Gandhinagar

Gujarat: CID plans CA-assisted probe, forensic audit of records in political 'donation racket'

Digital Desk | Gandhinagar, Sep 28 (IANS) Gujarat CID Crime will conduct a forensic audit of records and reconstruct the financial trail in four complaints filed by the Income Tax Department over alleged bogus political donations, as investigators move into the evidence-gathering phase of the cases. Rohan Anand, Superintendent of Police, CID Crime (Economic Offences Wing), said the agency had registered four cases over the past three days based on Income Tax complaints and that the alleged loss to the government in the four complaints was estimated at around Rs 680 crore at the preliminary stage. First, we will take on record all the evidence that the Income Tax Department has already collected during its investigation. At the same time, to ensure a quality investigation, we will also seek the services of a chartered accountant, Anand said. The CID's next phase will include examining bank trails, Angadia slips, payment receipts issued by the political parties, and other documentary evidence. Investigators will also attempt to locate accused persons who are absconding. The development comes days after the Gujarat CID Crime registered cases following Income Tax investigations into registered unrecognised political parties (RUPPs) allegedly used to route purported donations, enable taxpayers to claim deductions, and then return the money in cash after commissions were deducted. According to FIR-based reports, three parties Bharatiya National Janata Dal (BNJD), Swatantrata Abhivyakti Party and Garib Kalyan Party were alleged to have received nearly Rs 1,870 crore in purported donations, with the Income Tax Department estimating a combined tax loss of more than Rs 560 crore. The largest case involves BNJD, where the alleged donations total Rs 1,143.85 crore from 56,238 donors, with an estimated tax loss of nearly Rs 343 crore. The Income Tax complaints allege that donors transferred money through banking channels and received contribution receipts that enabled them to claim tax deductions. The funds were allegedly routed through intermediary entities before being withdrawn and returned to donors in cash after commissions were deducted. The allegations have yet to be established in court. A separate complaint reported on Sunday concerned the Satyavadi Rakshak Party and alleged transactions of Rs 415 crore during 2022-23 to 2024-25. The Income Tax Department alleged that the party's accounts were used for purported donations and that audit and contribution documents were prepared without properly verifying the underlying transactions. The department estimated the alleged loss to the government at Rs 124.5 crore in that complaint. Anand said these audit records would now be subjected to forensic examination, making the verification of documents submitted to tax authorities an important part of the CID probe. The audit reports submitted to the Income Tax authorities through the parties' portals will also undergo forensic examination, he said. The CID will examine the evidence already gathered by the Income Tax Department alongside its own investigation to establish the movement of funds and the roles of the accused, rather than relying only on the tax department's preliminary findings. The cases involve allegations of cheating, criminal conspiracy, forgery and use of forged documents under provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, according to reports on the FIRs. The investigation is in its early stages, and the alleged transactions and roles of the accused will be verified through documentary, financial, and forensic evidence.

Gujarat to hold four-stage cultural elocution contest for college students

Digital Desk | Gandhinagar, Sep 28 (IANS) Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel on Monday launched a statewide cultural elocution competition for college and university students, to be held in four stages from the classroom level to the state final and offering prizes of up to Rs one lakh. The Higher Education Department and the Save Culture Save India Foundation are jointly organising the Gujarat Cultural Elocution Competition-2026. Students from universities and colleges across the state joined the launch through video conference. Patel said the initiative is intended to promote cultural values among young people while developing their character and contributing to nation-building. The Gujarat Cultural Elocution Competition is more than just a competition; it aims to promote cultural values among youth, build character and contribute to nation-building, he said. Education Minister Pradyuman Vaja, Minister of State for Education, Trikam Chhanga, and Save Culture Save India Foundation founder and senior journalist Uday Mahurkar attended the launch. Patel said the youth would play an important role in realising the vision of Viksit Bharat @ 2047 and Atmanirbhar Bharat. Young people, who constitute the country's demographic dividend, needed to be nurtured with knowledge, good character, humility, wisdom, values and good conduct, he added. He said the National Education Policy also emphasised value-based education and that the state government is making major changes to the curriculum to preserve cultural values among children and youth and keep them away from addictions. Referring to the Prime Minister's call for young people to take up sports, focus on health and contribute to a Nasha Mukt Bharat, Patel urged students to develop positive thinking and self-confidence through elocution. The competition will begin with a three-minute screening round in each classroom, from which three students will be selected. All participating students will receive certificates. The selected students will then compete at the college level in government, aided and self-financed colleges and universities across Gujarat. Students born on or after January 1, 2000, will be eligible. One student from each faculty will qualify for the zonal round. The college-level winner will receive Rs 1,100, along with the Best Speaker of College trophy and a certificate. The zonal competition will be held across 11 zones, with 20 per cent of participants qualifying for the state-level final. Each student qualifying for the final will receive Rs 11,000, along with the Cultural Speaker of Gujarat trophy and certificate. The state final will be conducted as a camp, where participants will deliver speeches on designated topics and take part in discussions. The first, second, and third prize winners will receive Rs 1 lakh, Rs 71,000, and Rs 51,000, respectively, along with the Best Cultural Speaker of Gujarat trophy and certificates. Key topics for the competition include the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan and Swachh Cyber Bharat Mission; Viksit Bharat @ 2047: Aatmanirbhar Bharat; Culture and Values: The Foundation of a Nations Existence; and The Bitter Fruits of Anger, Duties as an Indian Citizen: Article 51(A) of the Constitution. Vaja said the youth bore the responsibility of preserving and strengthening India's cultural heritage. The competition would encourage students to express their thoughts, build self-confidence and support their holistic development, he asserted. Referring to the National Education Policy's emphasis on mother-tongue education, Vaja said the mother tongue helps students stay connected to their roots and heritage. This connection with the motherland, along with broad-minded thinking, would contribute to realising the vision of 'Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam', he added. Mahurkar said the effort to revive cultural values among the younger generation amid modernisation and Western influence was an important effort towards nation-building. The Save Culture Save India Foundation is committed to expanding such initiatives and encouraging young people to focus on cultural values and character building amid the negative influences of mobile phones and social media platforms, he noted.

Gujarat cotton farmers can register for MSP sales till Oct 31

Digital Desk | Gandhinagar, Sep 28 (IANS) Cotton farmers in Gujarat seeking to sell their produce at the governments Minimum Support Price (MSP) will have to complete their registration by October 31, with the state Agriculture Department urging growers to register through the Cotton Corporation of Indias (CCI) 'Kapas Kisan' mobile application. The registration process for procurement of cotton from Gujarat farmers at support prices for the 2026-27 season has been initiated. Farmers intending to sell their produce under the MSP system can register online on the 'Kapas Kisan' App until October 31. For the 2026-27 Kharif season, the Central government has fixed an MSP of Rs 8,667 per quintal for long-staple cotton and Rs 8,267 per quintal for medium-staple cotton. The MSPs for various Kharif crops were announced by the Centre before the commencement of sowing for the season. The support prices are intended to ensure that farmers receive adequate and remunerative returns for their agricultural produce. Registration on the 'Kapas Kisan' application will provide farmers access to information related to procurement under the MSP system, including details of procurement centres and other related services. The Agriculture Department said farmers can also obtain further information regarding procurement centres and MSP-related matters by visiting the official website of the Cotton Corporation of India at www.cotcorp.org.in. Farmers requiring assistance with registration can contact the WhatsApp number, 9428237246, the department said. The Directorate of Agriculture, Gujarat, has appealed to all cotton-growing farmers in the state to complete their registration on the mobile application within the prescribed deadline to avail themselves of the MSP procurement facility. The government has specifically urged cotton growers to register at the earliest rather than wait until the deadline. The registration window will remain open until October 31, 2026, for farmers intending to sell their cotton to the government procurement system at the notified support prices.

Ahead of Gandhinagar civic poll, BJPs 44 candidates take 'Jan Seva' pledge

Digital Desk | Gandhinagar, Sep 28 (IANS) Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)s 44 candidates for the Gandhinagar Municipal Corporation (GMC) election on Monday pledged to make public service their priority, with Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel and Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi present at the ceremony. The candidates from all 11 wards took the Pledge of Public Service at the statue of Dr B.R. Ambedkar opposite the Legislative Assembly complex, committing themselves to keeping citizens interests at the centre of their work and contributing to the overall development of Gandhinagar. The pledge came a day before the withdrawal of forms for the civic election on October 11. The GMC has 11 wards and 44 seats, with counting scheduled for October 13. The BJP candidates pledged to discharge their civic duties and abide by the Constitution and rules, while expressing faith in Pandit Deendayal Upadhyayas philosophy of integral humanism. They also committed themselves to advancing what the party described as the politics of development and the ideology and heritage of Indian culture under Prime Minister Narendra Modis leadership. The candidates pledged to work with mind, action and words towards the goals of a Developed India and One India, Best India, party leaders said. As part of the pledge, the candidates also promised to contribute to Gandhinagars pride, peace, unity and development and to work through public outreach, public dialogue and public service with the spirit of Nagrik Devo Bhava. The candidates further pledged to make efforts to ensure that the benefits of public welfare schemes of the Central and State governments reach the last person. Invoking the principle of 'public service is service to God', they resolved to make public service their priority, party sources said. The BJP had completed its list of 44 candidates for all 11 wards ahead of the nomination deadline on September 26, after announcing 32 candidates initially and a further 12 candidates for Wards 2, 4 and 6. Cabinet Minister and election in-charge Rushikesh Patel, Minister Sanjaysinh Mahida, state BJP secretary and Gandhinagar in-charge Nirav Amin, city BJP president Dr Ashishkumar Dave, Mayor Mira Patel, MLAs Rita Patel and Alpesh Thakor, among other party leaders, attended the event.

Gujarat Dy CM presents Rs 1.33 crore to Asian Games medallist Elavenil Valarivan

Digital Desk | Gandhinagar, Sep 28 (IANS) The Gujarat government has awarded rifle shooter Elavenil Valarivan Rs 1.33 crore under its 'Khel Pratibha Puraskar Yojana' after she won two silver medals at the 2026 Asian Games in Japan, taking the total incentives extended to the athlete by the state to Rs 2.41 crore. Gujarat Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi on Monday honoured shooter Elavenil Valarivan for her silver-medal performances in the womens 10m air rifle team and individual events at the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games. Valarivan first helped India win silver in the team event before claiming another silver in the individual competition. She shot 252.4 in the individual final to finish behind Japans Taichi Hinata, who won gold with a Games-record score of 253.0. Congratulating Valarivan, Sanghavi said the Gujarat government was committed to providing athletes with the training and facilities required to prepare for international competitions. An athletes international success is the result not only of their own hard work but also of the support and values provided by their parents throughout their journey, he said. Sanghavi also highlighted Valarivans association with the Sanskardham complex, where she studied under the state governments DLSS scheme, saying her Asian Games performance had brought recognition to Gujarat. The success of athletes nurtured at Sanskardham could inspire thousands of young athletes across the state, he added. According to the Gujarat government, Valarivan had previously received Rs 1.33 crore under the Shaktidoot Scheme and Olympic Incentive Scheme, in addition to Rs 74 lakh through schemes including the DLSS Scheme and Khel Mahakumbh. The latest incentive takes the total financial assistance provided to Valarivan by the state government to Rs 2.41 crore. Valarivan, who resides in Ahmedabads Maninagar area, has been associated with the state governments Shaktidoot Scheme since 2017-18 and currently holds an A category position under the programme. The 27-year-old has represented India at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics and the 2024 Paris Olympics. She won gold at the ISSF World Cup in Rio de Janeiro in 2019 with a score of 251.7 and received the Arjuna Award from the Central government in 2022. Her international record also includes medals at the Junior World Cups in Suhl and Sydney in 2018, the Asian Airgun Championships and the World University Games in Chengdu, besides podium finishes at international competitions in Munich and Kazakhstan in 2025. Valarivans two Asian Games medals came eight years after her continental debut, when a rifle malfunction prevented her from progressing to the final.

Gujarat DGP office receives 310 complaints in eight months; 28 FIRs registered

Digital Desk | Gandhinagar, Sep 28 (IANS) The Gujarat DGP Offices Public Relations Centre has facilitated the registration of 28 FIRs in serious cases after receiving 310 representations from citizens across the state in the eight months since it became operational, according to the police. The centre, which started functioning at Police Bhavan in Gandhinagar on February 4 this year, has been taking up grievances directly with the police authorities concerned and monitoring their progress. The initiative has also led to progress reports being sought in around 67 cases to ensure follow-up after the representations were forwarded. The centre functions under the supervision of State Police Chief Gyanendra Singh Malik and Law and Order DGP Rajkumar Pandian. Its team includes Police Inspector Palak Patel, Police Sub-Inspectors N.G. Barad and M.J. Patel, Head Constable Manilal Vangai and Police Constable Kishanbhai Rathod. According to the standard operating procedure, each representation received at the centre is registered, and the concerned senior police officers in the city or district are contacted immediately over the phone. The cases are then examined on the basis of facts and available evidence rather than being merely forwarded to the concerned police station. The police said 28 cases were found to be serious and supported by facts, following which FIRs were registered immediately through the concerned police stations under the supervision of senior officers. The centre has also received representations from people travelling to Gandhinagar from remote parts of Kutch and Saurashtra, as well as tribal areas of South Gujarat. The police said applicants are heard by the staff, and their grievances are processed as part of the centres mechanism for direct interaction with citizens. At the same time, police action has also been initiated against eight applicants whose representations were found during the investigation to be false or malicious. The action, the police said, was taken in accordance with the applicable rules. The centre also obtains feedback from every applicant through a feedback form covering the conduct of police personnel, the manner in which grievances were heard, action taken and guidance provided. According to the police, applicants have rated the functioning of the centre as excellent. The Public Relations Centre is intended to provide a direct channel for citizens to approach senior police authorities and for the police to monitor the disposal of grievances, with the department stating that its focus is on sensitivity, transparency and accountability in dealing with public complaints.

