of 3,283 applications for interest subsidies were approved in the Ahmedabad district, with Rs 6,283.20 lakh (Rs 62.83 crore) allocated to eligible entities.

In Ahmedabad district, there are over 5.99 lakh registered MSME units, comprising 5,85,175 micro units, 13,029 small units, and 1,218 medium enterprises, according to him.

The minister also provided a detailed breakdown of the assistance distributed across different talukas.

In Ahmedabad taluka, beneficiaries received Rs 3,501.67 lakh, followed by Daskroi with Rs 1,820.63 lakh, Sanand with Rs 644.85 lakh, Bavla with Rs 262.20 lakh, Dhandhuka with Rs 40.21 lakh, and Viramgam with Rs 13.64 lakh.

Gamit further highlighted the significant new investments attracted by the MSME sector in Ahmedabad district during 2025.

“In 2025, total new investments amounting to Rs 5,619.80 crore were made across 2,844 new units in the MSME sector in Ahmedabad district, significantly contributing to the state's industrial advancement,” he stated.

In a different response during the Assembly, Gamit also shared details about a tourism initiative in Kutch, aimed at enriching visitor experiences during the annual Rann Utsav festival.

He mentioned that a light-and-sound show, themed “Rann and Bhumi,” has been introduced at Dhordo to enhance the appeal of this internationally renowned festival in the White Rann for visitors.

“Every evening during the Rann Utsav, a light and sound show is conducted to attract attendees to this global event,” the minister added.

The show highlights various aspects of Kutch’s history, culture, and traditions, including the Harappan civilization, the urban planning of Dholavira, the mythological history of Koteshwar temple, the Battle of Zara, and the region’s recovery following the 2001 earthquake.

It also showcases the contributions of over 300 women from Kutch who enabled the Bhuj airstrip to be operational within 72 hours during the 1971 war.

This project at Dhordo commenced on May 27, 2022, and was finalized on December 20, 2023. The show commenced for tourists on December 26, 2023.

Two shows are held daily during the Rann Utsav, each accommodating around 250 visitors.

Gamit indicated that the project is equipped with facilities including projectors, sound systems, various lighting types, along with scripted narration and voice-over, aimed at enhancing tourist attraction and promoting night tourism during the festival.