Gandhinagar/New Delhi, Feb 25 (NationPress) The Gujarat Energy and Panchayat Minister, Rushikesh Patel, has labeled the protests by Congress members at the global AI Summit as “a disgrace to the nation,” during his speech at the Gujarat Legislative Assembly on the initial day of discussions regarding the state budget for 2026-27.

Patel emphasized that national issues should not be showcased on international platforms. “Just as family disputes are kept private from guests, internal matters of the country should not be projected abroad. Such protests in front of international dignitaries seem to be a deliberate effort to undermine India’s respect,” he remarked.

He further accused Congress of acting against India's interests on global stages, thereby harming the nation's image.

The minister also underscored Gujarat’s successes and future aspirations in areas such as technology, innovation, infrastructure, and youth empowerment. “Every segment of society, including the youth, women, children, and the elderly, is contributing toward the vision of Developed India-2047,” Patel stated.

To cultivate a skilled workforce prepared for the future, the budget has earmarked Rs 226 crore for the ‘Namo Gujarat Skill and Employment Mission,’ designed to offer industry-relevant training to young people.

Under the PM-POSHAN initiative, new centralized kitchens are being set up in 74 talukas, with a total investment of Rs 552 crore.

Patel pointed out that restructuring technical education has led to increased admissions. “In degree engineering, seat occupancy rose from 50.54% in 2022 to 91.18% in 2025, while in diploma engineering, it increased from 69.28% to 87.60%. Next year, around 2,500 additional seats will be introduced to provide affordable engineering education,” he noted.

Highlighting Gujarat’s leadership in innovation, Patel stated the state has topped the national rankings in the startup ecosystem for five consecutive years.

The budget allocates over Rs 850 crore for initiatives in AI and digital governance, which include establishing a Data Fusion Centre and a Centre of Excellence.

Youth-driven innovation will receive support through i-Hub Ahmedabad and four regional centers, with Rs 80 crore designated for various activities under the ‘Mind to Market’ initiative.

A research park modeled on IIT is being developed in Ahmedabad to foster research, industrial entrepreneurship, and innovation.

Hostel facilities for 1,000 students will be available at L.D. Engineering and Vishwakarma Engineering College in Chandkheda.

Additionally, Rs 60 crore has been allocated for medical equipment to enhance closed-system ICU services in six government civil hospitals, ensuring dedicated medical personnel and multi-specialist care.

Patel also outlined significant infrastructure and sports projects. “Hosting the Commonwealth Games will inject new energy into Gujarat’s growth as India’s sports hub,” he stated.

The Sujalam Sufalam pipeline project, with a total budget of Rs 3,043 crore, aims to supply Narmada river water to the arid regions of North Gujarat, Saurashtra, and Kutch.

A lift irrigation initiative in Valsad district will benefit 16,235 hectares across 35 villages, with Rs 85 crore allocated.

In the realm of science and technology, the Micron semiconductor plant in Sanand is anticipated to position Gujarat as a global hub, supported by Rs 1,100 crore under the semiconductor policy and Rs 150 crore under the electronics policy.

The Ambaji copper project, Gujarat’s inaugural underground copper-lead-zinc mine, aims to decrease import reliance, with Rs 613 crore set aside.

A pilot project for a 10 km elevated cable network has been completed in the BIARBET border post area in Kutch, and Rs 100 crore has been allocated to upgrade sensitive border overhead lines into advanced elevated cable networks, enhancing national security.