Completely baseless: Gujarat CM rejects Cong's claim of differences in EC over SIR

Digital Desk | Gandhinagar, Sep 27 (IANS) Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel on Sunday said that the Election Commissions clarification that decisions on the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls were taken unanimously by all three Election Commissioners had disproved Congress allegations of differences within the poll panel. Addressing a press conference at the state BJP headquarters in Gandhinagar, Patel said the Election Commission is an autonomous institution and that elections in the country were conducted through a transparent process. The fact that all three Election Commissioners, including the Chief Election Commissioner, have clearly stated that all decisions regarding SIR were taken unanimously proves that the allegations of differences within the Election Commission are completely baseless, Patel said. He said the Election Commission is working to ensure that the names of all eligible citizens were properly included in electoral rolls and that they were able to exercise their right to vote. Referring to the enrolment of new voters, Patel said: The Supreme Court had considered Form 6 appropriate for registration in the electoral rolls and the poll panel had stated that care is being taken to ensure that no eligible citizen was deprived of the right to vote. CM Patel accused Congress of adopting different positions on the Election Commission depending on electoral outcomes. Congress has two different sets of teeth one for chewing and another for showing, he said, alleging that the party spoke of democracy and the impartiality of the Election Commission when it won elections, but raised allegations of vote theft and irregularities when the mandate went to the BJP under Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He said Congress, the Communist Party, the CPI(M) and the Trinamool Congress had approached the Supreme Court challenging the SIR process. According to Patel, the Supreme Court heard the parties and considered the SIR process appropriate. Referring to Kerala, Patel said Congress had itself considered SIR appropriate and had said that the exercise contributed to its victory there. In West Bengal, the Supreme Court had appointed a Special Observer for the elections following a demand from the TMC, he said. Patel questioned Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi and Sonia Gandhi over Congress prolonged absence from power in West Bengal, saying the party had been out of power there for 40 years. Congress had lost its political position in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar since 1990, he said. Referring to the electoral rolls in West Bengal, he alleged that names that had been illegally added were removed and fake voters were exposed, after which the BJP won the election. The Chief Minister also alleged that those who had curtailed the autonomy of the Election Commission during their time in government were now making baseless allegations against the institution. Patel said the development-oriented politics pursued under PM Modis leadership had strengthened peoples faith in democracy. Indias growth rate had reached 7.8 per cent and the country is moving towards becoming the worlds third-largest economic power, he added. He also referred to the Seva Sankalp Abhiyan being held to mark PM Modis 25 years in public life and public service. He alleged that Opposition leaders were tarnishing Indias image globally by making serious allegations against constitutional institutions without basis. Patel said people in a democracy had the right to question institutions, whether they were in the Opposition or in government, but maintained that discussions concerning sensitive institutions such as the Election Commission should be based on facts, law and confidence in constitutional institutions.

Gujarat: Parties finalise candidates as Gandhinagar civic poll nomination process ends

Digital Desk | Gandhinagar, Sep 26 (IANS) The BJP, Congress and Aam Aadmi Party stepped up their preparations for the Gandhinagar Municipal Corporation (GMC) elections on Saturday as the deadline for filing nomination papers ended, with the three parties announcing candidates for the remaining wards of the 44-seat civic body. The BJP completed its candidate list by announcing candidates for the remaining seats after initially naming 32 candidates for eight wards. The party has now announced candidates for all 44 seats across the 11 wards. The Congress also released its remaining candidates on the final day for filing nominations, completing its list for the civic contest. AAP, which had earlier announced 29 candidates, said on Saturday that 41 of its candidates had filed their nomination papers. The party said its candidates included doctors, lawyers, engineers and social workers and that it had given priority to young leadership and workers who had been associated with the organisation for several years. The AAP candidates filed their nominations under the leadership of Gujarat in-charge Gopal Rai, state president Isudan Gadhvi and state organisation general secretary Manoj Sorathiya. The party said its candidates had been raising civic issues concerning Gandhinagar, and its workers were campaigning across the city. The BJP has also fielded a former Congress corporator from Ward 3. The corporator had been among the two candidates elected on Congress tickets in the 2021 GMC polls. Both Congress councillors subsequently resigned from the party in March 2024 and joined the BJP, according to reports. The latest candidate announcements come as the three parties prepare for a contest in the state capital, where the BJP had won 41 of the 44 seats in the 2021 GMC elections. The Congress had won two seats and AAP one. Both Congress councillors later joined the BJP, taking its tally in the civic body to 43. The GMC election covers 44 seats across 11 wards. The Gujarat State Election Commission issued the election notification on September 21, with September 26 set as the last date for filing nominations. Scrutiny of nomination papers will be held on September 28, while candidates can withdraw their nominations until September 29. Polling will be held on October 11 from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., with counting scheduled for October 13. Re-polling, if required, will be held on October 12. The election will be conducted through electronic voting machines. With the nomination process now closed, the scrutiny and withdrawal stages will determine the final list of candidates before campaigning intensifies for the election.

WhatsApp University and reel culture influencing decisions: Maha FDA

Digital Desk | Gandhinagar, Sep 26 (IANS) Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe on Saturday urged students to question information they see on social media, warning that reels, forwarded messages, and algorithms could shape their thinking if they stopped verifying what they consume online. Speaking during a nearly two-and-a-half-hour interaction with students at Karnavati University, Mundhe said India needed a mindset shift, starting with individuals questioning themselves and the information presented to them. We have become too shallow. We are not living deeply, we are not thinking, we are not questioning, he said. Mundhe said questioning did not mean simply challenging others but first examining ones own actions. You have to start questioning yourself first. Who am I? Am I responsible or irresponsible? And if I cannot, who else can? he said. He then turned to what he described as the growing influence of social media and WhatsApp University. One of the major challenges we have is social media influence or WhatsApp University, Mundhe said. He said users often accepted reels and forwarded messages without checking whether the information was authentic, factual, or part of a particular narrative. We take decisions on that basis, but we never try to understand whatever has come to you: is it really correct, is it authentic, is it real, or is it fake, or is it a narrative? he said. Mundhe explained that social media algorithms learn from users behaviour, including what they watch, skip, or engage with, and then show them more similar material. In one week, you will start getting what you like. Because it captures your mind, it captures your imagination, he said. According to him, repeated exposure can create an environment where people increasingly encounter information that reinforces their existing preferences. What it means is that you have stopped thinking. You are being taught by somebody else, he said. Mundhe described this as a form of new colonialism in which algorithms and reels could shape behaviour and opinions, and asked the students: Do you want to be ruled by a reel, or do you want to create a reel? He urged students to become creators rather than passive consumers of online content. The moment you start, stop for a, give it a pause, give it a moment and ask, collaborate with some other evidence, look into it, and then you will realise, oh, this is where it is going wrong, stop it, discard it, he said. Mundhe linked the issue to his broader message about ethical decision-making. He said individuals should assess information and decisions rather than simply following the direction others were moving in. Are you making a decision, or are your decisions being taken by somebody else, is the question, he said. He said this thought process needs a reboot and that it should begin in the mind. I believe that reboot has to begin in your mind, not just in reels, Mundhe said, adding that such an approach would help bring originality, legality and ethical thinking into everyday decisions.

Influence carries responsibility: Maha FDA backs Prez Murmus message to film stars

Digital Desk | Gandhinagar, Sep 26 (IANS) Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe on Saturday said celebrities and advertisers have a responsibility to ensure that products they endorse do not compromise public health, backing President Droupadi Murmus recent appeal to film personalities to refrain from promoting substances harmful to health. Mundhe made the remarks during an interaction with students at Karnavati University, where he was speaking during his first visit to Gujarat. The discussion covered food safety, public health, regulation and the responsibilities of public figures. President Murmu had urged successful film artists at the 72nd National Film Awards at Ekta Nagar in Gujarat on September 22 to promote a disciplined lifestyle and avoid endorsing products harmful to health, noting the influence popular artists have on children and young people. Asked about steps beyond such an appeal, Mundhe said Maharashtra had already started acting on existing legal provisions. The law is very clear; you cannot endorse anything that is not as per the law. We cannot endorse anything where you can claim something which is not truthful, he said. Mundhe referred to Section 24 of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, which restricts misleading advertisements and claims relating to food. He also cited the Food Safety and Standards (Advertising and Claims) Regulations, 2018, which are part of the regulatory framework governing food advertisements and claims. FSSAI lists the 2018 advertising and claims regulations among its food safety regulations. If you speak to the drug sector, there is an MDR Act 1954, which is a magical remedies act. It also prevents claims about purity or magical remedies; this will be done, this will be cured, he said, referring to the Drugs and Magic Remedies (Objectionable Advertisements) Act, 1954. Mundhe said the issue was therefore not the absence of laws but their implementation. So, the acts do exist, rules do exist; what we need to do is implement them and implement them very, very stringently, he said. His comments came amid regulatory action involving Bollywood actors over a Vimal Elaichi advertisement. The Maharashtra FDA had issued show-cause notices to Shah Rukh Khan, Ajay Devgn and Tiger Shroff in August in connection with the advertisement. Mundhe also stressed that responsibility did not end with regulators. Ethically and morally, everybody, every citizen, every endorser, every advertiser has a responsibility if they don't act just in the commercial interest, he said. People of India are not because of somebody. So, we as a nation need to practise what is right, which is correct, which is ethically also correct, he added. Mundhe said public health had to remain central to decisions involving food, drugs and advertising, and that celebrities could not be treated separately from the legal and ethical responsibilities applicable to others.

Food safety laws exist, but compliance remains a challenge: Maha FDA

Digital Desk | Gandhinagar, Sep 26 (IANS) Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe on Saturday said Indias food safety framework has several laws and regulations, but compliance remains a major challenge, arguing that enforcement systems must evolve with new forms of food businesses and changing consumer habits. Speaking to students at Karnavati University, Mundhe said the central problem is not necessarily the absence of rules but their implementation. In food safety, the major concern is that we are not following regulations that are there. Rules do exist. Acts do exist. Regulations are there. By-regulations are there, he said. Mundhe said that apart from licensing and registration requirements, several other food safety regulations were not being followed properly, with consequences for public health. He said Indias food safety regime also needed to respond to businesses that did not exist in their current form when the Food Safety and Standards Act was enacted in 2006. E-commerce did not exist then. Today we have e-commerce. We did not have dark godowns then, dark stores; today we have those. We did not have cloud kitchens then; we have cloud kitchens. Do we require legislation and regulation on that? he said. Mundhe said suggestions on such emerging issues had been made at the national level through the Central Advisory Committee, of which state food commissioners are members. New challenges come; we have to come up with the solutions for that, we have to anticipate and work on that, he said. He also described a year-round approach Maharashtra adopted for food safety enforcement during festivals. Instead of issuing separate orders before individual festivals, the state had moved to a standing order covering festivals throughout the year, he said. The framework categorises festivals at state, regional and local levels. It provides for enforcement beginning 21 days before an event, followed by action in the period immediately preceding it, during the festival and legal proceedings after the event. Mundhe said the approach had already produced results during the Ganesh festival. He said, Around 250 to 300 licences or registrations had been suspended during the period for violations including operating without the required licence or registration, while nearly 30,000 kg of food had been seized and destroyed. He also said food products worth around Rs 10 crore had been seized and FIRs registered in cases where violations were found. Mundhe said enforcement also needed to become more transparent and technology-driven. Maharashtra has started a complaints portal through which consumers can register complaints, track them and have them automatically assigned to officers. We need to use IT to the best possible extent, he said, adding that the state was working towards end-to-end digital platforms. He said the ultimate objective was continuous enforcement rather than ad-hoc action. If we make SOP with a continuous process, automatic process, it will work. It cannot be an ad-hoc approach, Mundhe said. He added that food safety had to involve food businesses, regulators and consumers, with compliance becoming part of everyday food practices rather than something pursued only when enforcement agencies intervene.

IIT Gandhinagar Project Assistant I Recruitment 2026 - Apply Online

Indian Institute of Technology Gandhinagar has released the Recruitment 2026 notification for 2 Project Assistant I posts. The online application process will be conducted from the date of notification to 02-10-2026. Eligible candidates can apply through the official website of IIT Gandhinagar.

India: Gujarat deploys 30 electric buses in Gandhinagar - electrive.com

Gujarat govt makes textbooks available on Amazon with home delivery at printed price

Digital Desk | Gandhinagar, Sep 25 (IANS) Students and parents in Gujarat can now order textbooks online and have them delivered to their homes at the printed price, under the state government's Books to Students with Just One Click initiative. The Gujarat State Board of School Textbooks has entered into an MoU with e-commerce platform Amazon to make textbooks available online without any additional delivery charges, providing an alternative to purchasing books from physical bookstores. The initiative covers books published by the board for all standards and mediums. While the state government provides some textbooks to students free of cost, students must purchase other books, particularly those studying in self-financed schools. Under the arrangement with Amazon, students and parents can order these textbooks through the platform and receive them at home at the printed price, without paying an additional delivery cost. Kinjal Makwana, a parent from Ahmedabad, said the facility was useful for working parents who found it difficult to visit bookstores. My child studies in Class 1. We had ordered the books from Amazon through the Gujarat Textbook Board. Both of us are working, so we did not have time to travel back and forth. We had limited time, so we ordered the books from Amazon. We easily got all the books, and they were delivered to our home without any difficulty, she said. Manubhai Pavra, Executive President of the Gujarat State Board of School Textbooks, said the agreement aimed to ensure books could be delivered to students and parents at home at no additional cost. We recently held discussions with Amazon and signed an MoU under which textbooks can be delivered to children and parents at home at the printed price, without them having to pay any additional cost. Accordingly, whenever children need a book, they will now be able to receive it at the printed price through Amazons e-commerce platform, Pawar said. The Gujarat State Board of School Textbooks distributes around 1.5 crore textbooks every year. The online facility is also intended to serve students who need additional copies or books beyond those provided through the governments distribution system. The initiative lets parents and students access the boards textbooks through an online ordering system, so they don't have to visit bookstores for every requirement.

