Modi promises 24-hr electricity for villages

Chief minister Narendra Modi on Sunday reiterated the state government's resolve to provide uninterrupted power supply to villages.

Speaking at the official Independence Day celebration of the state government at Anand, Modi said villages will get uninterrupted 24-hour three-phase electricity supply under the Jyoti Gram Yojna.

He added that power generation in the state is likely to increase due to the adequate water flow in the Narmada river.

"The development of any state is dependent on the development of villages. The state government wants to push the process of rural development by supplying uninterrupted electricity supply to the rural areas," said Modi.

The farmers will also be supplied the seeds by the government as heavy rains in various parts of the state has disturbed the agriculture cycle, he said.

Roaming ration cards will be issued in Panchmahal in the first stage. The card holders will be able to buy grains and kerosene with the help of a card from any ration shop across the state.

Modi also stressed on the infrastructure development in the urban areas by celebrating the year 2005 as Shaheri Vikas Varsh (Urban Development Year).

"The information technology (IT) hubs in south India have reached saturation point. Gujarat has the potential to become the IT capital of the nation. We will improve urban infrastructure to attract the investments in IT sector in the state," said Modi.

Modi expressed his dissatisfaction over the issue of relief package from the central government.

"Gujarat has always initiated in helping the states suffering through natural calamities. I am surprised over the silence of central government on announcing the relief package for Gujarat. It is the duty of central government to support Gujarat while the state is under flood and has faced loss of Rs 3500 crore so far," said Modi.

Heavy rain in central and south Gujarat spoiled the 58th Independence Day celebrations to an extent, as various programmes lined up on August 14 and 15 had to be put off. The state government had decided to celebrate the Independence Day in Anand district at state level with several inaugurations and events.

Meanwhile, a number of personalities were honoured for their contributions in their respective fields by the CM.

These include Hemlata Patel, widow of Arvind Patel, a rickshaw driver of Vadodara who lost his life by gun shot while struggling with a chain snatcher in Vadodara recently. Hemalata Patel was awarded with Vir Meghmaya Award and one lakh rupee cash.

The others prominent personalities include V Kurien for his contributions in dairy industry and co-operative movement, Amrita Patel for contributions in dairy industry and animal husbandry, Kanu Patel and Ashok Khant for paintings, Indu Patel for social services, Dilawarsinh Jadeja for literature and Shanti Amin for education.

Two girls - Pruthvi Desai and Divya Parmar were honoured for their achievements in gymnastics and yoga, respectively.