Rajkot, March 28 (NationPress) - Gujarat's Chief Minister, Bhupendra Patel, officially launched and laid the groundwork for approximately 45 developmental initiatives valued at Rs 751.20 crore in Rajkot. This includes the successful completion of 1,010 newly built housing units under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana.

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

During the inauguration, Patel remarked, “In line with our commitment to ‘Ease of Living’ and ‘Earn Well, Live Well’, Rajkot is now the recipient of development works totaling Rs 751.20 crore. Gujarat’s approach to development and its financial management are unparalleled in our nation.”

The Chief Minister assured that all essential development projects aimed at public welfare will not be delayed, emphasizing the need for timely government approvals for planned initiatives. Quality in ongoing projects was also underscored.

Speaking of the Prime Minister’s vision for a developed India by 2047, he stated, “In order to achieve a developed India, it is vital to integrate ordinary 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 8,931 days in public service, Patel noted that his own journey as a public servant began in Rajkot, with that legacy continuing to grow.

“The Prime Minister, with his focus on the welfare of the common man, has significantly impacted the lives of the impoverished. The excise duty on petrol has been reduced from Rs 13 to Rs 3, and the excise on diesel has been completely removed,” he remarked.

Patel further elaborated that the Prime Minister envisions every poor and middle-class family owning their home, and the Gujarat government is making consistent progress toward achieving this goal.

“With the housing scheme in Rajkot, more than 1,000 families are now realizing their dream of homeownership,” he continued.

Rajkot district’s In-charge Minister, Jitu Vaghani, labeled the event as a momentous occasion for public welfare.

He highlighted that in the past 15 days, the Rajkot Municipal Corporation has inaugurated and laid the foundation for projects worth over Rs 1,100 crore, setting a new record.

Discussing the recently introduced Uniform Civil Code Bill by the state government, he stated, “The UCC Bill is a priority, making Gujarat the second state in India to pass such legislation. The government will continue to make necessary decisions for citizen welfare.”

State Urban Development Minister Darshana Vaghela mentioned that projects worth Rs 543 crore were inaugurated, while foundation-laying ceremonies for initiatives amounting to Rs 207 crore took place.

She congratulated the community, stating, “In addition to roads, drainage, and water supply, we have prioritized housing for the underprivileged. The state government is dedicated to the welfare of its citizens, and Rajkot is set to emerge as a model city in the near future.”

MP Parsottam Rupala commended the Chief Minister’s leadership in achieving holistic development across Gujarat and noted that the regional Vibrant Gujarat Summit in Rajkot was conducted successfully under his guidance.

Municipal Commissioner Tushar Sumera reported that road projects valued at Rs 161 crore and the groundwork for Saurashtra’s largest water filtration plant were laid during the event.