Gandhinagar, Aug 14 (IANS) Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel on Friday called on people to work towards building a “Viksit Gujarat for Viksit Bharat”, setting out a development agenda focused on technology, women’s economic participation, industrial expansion and the inclusion of disadvantaged communities as India moves towards 100 years of Independence in 2047.
In his public message on the eve of the 80th Independence Day, Patel said Gujarat would also reach an important milestone in 2035, when the state completes 75 years of its formation.
He urged citizens to treat the period leading up to these milestones as an opportunity to contribute to the country’s development while keeping “Nation First” at the centre.
Patel paid tribute to freedom fighters and martyrs who sacrificed their lives for Independence, saying their legacy had given India a distinct identity among the nations of the world.
“The mantra of the brave souls who sacrificed themselves for Independence was to dedicate their lives to the nation and remain devoted to the national cause,” he said, adding that the spirit of living for the nation and placing national interest first continued to resonate among citizens.
The Chief Minister said Gujarat had sought to combine development with its cultural heritage.
Referring to the 75th anniversary of the reconstruction of the Somnath Temple, he said the state had taken pride in its heritage while pursuing development under the approach of “Virasat Bhi, Vikas Bhi”.
He said Gujarat’s development efforts were centred on four groups identified as key pillars of a developed India — people with low incomes, youth, farmers and women. “Welfare programmes are being implemented with a saturation approach so that their benefits reach all eligible beneficiaries,” he said.
Patel said the state is seeking to expand opportunities for young people through the Student Startup and Innovation Policy and the Gujarat Global Capability Centre Policy, which has been implemented for five years to promote data, artificial intelligence innovation and digital transformation.
“Young people were increasingly becoming job givers instead of job seekers,” he noted.
He also referred to the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026, recently passed by Parliament, saying strict action against those who jeopardise young people’s future was necessary and that the government had also ensured transparent use of technology.
For farmers, Patel highlighted procurement at support prices, the Kisan Samman Nidhi, daytime electricity and irrigation water, along with assistance packages during natural disasters. “The government stands with the farmer at every step from seed to market,” he said.
The Chief Minister set a target of increasing women’s share in employment generation from the current 42 per cent to 75 per cent by 2047.
“More than five lakh women had become Lakhpati Didis and were supporting their families financially, while She-Startups and women-led cooperative groups had also received encouragement and incentives,” he said.
Technology and advanced manufacturing featured prominently in his message.
Patel said Gujarat had emerged as a leading player in technology and emerging sectors and that three semiconductor plants had become operational in the state, creating opportunities for self-reliance and the growth of MSMEs and other industries.
“Gujarat has also been positioning itself as a technology hub, with the state government recently highlighting its semiconductor plants, Data Centre Policy and AI-related initiatives,” he said.
He said the state had strengthened its industrial base through the Industrial Policy 2026, Data Centre Policy and Shipbuilding and Ship Repair Policy.
Gujarat, he added, was seeking to combine manufacturing and investment with agriculture, the rural economy and social services.
Patel said the “Vocal for Local” initiative had provided rural industries, handicrafts and Gujarat’s heritage with a platform to reach global markets.
Building on the Vibrant Gujarat Summit, the state organised four Vibrant Gujarat Regional Conferences to showcase regional capabilities and connect local products with international markets.
He said the state was now pursuing the approach of “Local Aspiration, Global Ambition”.
The Chief Minister also highlighted social development initiatives, including a campaign to identify children who had dropped out of school and facilitate their re-enrolment. “Under the Mukhyamantri Paushtik Alpahar Yojana, nutritious food is being provided to children from Anganwadis through primary schools,” he said.
“Development had to be accompanied by improvements in education, nutrition, healthcare and housing. Under PMJAY, Gujarat assists with up to Rs 10 lakh, while senior citizens aged above 70 are receiving benefits under Ayushman Bharat Vay Vandana,” he added.
On housing, Patel said 16 lakh families in Gujarat had received pucca houses under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana. He also referred to the Vanbandhu Kalyan Yojana, under which the government is seeking to ensure that tribal communities receive the benefits of development.
Referring to the 150th birth anniversary of Bhagwan Birsa Munda and Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas, Patel said the government had announced a tribal welfare package worth Rs two lakh crore for Gujarat.
The Chief Minister also stressed the need to balance economic development with environmental protection. He said Gujarat was pursuing green growth through initiatives including Mission LiFE, “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” and “Catch the Rain”, and called for national pride and environmental protection to advance together.
Referring to the Har Ghar Tiranga campaign, which began across the country on August 9, Patel urged people in Gujarat’s villages, towns and cities to participate and strengthen the spirit of national interest.
“Let us lead such initiatives in the national interest and move forward with the resolve of Viksit Gujarat for Viksit Bharat 2047,” he said.
Patel concluded by calling on citizens to work collectively to make the period leading up to Gujarat’s 75th year of formation in 2035 and India’s centenary of Independence in 2047 a period of development.
–IANS
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