COH Gujarat Staff Nurse DV Schedule 2026 - Check Waiting List Document Verification Schedule at ojas.gujarat.gov.in

Commissionerate of Health (COH), Gujarat has released the document verification schedule for the Staff Nurse Class-3 waiting/pending list under Advertisement No. COH/202425/1. Verification will be held on 30 September 2026 at GMERS Medical College & Sola General Hospital, Gandhinagar. Check the full schedule, venue, timing, required documents checklist, and the complete merit-rank-wise waiting list of candidates (SC, SEBC, General) inside.

IIT Gandhinagar Post Doctoral Researcher Recruitment 2026

The Indian Institute of Technology Gandhinagar (IIT Gandhinagar) has released 02 Post Doctoral Researcher vacancies. Eligible candidates with Ph.D can apply online Application closes on February 26, 2026 at iitgn.ac.in.

IIT Gandhinagar Post-Doctoral Fellow Recruitment 2026 - Apply Online

Indian Institute of Technology Gandhinagar (IIT Gandhinagar) Recruitment 2026 for 1 post of Post-Doctoral Fellow. Candidates with Ph.D Can Apply Online. The last date to apply online is 02-10-2026. The candidate shall apply online through IIT Gandhinagar official website iitgn.ac.in.

Court grants bail to journalist Ravi Nair convicted in defamation case filed by Adani Enterprises

On February 10, 2026, Mr. Nair was sentenced by a Mansa court in Gandhinagar to undergo an imprisonment of one year in a criminal defamation suit filed by Adani Enterprises on September 3, 2021 over certain tweets and articles attributed to him.

IIT Gandhinagar PhD Admissions 2026: Application Window Closes On September 28

The IIT Gandhinagar PhD programme application process is underway, candidates can apply till September 28, 2026. The application fee is Rs 150 for SC/ST/PwD candidates and Rs 300 for other applicants.

Gujarat Police honours over 30 retired senior officers at

Gandhinagar The Gujarat Police on Thursday honoured more than 30 retired DGP- and ADGP-rank officers at a Salute Our Mentors The post Gujarat Police honours over 30 retired senior officers at Salute Our Mentors programme appeared first on Bilkul Online .

AAP Announces 29 Candidates in Gandhinagar Municipal Election Rally

AAP rallies support in Gandhinagar, announcing 29 candidates for the municipal elections set for October 11. AAP Announces 29 Candidates in Gandhinagar Municipal Election Rally

Gujarat bankers urge customers to complete key transactions before three-day strike

Digital Desk | Gandhinagar, Sep 24 (IANS) The State Level Bankers' Committee (SLBC) of Gujarat has advised customers to complete important transactions by September 25 and make greater use of digital banking channels ahead of a proposed three-day nationwide bank strike from September 28 to 30. The advisory, issued by SLBC-Gujarat in coordination with its convenor bank, Bank of Baroda, comes after the United Forum of Bank Unions (UFBU) called for the nationwide strike. Regular services at bank branches and offices are likely to be affected during the three days, depending on employee participation. Customers have been asked to plan their banking requirements to minimise inconvenience. They have particularly been advised to complete important banking transactions and cheque-related work by Friday, September 25, before the proposed strike begins. SLBC-Gujarat has also advised customers to assess their cash requirements for the coming days and use ATMs and cash recycler machines as needed. For routine transactions, customers have been encouraged to use internet banking, mobile banking and the Unified Payments Interface (UPI), reducing the need to visit bank branches. The advisory comes amid wider preparations by banks for the proposed strike. The State Bank of India has separately advised customers to complete essential branch-related work before the strike and use ATMs, customer service points and digital banking channels for services that can be carried out remotely. The proposed strike is also expected to coincide with a longer disruption period because September 26 and 27 are the fourth Saturday and Sunday. The Finance Ministry said that all public sector banks and regional rural banks would function normally on Sunday, September 27, to ensure that customers can access essential banking services before the strike. The Reserve Bank of India has approved the operation of bank branches, offices, ATM-linked branches and currency chests on that day. The government has said the UFBU strike is linked primarily to the demand for a five-day banking week. It has also said the proposed strike from September 28 to 30 coincides with the half-yearly closing of banks on September 30, when reconciliation, provisioning and treasury and market operations are undertaken. SLBC-Gujarats advisory is to ensure that customers can continue essential financial transactions during the period when branch-based services may be disrupted.

IIT Gandhinagar Develops AI Cyber Security For Critical Facilities

Two IIT Gandhinagar students have developed TrustGate, an AI-based cybersecurity system designed to protect critical infrastructure like water treatment plants and power grids. The system uniquely combines network traffic and physical sensor data to detect sophisticated cyber attacks, identify affected equipment, and provide real-time alerts to operators, earning them an international award.

IIT Gandhinagar Senior Research Fellow Recruitment 2026 - Apply Online

IIT Gandhinagar has released the Senior Research Fellow Recruitment 2026 notification for 1 vacancy. The online application process is open until 29 September 2026. Eligible candidates can apply through the official website, iitgn.ac.in.

Gujarat Police registers over 18,000 cases in drive against vehicles with improper number plates

Gandhinagar Gujarat Police have registered 18,014 cases and detained 4,187 vehicles during a statewide drive against vehicles running without number The post Gujarat Police registers over 18,000 cases in drive against vehicles with improper number plates appeared first on Bilkul Online .

IIT Gandhinagar Project Engineer Recruitment 2026 - Apply Online

Indian Institute of Technology Gandhinagar has announced the Recruitment 2026 notification for 1 Project Engineer post. Eligible candidates can apply online by 09-10-2026 through the official website. The detailed notification and online application details are available on the official website.

Gujarat to honour top-performing district, taluka officials with 'Atal Good Governance Awards'

Digital Desk | Gandhinagar, Sep 21 (IANS) The Gujarat government has introduced an annual award scheme to recognise outstanding performance by officials involved in citizen-facing administration at the district and taluka levels, with Class-1 officers eligible for a cash award of Rs 31,000 and Class-2 officers for Rs 21,000. The Atal Good Governance Award Scheme, introduced through a General Administration Department (GAD) resolution, will be implemented from the 2025-26 financial year and continue in subsequent years. The annual performance assessment will cover April 1 to March 31. The scheme covers officials from seven departments directly connected with public service delivery. They include Chief District Health Officers from the Health and Family Welfare Department; District Education Officers and District Primary Education Officers from the Education Department; Executive Engineers from the Roads and Buildings Department; District Supply Officers from the Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Department; District Sports Officers from the Sports, Youth and Cultural Activities Department; Taluka Development Officers from the Panchayats, Rural Housing and Rural Development Department; and Mamlatdars from the Revenue Department. Class-1 officials covered under the scheme will receive Rs 31,000, while Class-2 officials will receive Rs 21,000. Selected officials will also receive a Certificate of Excellence - Atal Good Governance Award recognising their contribution to public service and citizen-centric administration. Selection will be based on prescribed performance criteria and evaluation parameters, not routine performance alone. Separate departmental committees will assess officials covered under the first five categories. The Secretary of the respective department will head these committees and include the concerned Head of Department and an Additional Secretary, Joint Secretary or Deputy Secretary from the relevant establishment. For Taluka Development Officers and Mamlatdars, district-level committees headed by the District Collector will also assess performance. The committees will include the District Development Officer, District Superintendent of Police and Resident Deputy Collector. Separate departmental-level arrangements have also been prescribed to assess TDOs and Mamlatdars. The Additional Chief Secretary, Principal Secretary or Secretary of the Panchayat Department will head the committee for Panchayat-related performance. In contrast, the corresponding senior official of the Revenue Department will head the committee for Mamlatdars. After evaluation, officials will be ranked from first to third according to the prescribed performance parameters, and outstanding performers will be selected for the awards. The departments have been directed to complete the evaluation process by November 30 every year and send the names of selected officials, along with their award certificates and cheques, to the Vasutapar-2 branch of the General Administration Department by December 10. The awards will be presented during the Good Governance Day programme on December 25, the birth anniversary of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee. The scheme forms part of the state's initiatives undertaken during the year-long celebrations marking Vajpayee's 100th birth anniversary, which began on December 25, 2024. The respective departments will meet the expenditure for the awards from the budget provision under 0500 - Awards. The government has also advised awardees to use the prize money before the cheque's validity expires. The scheme establishes an annual process to identify and formally recognise officials working directly with citizens across health, education, infrastructure, food and civil supplies, sports, rural development and revenue administration.

GPSC Law Officer Interview Schedule 2026 - Download Interview Date at gpsc.gujarat.gov.in

GPSC has released the interview schedule for Law Officer (Advt. 22/2026-27). Interviews are on 24 and 25 September 2026, reporting at 09:30 A.M. at GPSC Bhavan, Gandhinagar. Check the full roll number list, documents to carry and instructions.

NeoProEd Insurance Conclave 2026 to Bring India's Insurance Ecosystem Together at GIFT City

Gandhinagar (Gujarat) [India], September 21: The Indian insurance industry is entering a period of significant transformation. Technology, artificial intelligence, data, emerging risks, evolving customer expectations and the rise of GIFT City are reshaping how insurance will be built, distributed and experienced.

Bomb threat email names Somnath temple, Gujarat BJP offices; searches find nothing suspicious

Digital Desk | Ahmedabad/Gir Somnath, Sep 21 (IANS) A bomb-threat email naming the Somnath Temple and BJP offices in Ahmedabad and Gandhinagar triggered a security alert across Gujarat on Monday, prompting searches by police, bomb detection and disposal teams and dog squads, officials said. The threat mentioned the BJP office in Ahmedabad's Khanpur area, the party's state office, Kamalam, at Koba in Gandhinagar, and the Somnath Temple. Police said no suspicious object was found during searches at the locations. Ahmedabad C-Division ACP Adwait Gandhi said the State Intelligence Bureau in Gandhinagar received the input around 9 a.m., following which the Khanpur BJP office was thoroughly checked, and additional police deployment was put in place. At 9 a.m., we received an input from the State Intelligence Bureau in Gandhinagar. According to that, there was a threat of a bomb blast at the BJP Central Office in Khanpur. We informed the BDTS and had the entire premises checked, and police deployment has also been put in place. The situation is normal, Gandhi said. He confirmed that the Somnath Temple and BJP office at Koba had also been named in the threat. Nothing suspicious has been found. The situation is normal, he said. Gandhi said there was no need for panic and added that police are carrying out their duties. I do not have information about the origin of the email at this stage and action had been taken on the basis of the intelligence input, he noted. At the Khanpur office, police, fire brigade personnel and bomb and dog squad teams conducted a detailed search. City BJP president Prerak Shah said the party was informed that intelligence agencies had received an email threatening to blow up the office. Based on that, both the police and bomb squad arrived here. The entire Khanpur BJP office was searched, and nothing objectionable or suspicious was found here, Shah said. At Somnath, Deputy SP M.F. Chaudhary said the police received the threat email in the morning and the entire police force was placed on alert on the instructions and guidance of the Superintendent of Police. He said the temple has dedicated security personnel working round the clock and that devotees normally undergo two-layer frisking and checking. Electronic gadgets and other prohibited items are not allowed inside the temple premises. In view of today's situation, we put our other district branches, including the LCB, Special Operation Group, BDS and QRT, on alert and had the entire temple premises searched. The BDS searched the temple premises but found no suspicious objects, he said. The latest threat comes amid a series of similar email-based bomb scares in Gujarat. Earlier this month, threats were received by courts, schools and the Gujarat Assembly, while separate threats on September 15 and 17 reportedly named courts, Mahatma Mandir and port facilities. Searches in those cases also did not result in the recovery of explosives. Gujarat Police had also recently arrested two men in connection with an alleged interstate network involved in sending hoax bomb-threat emails. Investigators recovered details of 513,847 Gmail accounts and passwords allegedly linked to the network. Police are examining whether the latest threat has any connection with that network.

With 23,542 Ganesh idols sold, Gujarats clay artisans clock Rs 5 crores at state fair

Digital Desk | Gandhinagar, Sep 21 (IANS) More than 23,500 eco-friendly clay Ganesh idols were sold across Gujarat during a seven-day state-supported fair this month, generating around Rs five crore in revenue for 361 registered artisans, the Gujarat Matikam Kalakari and Rural Technology Institute said on Monday. The Mati Murti Mela-2026, organised by the Institute under the Cottage and Rural Industries Department from September 8 to 14, saw 23,542 clay idols sold at five locations in Ahmedabad, Vadodara and Surat. The state government supplied 186 tonnes of ready-to-use clay to participating artisans and provided sales stalls free of cost under a 100 per cent subsidy. Ahmedabad Haat in Vastrapur recorded the highest revenue among the five venues, with sales exceeding Rs 1.91 crore. Adajan in Surat recorded the highest number of idols sold, with 7,920 idols accounting for more than Rs 1.11 crore in sales. At Parsi Agiyari Maidan in Vadodara, 79 stalls recorded sales of Rs 85.77 lakh, while 124 stalls at the Sabarmati Riverfront registered sales of Rs 77.99 lakh. Bopal Hastkala Haat in Ahmedabad recorded Rs 32.55 lakh in sales through 30 stalls. The fair is part of state government's efforts to encourage clay idols as an alternative to Plaster of Paris (POP) idols during Ganeshotsav. According to state government, around 90 per cent of Ganesh idols in Gujarat were made from POP until 2014-15. Since POP does not dissolve in water and can affect aquatic life and water sources, the government introduced the Incentive Scheme for Clay Idol Makers in 2015-16. Under the scheme, registered artisans receive ready-to-use clay at a 50 per cent subsidised rate, along with free sales stalls and daily fair assistance of Rs 1,000. The government said the measures implemented over the past decade have contributed to a reduction in the use of POP idols across the state. The initiative also included an educational component, with more than 84,500 students from 302 schools across 10 districts participating in live clay idol-making demonstrations and do-it-yourself (DIY) activities. The activities were organised under the National Education Policy to promote awareness about environmental issues. The programme also created livelihood opportunities for women from artisan families involved in making and decorating idols at home. The Institute said the scheme has expanded beyond financial assistance to artisans and is intended to support livelihoods while promoting traditional skills and environmental protection. The government plans to continue such fairs in the coming years as part of its stated objective of promoting an Aatmanirbhar Gujarat to Aatmanirbhar Bharat approach.

Gandhinagar court sends The Wire columnist Ravi Nair to jail for missing hearing; Gujarat HC issues notice: Here

Ravi Nair was taken into custody and sent to jail on 17th September after a Gandhinagar court issued a non-bailable warrant against him on 3rd September in connection with his petition against his conviction and one-year simple imprisonment in a criminal defamation case against the Adani Group.

Gujarat reduces tender validation process from 120 to 90 days, fixes approval timelines

Digital Desk | Gandhinagar, Sep 20 (IANS) The Gujarat government has shortened the tender approval process for development and construction works, fixing maximum timelines of 51 days for tenders involving only financial bids and 66 days for those requiring technical and financial scrutiny. Bhupendra Patel-led government has also reduced the validity period of tenders from the existing 120 days to 90 days, as part of measures aimed at reducing delays in administrative approvals and allowing projects to begin earlier. Under the revised system, tenders where there is no pre-qualification of contractors and only a financial bid is involved will have to complete the entire approval process within a maximum of 51 days. This includes processing from the field or regional office level through the Secretariat and the Finance Department. For tenders requiring pre-qualification of contractors, involving both technical and financial bids, the complete process, including scrutiny at different levels, will have to be completed within 66 days. The government has also decided to restrict negotiations in the tender process. Where more than one tender has been received after giving the prescribed wide publicity under the rules, negotiations will generally have to be avoided except in unavoidable circumstances. If negotiations are considered necessary, they will be conducted at only one level that of the competent authority. Negotiations at multiple levels will not be permitted. The revised procedure also provides for accountability in cases where the prescribed timelines are not met. If a proposal is not disposed of within the stipulated period, the reasons for the delay will have to be recorded at the concerned level and responsibility for the delay fixed on the concerned officer. Similarly, where delays arise because a proposal is incomplete, responsibility for the delay will rest with the level from which the proposal was submitted. The changes are applicable to the tender approval process for various development and construction works, including infrastructure projects such as roads, bridges and government buildings. The government said the revised timelines are intended to ensure that the tender approval process is completed within a defined period, allowing projects to commence according to schedule. The procedure would also help reduce administrative delays and enable citizens to access public infrastructure and services at an earlier stage, officials added.

Gujarat: Sardar Sarovar Dam reaches 96 pc capacity as monsoon rainfall hits 88 pc

Gandhinagar The Sardar Sarovar Narmada Dam is 96 per cent full, while the states other 206 reservoirs have reached 70.49 The post Gujarat: Sardar Sarovar Dam reaches 96 pc capacity as monsoon rainfall hits 88 pc appeared first on Bilkul Online .

Seva Sankalp Abhiyan: Gujarat Dy CM Sanghavi joins youth in sports, flags off bike rally towards Dahod

Digital Desk | Gandhinagar, Sep 19 (IANS) Gujarat Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi on Saturday joined students in playing football, handball and tug of war at KJ Institute of Technology (KJIT) College in Savli as part of the 'Seva Sankalp Abhiyan', before flagging off a bike rally of more than 500 youth towards Dahod. Sanghavi participated in the sporting activities alongside students and youth at the college campus, encouraging them to take part in sports. The programme was held as the Seva Yatra, organised to mark 25 years of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's public service journey, passed through the area. Speaking during the programme, Sanghavi said sports help improve physical fitness while also developing team spirit, the ability to face challenges and leadership qualities among young people. The sporting spirit being fostered among Gujarat's youth through initiatives such as 'Fit India' and 'Khel Mahakumbh' was contributing to nation-building, he said. After the sporting activities, Sanghavi flagged off the bike rally with more than 500 youth participating in the Seva Yatra. The rally resumed its journey from the KJIT College campus and proceeded towards the Dahod route. The 'Seva Sankalp Abhiyan' is being organised in connection with the 25 years of PM Modi's public service journey. The bike rally is part of the Seva Yatra being undertaken by youth as part of the campaign. The programme brought together the sporting activities involving students and the onward journey of the service-oriented youth participating in the bike rally, which continued towards Dahod after the flag-off. The motorcycle yatra is part of a twin-route Seva Yatra between Vadnagar and Varanasi, launched on September 17 to mark PM Modi's 25 years in public life. Around 1,000 volunteers are participating in the two routes, with the yatras involving about 500 motorcycles and passing through 10 states, 193 districts and 1,159 villages over a total distance of around 40,000 km. The campaign is scheduled to continue until October 7.

Women-led committees to monitor nutrition, early education at every Anganwadi in Gujarat

Digital Desk | Gandhinagar, Sep 19 (IANS) Gujarat will constitute women-led Anganwadi Management Committees (AMCs) at every Anganwadi Centre in the state to increase community participation in nutrition, healthcare and early childhood education, while improving monitoring of services for children and mothers. The decision, taken under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, is aimed at strengthening the grassroots implementation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 'Mission Saksham Anganwadi and Poshan 2.0'. The committees will focus on reducing malnutrition and developmental delays among children aged 0 to 6 years and supporting their overall development. Under the guidance of Women and Child Development Minister Manisha Vakil, each AMC will be constituted by the concerned Child Development Project Officer (CDPO). All seven members of the committee will be women, with the woman supervisor serving as Chairperson and the Anganwadi worker as Member-Secretary, officials said. The committee will also include an ASHA worker, two mothers of children aged 3 to 6 years enrolled at the Anganwadi, a woman member of a local Self-Help Group (SHG) or NGO/CSO, and a woman teacher from the nearest government primary school. The arrangement is intended to improve coordination between Anganwadi, health, education and local self-government institutions, while giving the community a greater role in ensuring transparency and accountability in service delivery. AMCs will meet once every two months at the Anganwadi Centre to review its functioning and the quality and timely delivery of services. They will examine facilities including the Anganwadi building, drinking water, toilets, kitchen, storage, furniture, equipment, Teaching Learning Material (TLM), food quality and hygiene. The committees will also monitor supplementary nutrition services, including Take Home Ration (THR) and Hot Cooked Meals (HCM), with attention to food quality, freshness, hygiene and nutritional standards. They will review the growth of children aged 0 to 6 years, developmental milestones of children aged 0 to 3 years, health check-ups, identification of malnourished children, referrals and follow-up of referred cases. Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) will form another key area of monitoring. The committees will review daily pre-primary activities under 'Aadharshila', curriculum-based activities and Children's Day theme-based activities, besides checking whether records relating to children's development and monthly activities are maintained properly. The initiative will also help ensure that eligible beneficiaries are not left out of Anganwadi services. Through household surveys and community mapping, the committees will support identification of pregnant women, lactating mothers and children aged 0 to 6 years, officials asserted. They will monitor registration, attendance and inclusive services for children with special needs, besides ensuring that beneficiary information on the Poshan Tracker is updated. AMCs will also encourage parents, volunteers, private organisations, corporate entities, NGOs, CSOs and other community groups to contribute time, skills and resources to Anganwadi Centres. Support in the form of toys, clothes, activity materials and educational resources will be encouraged, while Panchayati Raj Institutions and Urban Local Bodies will be involved in establishing and maintaining Poshan Vatika or Nutri-Gardens. At least four of the seven members, including the Chairperson and Vice-Chairperson, will have to be present for a meeting. Decisions will be taken by consensus wherever possible and by majority when required. Minutes, including attendance, discussions, decisions and follow-up status, will be recorded in the prescribed format and submitted to the concerned CDPO within seven days. The CDPO will review the functioning of each committee at least twice a year. Major issues that cannot be resolved locally will be referred to the Programme Officer and CDPO. The state government said the mechanism would bring mothers, ASHA workers, teachers, SHG members and other community representatives into the regular review of nutrition, child growth, early education, hygiene, infrastructure, beneficiary coverage and grievance redressal at Anganwadi Centres. The initiative comes as the Centre has also focused on strengthening ECCE and nutrition services, with approval given in July 2026 for upgrading two lakh Anganwadi Centres as Saksham Anganwadis.

GMRC Recruitment 2026 - Apply Online for 29 Assistant Manager, Engineer and More Posts

Gujarat Metro Rail Corporation Limited has released the GMRC Systems Recruitment 2026 notification for 29 vacancies. The recruitment includes Additional General Manager, Joint General Manager, Deputy General Manager, Manager, Assistant Manager and Engineer posts in different systems disciplines. The vacancies are for the Ahmedabad, Gandhinagar and Surat Metro projects. Appointments will be made on a contract, deputation or post-superannuation basis, depending on the post. The initial appointment period is three years and may be extended up to five years based on performance.

27th SAFE Annual Convention in Gandhinagar Focuses on Collaborative Road Safety

Bilkul Online Ahmedabad | 18 Sept 2026 The Society for Automotive Fitness & Environment (SAFE), an initiative of the Society The post 27th SAFE Annual Convention in Gandhinagar Focuses on Collaborative Road Safety appeared first on Bilkul Online .

Gujarat's GIFT City Advances To 37th Spot In Global Financial Centres Index

Climbing from its previous ranking of 46th in GFCI 39, the Gandhinagar-based centre has now entered the top 15 financial hubs across the Asia-Pacific region. Remarkably, it stands as the only Indian financial centre included in this elite regional group.

Gujarat begins exercise to geo-tag manufacturing MSMEs, integrate data with 'PM Gati Shakti'

Digital Desk | Gandhinagar, Sep 17 (IANS) Gujarat is set to undertake GIS-based geo-tagging and mapping of its manufacturing micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), with the data to be integrated with the 'PM Gati Shakti' portal to support infrastructure planning and policy formulation for the sector. The project, titled Mapping of Manufacturing MSMEs with the PM Gati Shakti Portal, is being implemented by the MSME Commissionerate of the state government under the Raising and Accelerating MSME Performance (RAMP) scheme of the Union Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises. Under the initiative, manufacturing MSME units registered on the Udyog Portal will be geo-tagged and mapped. Gujarat Info Petro Limited (GIPL) has been entrusted with carrying out the mapping exercise. Authorised representatives of GIPL will visit MSME units across the state to geo-tag the establishments and collect and verify the required information. The MSME Commissionerate has asked all concerned units to cooperate with the representatives and provide the information needed for the exercise. The mapping is intended to create an integrated and systematic database of manufacturing MSMEs in Gujarat. The database is expected to provide information that can be used for infrastructure planning, policy formulation and more effective implementation of government schemes. The integration of MSME-related data with the PM Gati Shakti portal will also strengthen data-based planning and decision-making for the sector. By making the location of MSME units and related details available in a structured GIS-based system, the exercise is expected to help identify requirements and facilitate need-based support and facilities. The MSME Commissionerate has also called upon industry associations across the state to extend full cooperation to GIPL and its authorised representatives for the successful implementation of the project. The initiative is being undertaken as part of the RAMP scheme, which focuses on improving the performance and institutional capacity of the MSME sector. In Gujarat, the mapping exercise will bring the geographical location and relevant information of manufacturing MSMEs into a common data framework linked to the PM Gati Shakti platform. The exercise will help make planning and decision-making for the MSME sector more data-driven, while providing a structured base for future infrastructure requirements, policy measures and delivery of government support, officials added.

Fire Officer Arrested For Bribery In Gandhinagar

Gandhinagar's in-charge Chief Fire Officer, Rajeshkumar Patel, was arrested by the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) for allegedly accepting a Rs 20,000 bribe. The bribe was demanded for issuing a Fire Safety Renewal No Objection Certificate (NOC). The ACB successfully trapped Patel after a complaint was lodged.

Centre to encourage fishers to harness high-value fisheries resources

Digital Desk | New Delhi, Sep 16 (IANS) In a bid to promote deep-sea fishing by encouraging fishers to harness high-value fisheries resources, the government is set to organise a national workshop on promotion of deep-sea fishing and interaction with access pass and letter of authorisation (LoA) holders in Gandhinagar, Gujarat, an official statement said on Wednesday. The deliberations are expected to serve as a significant platform for strengthening Indias deep-sea fishing ecosystem by bringing together policymakers, technical experts, financial institutions, industry stakeholders, cooperatives, and fishers for focused deliberations. The Gujarat event on Thursday will provide a platform to fishers to understand on-ground challenges and gather stakeholder suggestions for further strengthening the sector. The discussions and recommendations emerging from the workshop will help identify practical solutions to on-ground challenges, improve access to technology, skills, finance, and markets, and facilitate greater participation of fishers in deep-sea fishing, the statement added. The event will be attended by Union Minister Rajiv Ranjan Singh, Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, and others. The workshop comes at a time when the marine fisheries potential within Indias EEZ is estimated at 58.6 lakh MT, supporting the livelihoods of approximately 50 lakh fishers and contributing significantly to food security, nutrition, employment, income generation and export revenues. India is presently among the leading fisheries and aquaculture producing countries globally and exported seafood valued at around Rs 73,890 crore during FY 2025-26. Most fishing activities are concentrated within 4050 nautical miles of the coast, while deeper waters and areas beyond national jurisdiction offer substantial opportunities for harvesting high-value species, particularly tuna and tuna-like resources. The Department of Fisheries has given special thrust to strengthening fisheries farmer producer organisations (FFPO) and fisheries cooperatives while also focusing on digitisation of the fisheries sector through various initiatives. The workshop will feature focused technical sessions covering the entire deep-sea fishing value chain, from resource potential and vessel modernisation to skill development, financing, processing, value addition and access to export markets.

Asian Games: 'Expectation of gold gets converted into motivation,' says Pawan Sehrawat

Digital Desk | Gandhinagar, Sep 15 (IANS) Indian kabaddi star Pawan Sehrawat believes the expectation of winning a gold medal at the 2026 Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games will serve as motivation for the team rather than put it under pressure. The Indian mens kabaddi team is preparing for the continental showpiece with the aim of retaining its position at the top, and Sehrawat feels the high expectations surrounding the side are a matter of pride. You expect something from someone who deserves it, and you expect gold from Kabaddi. So its a proud moment for the Kabaddi team. We are seen as a team that will bring a gold medal, and it is a matter of pride. That expectation gets converted into motivation and makes it easier to play, Sehrawat said. The Arjuna Awardee also spoke about the pride and responsibility of representing India at one of Asias biggest sporting events. I feel very proud to be one of the 12 guys chosen from such a large pool of population to represent the country. When I wear the jersey of India, I feel that I have a responsibility, as we are carrying the weight of the whole country out there, and it should go in the right direction as we get the absolute best for India, he said. India has enjoyed a dominant record in kabaddi at the Asian Games, with the mens and womens teams collectively winning 11 gold, one silver and one bronze medal. The Indian mens squad has been training together at the Sports Authority of India (SAI) sports training centre in Gandhinagar since September 5, as it looks to be fully prepared for the competition. Sehrawat, who holds the record for the most raid points in a single Pro Kabaddi League match with 39, said the time spent together in camp has helped the players develop strong coordination and trust. The team is very confident. We have practised a lot together. All the 12 players who have been selected make a great combination. We trust each other. The most important thing is that we are here for one thing, and that is gold. Gold makes us all one, and this is what a team should be, he said. The kabaddi competition at the 2026 Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games will begin on September 21, with the final scheduled for September 26. The Indian mens team comprises captain Sunil Kumar, Pawan Sehrawat, Ankit Jaglan, Aslam Inamdar, Ashu Malik, Ayan Lohchab, Devank Dalal, Arjun Deshwal, Jaideep Dahiya, Rahul Sethpal, Gaurav Khatri and Sumit Sangwan.

World Circular Economy Forum 2026 Kicks Off in Gandhinagar, Focusing on Circular Solutions for Prosperity

The World Circular Economy Forum 2026 opened in Gandhinagar, emphasizing sustainable economic growth and circular solutions for global prosperity. World Circular Economy Forum 2026 Kicks Off in Gandhinagar, Focusing on Circular Solutions for Prosperity

Growth must go hand in hand with ecology: CM Patel at World Circular Economy Forum

Digital Desk | Gandhinagar, Sep 15 (IANS) Gujarat must pursue industrial growth without compromising its ecological resources, Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel said on Tuesday, stressing that development and environmental protection should be treated as complementary priorities rather than competing objectives. Addressing the World Circular Economy Forum (WCEF) 2026 in Gandhinagar, CM Patel said the central challenge was to achieve economic growth while ensuring that natural resources were utilised efficiently and responsibly. Development and environment are not contradictory. We need growth as well as greenery, industry as well as ecology, prosperity as well as sustainability, he said. CM Patel said Gujarat had sought to maintain this balance through initiatives in industrial development, renewable energy, waste and water management and resource efficiency. The WCEF would provide the state an opportunity to present its experience to an international audience while learning from practices developed elsewhere, he said. He pointed to the Somnath Temple as an example of how circular economy principles could be applied in an institutional and religious setting. Flowers, bel patra, milk, water, panchamrit, clothes and other offerings made by devotees are processed rather than simply discarded, he said. The sacred liquid generated during the temples abhishek is scientifically purified and made available as Som-Ganga Jal, while flowers, bel patra and other organic waste, including food waste, are converted into manure. Plastic waste is used to make paver blocks, with women from local Sakhi Mandals trained and involved in the activity, he noted. CM Patel said such practices demonstrated that converting waste into resources could have both economic and environmental dimensions. The Waste to Wealth approach could also contribute to rural livelihoods and give greater momentum to the rural economy, he emphasised. He added that the circular economy could play an important role in strengthening energy security as countries confronted changing global conditions. CM Patel also linked the circular economy to Indias traditional practices of reuse and recycling. These principles had long been part of everyday life and could now be combined with modern technology, policy and industrial systems, he said. The Chief Minister said the four-day forum should move beyond discussion and help generate practical solutions that could be applied across countries. He expressed confidence that the deliberations would contribute to global welfare and help realise the principle of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam through international cooperation on circularity.

World Circular Economy Forum 2026 Kicks Off in Gandhinagar

The World Circular Economy Forum 2026 begins in Gandhinagar, aiming to enhance international cooperation and promote sustainable practices. World Circular Economy Forum 2026 Kicks Off in Gandhinagar

Bomb threat to PM, HM, Gujarat CMO, BRICS partners: Two held, Bangladesh-backed network unearthed by police

Digital Desk | Gandhinagar, Sep 14 (IANS) Gujarat Police arrested two men in Bihar and Jharkhand in connection with an inter-state network allegedly involved in sending bomb threat e-mails, including a message threatening to blow up the Gujarat Secretariat and other high-profile institutions, officials said on Monday. It threatened to blow up the office of the Gujarat Chief Minister, the Gujarat Legislative Assembly, the Prime Minister, the Union Home Minister and BRICS countries. The Cyber Centre of Excellence (CCoE) said its investigation into the threat e-mail sent on September 10 led to the arrest of Roshan Kumar Rajendra Kumar Bhumihar from Bhagalpur in Bihar and alleged main accused Gulshan Kumar Kaushal Singh from Deoghar in Jharkhand. The investigation also uncovered a list containing 5,13,847 unique e-mail IDs and passwords, which police suspect was intended for use in sending further threatening e-mails and carrying out cyber crimes and other illegal activities. The threat e-mail was received at 9:47 a.m. on September 10 on the official e-mail ID of Gujarats Legal and Parliamentary Affairs Department. It threatened to blow up the office of the Gujarat Chief Minister, the Gujarat Legislative Assembly, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah and countries that supported India during the recent BRICS Summit. The message was sent from the e-mail address: 'jondmoragn52627@gmail.com'. According to the CCoE, a technical team analysed the threatening e-mail and traced its digital trail to Bhagalpur. Acting on the findings, police arrested Roshan Kumar Rajendra Kumar Bhumihar there. During his interrogation, he allegedly told investigators that the e-mail ID had been provided to him by Gulshan Kumar Kaushal Singh. The information led to a coordinated operation involving technical surveillance and field teams, following which Singh was arrested from Deoghar, police said. Investigators subsequently recovered a list containing 5,13,847 unique e-mail IDs along with their passwords from the accused. Police said the accounts had allegedly been created for sending threatening e-mails to government offices, schools and colleges and courts, besides being used for cyber crimes and other illegal activities. The investigation has also revealed an alleged Bangladesh connection to the network. Police said the accused were receiving financial support from co-accused persons based in Bangladesh and that the e-mail ID list had also been sent to co-accused persons there. Investigators have further found that crypto wallets were being used in connection with the financial transactions, the CCoE said. The police said the accused used sophisticated methods to create e-mail accounts and bypass authentication processes. The investigation into the e-mail IDs, including their intended use and possible links to other threatening messages or cybercrimes, is continuing. The operation was carried out simultaneously across three states, with the CCoE receiving assistance from Gandhinagar Police in Gujarat, Bhagalpur Police in Bihar and Deoghar Police in Jharkhand, officials added. Police have advised people who receive threatening e-mails not to panic and to immediately inform their local police or call the '1930' cybercrime helpline. They have also advised recipients not to delete, forward or circulate threatening e-mails, screenshots or unverified information on social media, and not to communicate with the sender. The investigation into the network and the large database of e-mail credentials remains underway.

Gujarat to Host First World Circular Economy Forum in South Asia

The inaugural World Circular Economy Forum in Gandhinagar will gather over 2,000 stakeholders from 65 countries to discuss sustainability. Gujarat to Host First World Circular Economy Forum in South Asia

Gujarat Police seize liquor worth over Rs 22 lakh in three raids, 11 held

Digital Desk | Gandhinagar, Sep 14 (IANS) The Gujarat Police State Monitoring Cell (SMC) seized Indian Made Foreign Liquor (IMFL) worth more than Rs 22 lakh in three separate raids in Amreli, Aravalli and Valsad districts, arresting 11 people and naming 16 others as wanted accused, police said on Monday. In the latest raid, conducted within the limits of Valsad district's Pardi police station, the SMC seized liquor and beer worth Rs 3,21,937, along with two vehicles, two mobile phones, and other material, taking the total value of the seized items to Rs 3,71,937. The raid was carried out by a team led by SMC Police Sub-Inspector J.S. Rajput from Kikerla village in Daman and Udvada railway station and National Highway 48 in Pardi taluka. Police said around 25 boxes containing Indian-made liquor and beer, comprising 1,514 bottles, were seized during the operation. Eight people were arrested, and seven others were declared wanted. A case was registered at Pardi police station under Sections 65(A)(E), 81, 83, 98(2) and 116(B) of the Prohibition Act. Among those arrested were Harshad Halpati, a resident of Jalalpor in Navsari district, and Kamlesh Patel, a resident of Rentlav in Pardi. Police also arrested six women who were allegedly found with the liquor consignment. The seven wanted accused include Shailesh alias Shaiyla Vankad Patel of Nani Daman and Bhavesh alias Bhavlo Kalio of Pardi. Police said five others, including those allegedly involved in transporting liquor in rickshaws, were also wanted. In Amreli district, the SMC raided a water sump building in the farm area of Khumbhala village under Babra taluka on September 12 and seized around 70 boxes of Indian-made liquor and beer containing 3,013 bottles. The liquor was valued at Rs 8,44,507, while the total value of the seized material, including three vehicles, one mobile phone, cash and other items, was Rs 19,51,107. Two people -- Raviraj Khachar of Nilvada village and Raghuvir Khachar of Khumbhala village -- were arrested in the Amreli raid, while three others were declared wanted. They were identified as Lalabhai Garania of Gadhada, Maulik Teraiya of Babra and Desurabhai Gadhvi of Sitapar village in Botad district. In Aravalli district, the SMC conducted a raid on a public road on the outskirts of Vatrak village within Bayad police station limits on September 13. Police seized around 100 boxes of Indian-made liquor and beer containing 3,870 bottles, valued at Rs 10,58,682. One vehicle, two mobile phones and other material were also seized, taking the total value of the seized items to Rs 20,69,682. One person, Anant Kumar Patel of Moti Katdi Madh Faliya in Godhra, was arrested in the Aravalli case, while six others were declared wanted. Police identified one of them as Abhesing Jadeja, who was from Ahmedabad. The remaining wanted accused included a person allegedly involved in supplying the liquor from Chaklasi in Kheda district, along with four others allegedly involved in transporting the liquor, piloting the vehicles and owning or possessing the vehicle. Cases were registered at Babra, Bayad and Pardi police stations under relevant provisions of the Gujarat Prohibition Act.

Gujarat CM Bhupendra Patel Takes E-Bus Ride As 30 PM-eBus Sewa Buses Begin Service In Gandhinagar

3-day World Circular Economy Forum 2026 to begin in Gandhinagar from Sep 15

Digital Desk | Gandhinagar, Sep 13 (IANS) Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav has began discussions on reusing, refurbishing and recycling existing materials at the thee-day World Circular Economy Forum (WCEF) 2026 which will begin in Gandhinagar on September 15, an official said. India hosting the WCEF 2026 would be a first for South Asia, the official said in a statement on Sunday. The forum, to be organised under the theme 'Circular Economy: Transition for People and Prosperity', would be jointly inaugurated by Bhupender Yadav and Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel. The objective of WCEF 2026 is to showcase India's initiatives for promoting circularity and enhancing international cooperation, the statement said. The event is being jointly organised by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) of India, the Finnish Innovation Fund Sitra, Finland government, India's Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Government of Gujarat, and Gujarat Pollution Control Board (GPCB). The event would witness participation of more than 2,000 cross-sectoral stakeholders from 65-plus countries, including business leaders, entrepreneurs, innovators, researchers, policymakers, academicians, changemakers and others. The forum will enable global collaboration and greater engagement with the Global South; facilitate mobilising of circular finance and private-sector investment; encourage policy dialogue and cross-sectoral partnerships; while advancing innovation, digitalisation and technology for circularity. Circularity focuses on reusing, refurbishing and recycling existing materials and products and looping them back into the economy as valuable resources. Under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India is leading a major transformation in environmental governance, moving toward a modern circular economy, the statement added. Other dignitaries who would join the inaugural session would include Minister for Forest, Environment and Climate Change (Gujarat) Arjunbhai Modhwadia and Ambassador of Finland Mikko Kivikoski, along with senior officials from the Union government and Gujarat government. On September 15 and 16, the forum would feature four plenaries and 16 parallel thematic sessions on application of AI, employment potential, energy production, finance, governance, sustainable products, industrial solutions, start-up ecosystem and youth leadership, the statement added. Further at the event, an expo featuring 125-plus national and international exhibitors would showcase practical circular solutions developed by start-ups and investment-ready innovations. On the sidelines of WCEF, the Board of 10 Year Framework of Programmes on Sustainable Consumption and Production Patterns (10 YFP) would hold its in-person meeting, on September 15 at Gandhinagar, the statement said. India has recently assumed the role of Co-Chair of 10 YFP Board, reflecting its long-standing leadership in promoting sustainable consumption and production. On September 17 and 18, global collaborators will independently organise 80 accelerator sessions online/hybrid and in person at Gandhinagar and other locations worldwide, the statement added.

Home Minister Amit Shah to inaugurate Hindi Diwas 2026 in Mumbai tomorrow

Digital Desk | Mumbai, Sep 13 (IANS) Union Home Minister Amit Shah will address the inaugural session of Hindi Diwas 2026 and the sixth All India Official Language Conference in Mumbai on Monday, an official said. Inspired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision, the event will highlight the vibrant relationship of Hindi with Maharashtra's rich linguistic, cultural, and literary traditions, the official said in a statement. On this occasion, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Deputy Chief Ministers Eknath Shinde and Sunetra Pawar, several Members of Parliament, distinguished guests from various fields, scholars, litterateurs, educationists, and senior officials from various departments and Ministries of the Central government will also be present. The Department of Official Language of the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has been organising All India Official Language Conferences every year since 2021. This journey, which began from Varanasi, has reached Navi Mumbai in Maharashtra this year, passing through Surat, Pune, New Delhi and Gandhinagar. During the inaugural session of the two-day programme, the 'Rajbhasha Gaurav' and 'Rajbhasha Kirti' Awards for the year 202526 will be presented by the Union Home Minister, the statement said. The institutions and individuals who have undertaken outstanding work and made noteworthy contributions in the field of Official Language will be honoured with these awards, it added. Several important books and publications will also be launched during the inaugural session and other sessions. These include a special commemorative issue of the Department of Official Language's journal 'Rajbhasha Bharati', centred on the National Song 'Vande Mataram'; 'Bharatiya Gyan Tantra: Srot aur Swaroop'; 'Shiv Anadi Hain, Anant Hain'; and 'Andheron Se Ujalon Tak', a compilation of writings by prison inmates. A special attraction of this year's conference will be a special discussion session centred on the National Song 'Vande Mataram'. Joydeep Chattopadhyay will also have a special presence at the programme. He is a fifth-generation descendant of Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay, the author of 'Vande Mataram'. A special session will also be organised at the Conference on the role of Town Official Language Implementation Committees (TOLICs/NARAKAS). NARAKAS is a strong and empowered unit that takes forward the implementation of Official Language Hindi at the grassroots level. A special exhibition is also being organised at the conference venue, in which stalls will be put up by various institutions, organisations, banks and ministries, the statement said.

India to Host World Circular Economy Forum 2026 in Gandhinagar

India will host the World Circular Economy Forum 2026 from September 15-18, focusing on sustainability and innovation with representatives from over 65 countries. India to Host World Circular Economy Forum 2026 in Gandhinagar

India to host World Circular Economy Forum 2026 in Gandhinagar from Sep 15

Digital Desk | New Delhi, Sep 13 (IANS) India will host the World Circular Economy Forum (WCEF) 2026 in Gandhinagar, Gujarat, from September 15 to 18, marking the first time the global forum will be held in South Asia, the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change said on Sunday. The forum will be organised under the theme Circular Economy: Transition for People and Prosperity and will be jointly inaugurated on September 15 by Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change Bhupender Yadav and Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendrabhai Patel. The inaugural session will also be attended by Gujarat Forest, Environment and Climate Change Minister Arjunbhai Modhwadia, Ambassador of Finland to India Mikko Kivikoski and Marieke Spijkerboer from the Netherlands Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate, along with senior officials from the Centre and Gujarat government. The ministry said circularity focuses on reusing, refurbishing and recycling existing materials and products and returning them to the economy as valuable resources. Under Prime Minister Narendra Modis leadership, India is undertaking a major transformation in environmental governance with a focus on advancing a modern circular economy. WCEF 2026 is being jointly organised by the Central Pollution Control Board, the Finnish Innovation Fund Sitra, Government of Finland, Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Government of Gujarat and Gujarat Pollution Control Board. The forum is expected to bring together more than 2,000 stakeholders from over 65 countries, including business leaders, entrepreneurs, innovators, researchers, policymakers, academicians and other changemakers. It will showcase Indias initiatives on circularity and provide a platform for strengthening international cooperation, particularly with the Global South. The event will also focus on mobilising circular finance and private-sector investment, promoting policy dialogue and cross-sector partnerships, and advancing innovation, digitalisation and technology for circularity. On September 15 and 16, the forum will feature four plenary sessions and 16 parallel thematic sessions covering areas including artificial intelligence, employment potential, energy production, finance, governance, sustainable products, industrial solutions, start-up ecosystems and youth leadership. An exhibition featuring more than 125 national and international exhibitors will showcase practical circular solutions developed by start-ups as well as investment-ready innovations. On the sidelines of the forum, the Board of the 10 Year Framework of Programmes on Sustainable Consumption and Production Patterns (10 YFP) will hold an in-person meeting in Gandhinagar on September 15.

AI can assist justice delivery, but cannot be decision-maker, says SC judge N V Anjaria

Digital Desk | Gandhinagar, Sep 13 (IANS) Artificial intelligence can help analyse large volumes of judicial data and identify trends that may escape the human eye, but it cannot decide what should be done in an individual case, Supreme Court judge Justice N V Anjaria said on Saturday, while stressing that AI must remain an aid, rather than a decision-maker, in the justice delivery system. Justice Anjaria was speaking at the inauguration of the India Digital ADR Summit-2026 at the National Forensic Sciences University (NFSU) in Gandhinagar. He also launched the SAMYAK portal, a digital initiative of the universitys International Digital Dispute Resolution Centre (IDDRC). If AI is to be used on a large scale in arbitration or any judicial process, certain essential aspects have to be taken into consideration. AI can be part of the justice delivery system, but cannot be the decision-maker, Justice Anjaria said. He said AI could help understand what had happened across hundreds of cases and identify patterns and trends that might not be readily visible to humans. However, he made a distinction between using technology to assist in analysing cases and allowing it to determine the outcome of a particular case. Attorney General of India, R Venkataramani, who also addressed the gathering, spoke to law students about the importance of developing an investigative approach. Doubt, refutation and verification are the foundations of science and students must cultivate the habits of questioning, challenging and verifying information, he said. Venkataramani also described NFSU as having the potential to emerge as a global hub of excellence and said its early achievements would help establish its international reputation. Gujarat High Court Chief Justice Sunita Agarwal congratulated the IDDRC on the launch of the SAMYAK portal, describing it as a unique initiative. She said clear rules are needed for the incorporation of artificial intelligence into legal institutions. Such rules should clearly distinguish between tasks where AI could be used and those that must remain within the exclusive domain of human judgement and discretion in the dispute resolution process, she asserted. The summit was attended by former Supreme Court judges M R Shah and Rajesh Bindal, besides Gujarat State Human Rights Commission Chairman Dr K J Thaker, former Gujarat High Court Chief Justice Justice Soniya Gokani and former Chief Justice Justice Dr A C Joshi.

After 5-day Gujarat tour, BJP state in-charge stresses coordination, public service and scheme delivery

Digital Desk | Ahmedabad, Sep 12 (IANS) Gujarat BJP in-charge Tarun Chugh concluded a five-day organisational tour of six districts in the state on Saturday, with a visit to Vadodara district where he held meetings with party office-bearers, elected representatives and cooperative leaders to review organisational work and discuss coordination in public service. Chugh, along with state BJP Organisation General Secretary Ratnakar, visited Gandhinagar, Kheda, Panchmahal, Dahod, Chhota Udepur and Vadodara between September 8 and 12. During the tour, meetings were held with party functionaries and other stakeholders to review the organisation's functioning and discuss measures to make it more active and stronger. During the Vadodara visit, Chugh and Ratnakar held separate meetings with organisational office-bearers, elected public representatives, cooperative leaders and the district coordination committee at the district BJP office. The meetings covered organisational planning, ongoing activities and programmes under the 'Seva Sankalp Abhiyan'. Discussions also focused on strengthening coordination between the party organisation and public service activities. At the meeting with elected representatives and cooperative leaders, the BJP leaders called for continuous public contact at the local level and efforts to ensure the quick resolution of people's problems through public service activities. They also stressed the need to ensure that various government schemes reach every eligible beneficiary through saturation coverage. The meeting with the district coordination committee focused on improving coordination between organisational activities and public welfare work, as well as ensuring their effective implementation. The visit was attended by state BJP General Secretary Hitendrasinh Chauhan, Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha national president and MP Hemang Joshi, state vice-president Rasik Prajapati, Vadodara district BJP president B.J. Brahmbhatt, district in-charge Dr Ritvij Patel, MLAs, party office-bearers, cooperative leaders, senior members and other party workers. The organisational tour was aimed at reviewing the party's functioning across the six districts and metropolitan areas and providing guidance on strengthening its organisational activities and coordination with public service initiatives, party sources said.

Gujarat CM flags coastal erosion, marine pollution as key challenges

Digital Desk | Gandhinagar, Sep 12 (IANS) Climate change, rising sea levels, coastal erosion, marine pollution and plastic waste have emerged as major global concerns, Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel said on Saturday, stressing that economic development along the coastline must go hand in hand with environmental protection and conservation of marine biodiversity. Patel was speaking at the valedictory ceremony of the national conference on 'Coastal Ecology, Security and Sustainability' held at Gujarat University in Ahmedabad. He said that development should ensure that progress goes hand in hand with conservation of nature, industry with environmental protection and employment with the protection of marine biodiversity. Gujarat's coastline is not just a geographical boundary; it is a pathway to development, a gateway to maritime trade, a symbol of cultural heritage, and a source of livelihood for lakhs of people, Patel added. He said that Gujarat had a long maritime tradition, noting that traders from the state had connected with the wider world through the ancient port of Lothal thousands of years ago. Today, ports such as Mundra and Kandla have placed Gujarat on the global trade map, he added. Patel said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had recognised the potential of the coastline and envisioned it as a gateway for the development of ports, trade, industry, energy, fisheries, tourism and the environment. He added that the approach was reflected in the country's Blue Economy policy and the Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of 'Saptadhara'. The Chief Minister highlighted the ecological role of mangroves, saying they act as natural protective barriers for coastal villages, support fishermen's livelihoods and provide habitats for several aquatic species. During cyclones and storms, mangroves serve as a natural shield for coastal areas, he said. While stressing the importance of government efforts for mangrove conservation and plantation, Patel said protecting nature could not be the responsibility of the government alone and that conservation of coastal ecology was a shared responsibility of the government and society. He also described traditional marine fishing communities, or Sagar Khedus, as guardians of the sea and said their livelihoods and safety were being strengthened through the 'Sagarkhedu Sarvangi Vikas Yojana', modern boats, diesel subsidies, safety equipment and satellite-based navigation facilities. Technology could play an increasingly important role in maritime security, with satellite monitoring, artificial intelligence, remote sensing, drones and smart boats helping to monitor and secure the sea, he said. He added that Gujarat's coordination of technology, administration and human sensitivity had helped achieve zero casualties during cyclones, showcasing that while disasters could not be prevented, loss of life could be minimised through preparedness. He said that Gujarat could develop a new model of growth through green ports, sustainable shipping, coastal connectivity, sustainable fisheries and responsible coastal tourism. The economy and environment are not in conflict but can grow together, he added. Patel said the ideas emerging from the conference should provide new direction to government policies rather than remaining limited to discussions and paper presentations. During the programme, Chief Minister Patel launched a digital platform for Gujarat University alumni and inaugurated the university's historical digital repository.

CM Patel made corrupt officials drink Gangajal in Gujarat: Deputy CM

Digital Desk | Gandhinagar, Sep 12 (IANS) Gujarat Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi on Saturday praised Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel's approach to combating corruption, saying Patel's actions against corrupt officials had been more significant than his public statements. Speaking at a programme where development works worth Rs 1,848 crore were inaugurated and launched in Gandhinagar, Sanghavi said: Bhupendra Patel is not in the habit of speaking much; he is in the habit of working directly. Our Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel has made the highest number of corrupt officials in the entire country drink Gangajal. Sanghavi said the state government under Patel had consistently taken decisions keeping citizens' interests at the centre and without political vendetta. The Chief Minister continued to announce development works one after another, he said. Turning to Gandhinagar's transformation, Sanghavi said the city was once identified primarily with the Secretariat but had now become an active urban centre with modern facilities, education, industry, trade and cultural activities. Under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership, important facilities and projects had been developed in Gandhinagar and surrounding areas, he asserted. He cited universities, the Helipad Exhibition Ground, GIFT City and Mahatma Mandir among the projects that had become part of Gandhinagar's identity. He said the city had also undergone a visible change in its evening and night-time activity. Earlier, the streets of Gandhinagar would become deserted after evening. Today, the situation has changed. Gandhinagar has become a city that remains vibrant until late at night, and the streets that remained deserted years ago can now be seen bustling with activity, he said. Sanghavi also highlighted the government's support for Navratri, saying the festival is an important part of Gujarat's cultural identity. Citizens had been given the opportunity to play garba and worship Maa Amba until late at night, while efforts had been made to create an environment in which small traders could also receive business comparable to that during Diwali, he said. He said the government's working style under Patel had been based on taking direct and quick decisions and delivering development works to citizens one after another. The Deputy CM also appealed to citizens to share responsibility for cleanliness and support Prime Minister Narendra Modi's cleanliness campaign. Sanghvi said even educated and degree-holding people were sometimes seen throwing water bottles, wafer packets and other waste in public places. Such behaviour increased the workload of sanitation workers, he said. He urged citizens to collectively resolve not to litter and to fulfil their responsibility towards keeping public spaces clean. The Deputy CM also congratulated residents on the Rs 1,848 crore development package and called for continued public participation in the city's development journey. Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel and Sanghavi jointly flagged off around 30 new e-buses and travelled in one of them as ordinary passengers from the venue to the Ministers' Residential Complex.

Gujarat CM Bhupendra Patel inaugurates Rs 1,848 crore development works in Gandhinagar

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Prince Rahim Aga Khan V meets Gujarat CM, discusses grassroots development cooperation

Digital Desk | Gandhinagar, Sep 12 (IANS) Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel and Aga Khan Development Network Chairman Prince Rahim Aga Khan V discussed expanding cooperation in areas, including water conservation, natural farming, millets, solar energy, cooperatives and women-led enterprises during a meeting in Gandhinagar on Saturday. Prince Rahim Aga Khan V, who is the 50th hereditary Imam of the Shia Ismaili Muslims and Chairman of the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN), paid a courtesy visit to CM Patel and held discussions on opportunities for grassroots-level collaboration for sustainable, inclusive and people-centric development. Welcoming Prince Rahim to Gujarat, CM Patel said the AKDN's focus on sustainable development, education, skill development, enterprise promotion and empowerment of underprivileged and vulnerable communities was aligned with Gujarat's development approach. Water conservation was among the key areas discussed. Chief Minister Patel highlighted the state's efforts in rainwater harvesting, groundwater recharge and rejuvenation of water bodies, saying water conservation had become a people's movement across Gujarat. The Chief Minister also outlined the state's initiatives to promote millets and natural farming. Gujarat had undertaken measures to increase millet production, processing and value addition, he noted. He also highlighted the state's 'Millet Development Scheme', aimed at expanding millet cultivation, creating awareness about the health benefits of millets and encouraging farmers to take up processing. Possibilities for cooperation in solar energy and solar pumps were also discussed. According to the state government, Gujarat's installed solar capacity has reached 34,880 MW. Under the 'PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana', the state has set a target of installing 10 lakh rooftop solar systems, of which more than 8.39 lakh have been installed so far. Chief Minister Patel also spoke about Gujarat's cooperative sector, with more than 87,000 cooperative societies currently functioning in the state. Efforts are underway across the country to further strengthen cooperatives under the 'Sahkar Se Samriddhi' approach, he noted. The discussions included the role of Primary Agricultural Cooperative Societies (PACS) in taking the cooperative system to rural communities. Possibilities of further strengthening the rural economy and developing PACS as 'small corporate companies' offering a range of services at the village level were also considered. Women's empowerment and entrepreneurship formed another part of the discussions. Chief Minister Patel highlighted the state's women's self-reliance ecosystem, under which thousands of women receive awareness and enterprise development training to establish micro-enterprises and achieve economic self-reliance. Prince Rahim expressed willingness to further strengthen grassroots-level collaboration with the Gujarat government, particularly in areas of mutual interest including water conservation, natural farming, millet-based food and women's self-help groups. Both sides expressed a positive approach towards deepening cooperation by leveraging their respective strengths for sustainable, holistic and people-centric development. Prince Rahim has contributed to initiatives relating to environmental conservation, climate change mitigation, education, skill development, entrepreneurship and improving the quality of life of underprivileged and vulnerable communities. Additional Chief Secretary (Industries Department) Mamta Verma, and Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister, Sanjeev Kumar, were also present at the meeting.

Gujarat: Gandhinagar gets Rs 1,848 crore development projects; 30 new e-buses flagged off

Digital Desk | Gandhinagar, Sep 12 (IANS) Gujarat's Gandhinagar district received development projects worth Rs 1,848 crore on Saturday, including works aimed at improving road connectivity, drainage, water supply, healthcare, public transport and urban amenities, with Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel and Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi also flagging off around 30 new electric buses under the 'PM-eBus Sewa'. The projects include works worth Rs 798 crore by the Gandhinagar Municipal Corporation and Rs 1,050 crore under the Roads and Buildings Department. The Chief Minister also announced new projects worth Rs 48.26 crore for the capital's comprehensive development, including measures to address traffic and strengthen urban infrastructure. Patel and Sanghavi travelled as ordinary passengers in one of the newly inaugurated e-buses from the venue to the Ministers' Residential Complex after flagging off the buses. Minister of State for Urban Development, Darshna Vaghela, MLAs Rita Patel and Alpesh Thakor, Mayor Mira Patel, Deputy Mayor Natuji Thakor, Standing Committee Chairman Gaurang, other municipal office-bearers, City BJP president Dr Ashish Dave and former mayors also travelled with them. Among the newly announced works is a Rs 20.76 crore underpass at Bhat-Koteshwar Crossing to address the increasing traffic burden on the Gandhinagar-Koba-Airport Road. The government will allocate Rs 12.80 crore for strengthening the bridge over the Sabarmati River connecting Raksha Shakti Circle towards GIFT City-Shahpur. Another Rs 7.70 crore has been earmarked for junction and road development from GIFT City towards PDPU, while Rs 7 crore will be allocated for road safety and paver works from Raksha Shakti Circle to GIFT City Circle. The civic works include an 80-metre road connecting Airport Road with Raysan and a service road from Raksha Shakti to Sargasan. New CC roads will be taken up in Khoraj, Pethapur, Randheja, Kolavada, Vavol, Vasana Hadmatiya and Adivada. A new overhead water tank will come up in Randheja, while new drainage lines will be laid in Sectors 1 to 30 and seven surrounding villages to address monsoon waterlogging. An urban primary health centre will be established in Sargasan. Modern theme-based smart Anganwadis will also be opened, designed to provide children with facilities similar to a private play school. Development works include modern gardens in Jhundal, Amiyapur and Sector 20, renovation of the Swarnim Cultural Centre at Raysan and development of Raysan Chowk. Mayor Mira Patel said the works covered both old sectors and newly incorporated villages, with equal emphasis on basic facilities and connectivity. Prime Minister Narendra Modi had laid the foundation for Gandhinagar's development, and the vision of transforming it from an administrative centre into a world-class smart and green city is being realised, she said. She also credited Gandhinagar MP and Union Home and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah with continued attention to the city's development, including planning for new lakes, gardens and facilities in outlying villages. The Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Minister had provided approvals and financial support for development proposals and projects, she said. She thanked the Chief Minister for inaugurating and laying the foundation stones for municipal works worth about Rs 798 crore. Gandhinagar North MLA Rita Patel said the capital had developed modern infrastructure in education and healthcare, including libraries, UN Mehta Hospital, Civil Hospital, PHCs, CHCs and health centres. Around 125 modern gardens, including Central Vista, had been developed and around 18 lakh trees had recently been planted, she noted.

No shortage of funds for development works, says Gujarat CM

Digital Desk | Gandhinagar, Sep 12 (IANS) Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel on Saturday said that no development project would be allowed to remain stalled for want of funds, as he announced a fresh package of Rs 48.26 crore for traffic, road and urban infrastructure in the state capital. Speaking at a programme where development works worth Rs 1,848 crore were inaugurated or launched, Patel said Gujarat's financial management had ensured that funds were available for development. The government is committed to ensuring that no development work is stalled due to lack of funds, he said. The Chief Minister said the Rs 1,848 crore package comprised Rs 798 crore of works undertaken by the Gandhinagar Municipal Corporation and Rs 1,050 crore under the Roads and Buildings Department. He urged citizens to communicate local requirements and pending works to the municipal corporation so that necessary projects could be taken up quickly and conveyed to the government. The Centre and state government had consistently pursued development by keeping the common man and the last-mile citizen at the centre, he said. Referring to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's recent visit to Gujarat, he said the state had received development projects worth more than Rs 34,000 crore from Vadodara. The Prime Minister's work mantra was Nagrik Devo Bhava and the trust placed by people in the government over the past 25 years had been repaid through public welfare and development. The government had sought to keep the common citizen, poor and last-mile resident, at the centre of every scheme and project, he noted. Patel stressed that creating welfare schemes is not enough and that their benefits had to reach every eligible beneficiary. Under the saturation approach being pursued under the Prime Minister's guidance, efforts were being made to ensure 100 per cent coverage of eligible beneficiaries, he asserted. He cited Ayushman, housing and Ujjwala schemes and tap water connections among the benefits being delivered to citizens, adding that he government is proactively reaching beneficiaries instead of waiting for them to approach it. He said development processes in Gandhinagar had previously been slow, with even small projects requiring lengthy waits. The situation had changed with development works worth crores now being implemented rapidly in the municipal corporation area, he added. The Chief Minister also referred to GIFT City, saying that while several people had once expressed surprise at the idea, it had now emerged as a global financial hub. Patel said environmental protection had been given importance alongside development under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah. Sustainable development cannot take place at the cost of the environment, he said. He said tree plantation, interlinking of lakes, filling lakes with water and recharge borewells were being undertaken to promote environmental protection and water conservation. Library facilities were also being extended to villages. Wherever there is a library, knowledge grows, and where knowledge grows, the pace of development also increases, he said. The Chief Minister said the new Gandhinagar works would strengthen traffic and urban facilities. He announced Rs 20.76 crore for an underpass at Bhat-Koteshwar Crossing, Rs 12.80 crore for strengthening the Sabarmati bridge from Raksha Shakti Circle towards GIFT City-Shahpur, Rs 7.70 crore for junction and road development from GIFT City towards PDPU and Rs 7 crore for road safety and paver works between Raksha Shakti Circle and GIFT City Circle. He also participated in the flagging off of around 30 new e-buses under the 'PM-eBus Sewa' and travelled in one of them with Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi, MLAs, the mayor and municipal office-bearers.

Gujarat Assembly Monsoon Session ends after 18 hours, seven bills passed

Digital Desk | Gandhinagar, Sep 11 (IANS) The three-day Monsoon Session of the 15th Gujarat Legislative Assembly concluded after 18 hours and 32 minutes of proceedings, with the House passing seven government Bills aimed at public welfare and the development of the state. Spokesperson Minister Jitu Vaghani, while giving details of the session after its conclusion, said the proceedings were conducted in a peaceful atmosphere in accordance with democratic traditions. He thanked Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, Assembly Speaker Shankar Chaudhary, Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi, members of the ruling party and Opposition, and the government machinery for the successful conduct of the session. The Assembly held three sittings during the session, with a total of 18 hours and 32 minutes of proceedings. Vaghani said 52 MLAs participated in various discussions during the three-day session. Seven government Bills were passed within two days, with the measures focused on the development of the state and public welfare. The passage of the Bills reflected the government's commitment to public-interest work, he said. Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel also made a statement in the House on a matter of public importance under Rule 44. On the final day of the session, a special discussion was held under Rule 102 on the Tribal Welfare Scheme. A minister also made a statement on a matter of public importance under Rule 116. The House paid tribute to five leaders who had died, with obituary references made during the session. During Question Hour, 1,356 starred questions were received for oral answers, of which 29 were taken up for oral discussion in the House. A total of 152 unstarred questions were received, while 88 unstarred questions were laid on the Table under Rule 87(A), he noted. The proceedings also saw the presentation of five reports of various committees. Twenty-three reports relating to government companies, boards and corporations, along with one budget, were laid on the Table. In addition, 69 notifications, two ordinances and one statement of assurances were laid before the House. The Comptroller and Auditor General's audit report on the Jal Jeevan Mission was also tabled, he said. One Bill that had received the President's assent and five Bills that had received the Governor's assent were also laid on the Table during the session. The Assembly also recorded participation from members of the public, with around 5,246 visitors from across Gujarat visiting the legislature to witness its proceedings and observe the functioning of the democratic system.

Gujarat exempts soldiers, martyrs widows from panchayat property tax on one home

Digital Desk | Gandhinagar, Sep 11 (IANS) Gujarat has amended its panchayat tax rules to provide a complete exemption from property tax on one residential house owned or occupied by serving defence personnel, former soldiers and widows of soldiers who died in service, the state government said on Friday. The decision was taken under Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel and follows an amendment to the Gujarat Gram and Nagar Panchayats Taxes and Fees Rules, 1964. The exemption will apply to one residential property belonging to an eligible beneficiary within the jurisdiction of a gram panchayat in the state. The provision covers serving defence personnel and their spouses, former soldiers and widows of martyred soldiers. The exemption is intended to reduce the tax burden on their residential homes and provide direct financial relief to them and their families. The provision for widows of soldiers who made the supreme sacrifice is also part of the amended rules. The government said the measure was aimed at extending support to families of those who died while serving the nation. The decision was taken after the state government invited objections and suggestions on draft amendments. The draft rules were published in the Extraordinary Gazette of the Gujarat Government in December 2025. Following consideration of the objections and suggestions received, the government has now notified the final amendments. The state government has notified the Gujarat Gram and Nagar Panchayats Taxes and Fees (Amendment) Rules, 2026 under the powers conferred by the Gujarat Panchayats Act, 1993. The amended rules will come into force from the date of their publication in the Official Gazette. The government said the measure would provide financial relief to serving soldiers, veterans and widows of martyred soldiers by exempting their eligible residential houses from panchayat tax. It described the decision as a gesture of respect and gratitude towards soldiers and their families.

Gujarat CM pays tribute to forest martyrs; announces Rs 50 lakh aid for victims family

Digital Desk | Gandhinagar, Sep 11 (IANS) Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel on Friday paid tribute to forest personnel who lost their lives protecting forests and wildlife, marking National Forest Martyrs Day at the Vanpal Memorial in Gandhinagar. CM Patel, accompanied by Forest and Environment Minister Arjun Modhwadia and Minister of State, Pravin Mali, paid floral tributes to the forest martyrs and observed a two-minute silence along with forest officials and personnel. Since 1981, around 11 forest personnel in Gujarat have sacrificed their lives while protecting forests and wildlife, according to the state government. The Chief Minister commended their dedication to duty and remembered their contribution to forest and wildlife conservation. The Chief Minister also met the family of Vyara Range Forest Officer Vikas Desai, who recently died while attempting to prevent the illegal transportation of timber. CM Patel expressed condolences to the family and handed over Rs 50 lakh from the Benevolent Fund as financial assistance. The Chief Minister also felicitated forest personnel Kalu Parmar, who was injured in a human-lion conflict on July 6 this year. CM Patel presented him with a cheque for Rs two lakh as assistance. National Forest Martyrs Day is observed every year on September 11 to honour forest guards, foresters and range forest officers who have lost their lives while protecting forests and wildlife. The occasion also seeks to promote awareness and commitment towards forest and wildlife conservation. MLA Rita Patel; City Organisation President Dr Ashish Dave; Principal Secretary of the Forest and Environment Department, R.C. Meena; Principal Chief Conservator of Forests and Head of Forest Force Dr Jaipal Singh; Chairman of the All India Forest Association, Delhi, and officials from the forest departments of Himachal Pradesh, Jharkhand, Odisha and Uttarakhand were among those present. A large number of forest personnel also attended the event and paid tribute to their colleagues who died in the line of duty.

Gujarat Assembly passes bill to tighten school regulations, introduce special educator provision

Digital Desk | Gandhinagar, Sep 10 (IANS) The Gujarat Legislative Assembly on Thursday passed amendments to the Gujarat Secondary and Higher Secondary Education Act, 1972, increasing penalties for unauthorised school operations, illegal appointments and arbitrary closure of registered schools, while introducing provisions for special educators and clearer legal classifications for aided and private institutions. Under the amended provisions, school managements that illegally appoint principals or teachers in aided secondary and higher secondary schools could face a fine of up to Rs 10 lakh, compared with the earlier penalty of Rs 1,000. The provision is aimed at ensuring greater transparency in recruitment, the government said. The amendment also tightened the law governing unregistered schools. A school cannot provide education without registration with the Gujarat Secondary and Higher Secondary Education Board. The earlier penalty of Rs one lakh to Rs two lakh has been replaced with imprisonment of at least one year and up to two years, or a fine of Rs 10 lakh to Rs 15 lakh, or both. The penalty for arbitrarily shutting a registered secondary or higher secondary school without informing the Board has also been raised sharply. While the earlier provision carried a fine of Rs 1,000 for closing a school without the required six months notice during an academic session, the amended provision provides for a fine of Rs 20 lakh. The government said the measure is intended to prevent decisions by school managements from adversely affecting students education. The six-month notice requirement remains part of the framework. The amendments also provide a legal framework for the appointment of special educators. The provision is intended to strengthen inclusive education for Children with Special Needs (CWSN), with students with disabilities to receive appropriate educational opportunities and guidance from specialised teachers. The legislation distinguishes between government-aided, or granted, schools and fully private, or non-granted, schools. For registered aided secondary and higher secondary schools, the qualifications, working procedures and selection process of principals, teachers, special educators and non-teaching staff will be prescribed by the state government through rules. For registered private schools, the government will prescribe the qualifications of these categories of staff. The existing state reservation policy will also apply to staff recruitment. The amendments further revise the composition of Class-B elected members under Section 3(2) of the Act. For the third category, one member will now be elected from among teachers of registered secondary schools other than post-basic and government schools, with separate provisions already covering representation from government schools, higher basic schools and higher secondary schools. The fifth category has been revised to clearly cover non-teaching staff of both government-aided private schools and fully private secondary and higher secondary schools. The ninth category, concerning representation of parent associations, has also been broadened. The word private has been removed from the provision, allowing presidents of parent associations of all registered secondary and higher secondary schools to participate in the election process. The explanation to the provision has also been amended to expressly cover parent associations of both categories of schools.

'Khedawala's conduct was personal', says Gujarat Cong leader on 'Vande Mataram' row

Digital Desk | Gandhinagar, Sep 10 (IANS) Gujarat Congress Legislative Party leader Tushar Chaudhary said on Thursday that Congress had no instruction or official position asking MLA Imran Khedawala to sit during the rendition of 'Vande Mataram' in the State Assembly, calling the incident a result of some misunderstanding on the part of the legislator. Speaking to IANS, Chaudhary said the fact that no other Congress MLA sat during the rendition made it clear that Khedawala's action was not the party's position. There was no such stand of the Congress party. If it had been the party's stand, all of us who are Congress MLAs would have sat down. But apart from Imran bhai, no one else sat. We gave full respect to the singing of Vande Mataram, he added. He said Khedawala had himself expressed regret over the incident and accepted that a mistake had occurred. Chaudhary was also asked about Khedawala's explanation that he had remained standing during the traditional rendition but sat down when additional lines were being sung. He said the additional portion was the likely point at which Khedawala sat down, adding that traditionally only two stanzas had been sung since 1937. Since 1937, these two stanzas have been sung. The government has now passed a law in 2026 in Parliament providing for the singing of the complete song. Today, we have 182 MLAs in Gujarat Assembly, and I can say with confidence that more than half of them do not know the complete Vande Mataram. I myself do not know the complete song and I accept that, Chaudhary added. He noted that generations of legislators had grown up hearing and singing the same two stanzas, and therefore some members might not immediately be familiar with the additional portion. It is possible that Imran bhai thought it had ended and therefore sat down, or there may have been something else. Whatever happened, only Imran bhai can explain it. I cannot say what was in his mind, he said. Chaudhary reiterated that the Congress had not issued any direction for Khedawala to take such a position. The party (Congress) had given no order. There was no stand of the Congress party that Imran bhai should do this, he said. On Government spokesperson Jitu Vaghani's allegation that Khedawala's position represented the stand of the entire Congress, Chaudhary rejected the claim and said the party had a clearly defined position on the rendition of 'Vande Mataram' at its own programmes. Our party's clear stand is that at our party conventions and programmes, we will sing those stanzas that have been sung since 1937. That is our clear stand, the Congress Legislative Party leader said. He added that this position applied specifically to Congress party programmes and not to the functioning of legislative bodies or government events. We will not do this in the state Assembly, Lok Sabha or Rajya Sabha, nor at any government programme. But at our party programmes, this is our stand, he said. The clarification comes a day after the 'Vande Mataram' row triggered a political confrontation in the Gujarat Assembly. The government side has submitted a representation to Assembly Speaker Shankar Chaudhary over Khedawala's conduct, with the Speaker expected to consider the matter during the second day of the Monsoon session.

Gujarat govt commits over Rs 231 crore for projects marking Guru Ravidas' 650th birth anniversary

Digital Desk | Gandhinagar, Sep 10 (IANS) The Gujarat government on Thursday announced its commitment to allocate more than Rs 231 crore for a range of projects aimed at promoting social harmony and commemorating the 650th birth anniversary of Sant Shiromani Guru Ravidas Maharaj. Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel made the announcement in the Gujarat Legislative Assembly under Rule 44 on the second day of the ninth session of the 15th Gujarat Assembly. Under the 'Samrasta Sankalp Abhiyan', the proposed allocation includes funds for education, hostels, libraries, cultural programmes, development of an ashram and modernisation of premises associated with saints belonging to Scheduled Castes. The government has proposed Rs 40 crore for the construction of a Dr Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar Bhavan at the state level, with facilities for education, a hostel, library and competitive examination classes. Another Rs 50 crore has been proposed under the Sant Shiromani Guru Ravidasji Maharaj Vidyashray Yojana for hostel and PG assistance for college students. Sant Shiromani Guru Ravidasji Maharaj Chair Centre will also be established at Bhakta Kavi Narsinh Mehta University in Junagadh. The government has also proposed grants for activities across 70 universities in Gujarat, including quiz contests, prizes, quickies, hoardings and banners, along with the preparation of books and audiobooks on the life and works of Guru Ravidas. For cultural programmes in all talukas, Rs 5.36 crore has been proposed, while Rs 93.80 crore has been earmarked for constructing one Samras Bhavan and library in each taluka. The government has proposed another Rs 10 crore for the overall development of the ashram at Sarsai village in Visavadar taluka of Junagadh district. Further Rs 30 crore has been proposed for the modernisation and renovation of premises housing huts and ashrams of various saints belonging to Scheduled Castes. CM Patel said the initiative is intended to give further impetus to the ideals of social harmony associated with Guru Ravidas. Guru Ravidasji Maharaj is not only a saint but also a pioneer of equality, social justice, love, compassion and humanity. His dream was not merely for the welfare of one community, but for the welfare of the entire nation, CM Patel said in his statement. He said his ideals could be realised when every poor person receives justice, every youth gets an opportunity, every woman receives respect, and every citizen gets equal participation in development. Referring to the teachings of Guru Ravidas, the Chief Minister said: Several of his sacred hymns were included in the Sri Guru Granth Sahib and continue to inspire people to follow the path of truth, love, service and good conduct. He also referred to the saying, Man changa to kathoti mein Ganga, saying it conveyed the message that a person's identity was determined by their deeds, thoughts, character and devotion, and that humanity was the greatest religion. CM Patel said the state government's proposed allocation of more than Rs 231 crore would be made through the Department of Social Justice and Empowerment. The projects would also contribute to the goal of building a developed India by 2047 by drawing on Guru Ravidas' ideals and taking the lead from a developed Gujarat in building a harmonious and developed India, he noted. The 650th birth anniversary of Guru Ravidas is being observed across the country this year under the Samrasta Sankalp Abhiyan. Gujarat had also organised programmes as part of the anniversary celebrations earlier this year.

Gujarat building collapse: Under-construction building portion collapses in Gandhinagar, 15 rescued

Nepal floods: Gujarat collects DNA samples of kin of 29 missing people

Digital Desk | Gandhinagar, Sep 10 (IANS) The Gujarat government has completed DNA sample collection from relatives of 29 of the 30 people from the state, including Non-Resident Gujaratis (NRGs), who remain missing or uncontactable following the August 26 flash floods in Nepal, particularly along the Nepal-Tibet border and Bhote Koshi River corridor. The samples are being processed for DNA profiling to help identify bodies and human remains recovered in the disaster. The process for the remaining missing person is also underway. The Gujarat State Non-Resident Gujaratis Foundation (NRGF), under the NRI Division of the General Administration Department, has been coordinating with the families and authorities in India and abroad to facilitate the DNA collection and identification process. The initiative is being carried out in accordance with guidelines issued by the Central government, under which designated forensic laboratories have been identified for DNA sample collection and profiling of first-degree relatives of missing persons. DNA profiling at laboratories designated for the purpose is being undertaken free of cost, as directed by Union Home Minister Amit Shah. Six designated laboratories in Gujarat are facilitating the process, with DNA profiling being undertaken in Gandhinagar, Ahmedabad, Surat, Vadodara, Junagadh and Rajkot. The National Forensic Sciences University (NFSU) in Gandhinagar, is coordinating with the Ministry of External Affairs on DNA profiling of samples collected in India and their linkage with the identification process in Nepal. A 10-member NFSU forensic team has also been involved in the identification efforts in Nepal. Nepal Police has separately initiated DNA profiling of recovered bodies and human remains following the incident. NRGF has been personally contacting relatives of each missing person and guiding them about the designated laboratories, available facilities and the procedure for DNA sample collection and profiling. It has also been coordinating with NRGs and relatives living abroad to ascertain the action taken by local authorities in their respective countries. In cases involving relatives in New Zealand, the United States, Canada and African countries, NRGF has obtained information about DNA samples collected by authorities in those countries and the status of the identification process. In several cases, samples of relatives living abroad have already been collected through the respective local authorities. The DNA profiling reports are being sent directly by the designated laboratories to Nepalese authorities through the official email addresses and contact numbers notified by the them for the identification exercise. Nepal Police has also requested first-degree relatives of missing people living abroad to undergo DNA profiling at authorised forensic laboratories in their respective countries. The Gujarat Government, through the State Emergency Operations Centre (SEOC), district administrations and NRGF, has been coordinating efforts to trace people from the state and Gujaratis living abroad who were reported missing or remain uncontactable after the floods. A consolidated list of missing and untraceable persons prepared by SEOC and NRGF has also been shared with the Nepal government. So far, 30 people, including NRGs, remain untraceable from the flood-affected areas. Those reported missing or out of contact include people from Ahmedabad, Anand, Banaskantha, Kheda, Gandhinagar, Surat, Valsad, Rajkot and other parts of Gujarat. Several had travelled to Nepal for the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra through different travel agencies and routes. The scale of the disaster has made conventional identification difficult in cases where bodies or human remains have been severely damaged or recovered in parts. Nepal has therefore begun a large-scale DNA identification exercise, with samples being collected from relatives and compared with DNA obtained from recovered remains. The DNA-based process is expected to help establish the identities of victims from Gujarat and other parts of India, as well as foreign nationals, and provide families with confirmation about the fate of relatives who remain missing.

Amit Shah confirms all injured safe after Gandhinagar slab collapse

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HM Shah speaks to Gujarat CM, Dy CM after slab collapse; all injured workers safe

Digital Desk | Gandhinagar, Sep 10 (IANS) Union Home Minister and Gandhinagar MP Amit Shah on Thursday said all workers injured in the collapse of a slab at an under-construction building in the Kudasan area were safe and receiving medical treatment. HM Shah said he spoke to Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel and Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi after the incident and was briefed about the rescue and relief operations launched by the local administration. In a post on social media platform X, HM Shah said: In connection with the incident of a slab collapsing at a construction site in Kudasan, Gandhinagar, I spoke with the Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Minister. The local administration immediately undertook relief and rescue operations. All the injured workers are safe and are being provided with all possible medical treatment. I pray for the speedy recovery of all the injured. The incident took place at around 9:15 p.m. on Wednesday at the under-construction Bosky The Empire commercial building in Kudasan, where a portion of the slab reportedly collapsed while construction work was underway. Following the collapse, local police, fire brigade and disaster management teams rushed to the site and launched a rescue operation. Cranes and other equipment were used to clear the debris and evacuate workers who were feared trapped underneath the collapsed structure. Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi visited the accident site as well as Gandhinagar Civil Hospital and reviewed the rescue and medical arrangements. He later said that around 15 workers had been injured, with two discharged after being found safe and the remaining workers undergoing treatment. Health Minister Praful Pansheriya also reached the Civil Hospital and reviewed the treatment of the injured. Specialist doctors, including those from orthopaedics, spine care and surgery, were deployed to provide medical assistance. BJP MLA Rita Patel said local residents had informed her that around 20 to 22 workers generally worked at the site each day. Around 13 workers had been rescued and shifted to the Civil Hospital, and that none was in critical condition, she said. Authorities have ordered a detailed investigation into the collapse. The probe will examine whether safety regulations were followed at the construction site and whether any quality-related issue or other deficiency in the centring or slab work contributed to the accident. Officials said further legal action would be taken in accordance with the findings of the investigation. The district administration, municipal authorities and senior police officials are continuing to monitor the situation.

Gandhinagar Building Collapse: Workers Rescued After Slab Gives Way at Kudasan Construction Site

Fifteen workers were rescued after a construction slab collapsed in Gandhinagar, leaving 12 hospitalised.

'13 people hospitalised, no patient is critical': Gujarat health minister on Gandhinagar building collapse

Fifteen people have been rescued after a metal slab collapsed at an under construction site in the Kudasan area of Gandhinagar on Wednesday night, Gujarat Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi said and added that the debris-clearing operation continued through the night to ensure that no one remained trapped.Along with Harsh Sanghavi, Health Minister Praful Pansheriya, and Gandhinagar MLA Ritaben Ketanbhai Patel arrived at the Civil Hospital to meet those injured in the building collapse incident.

Gandhinagar: All workers rescued after slab collapse, no casualties

Gandhinagar: All workers trapped after a portion of an under-construction building collapsed in Gujarats Kudasan area were rescued safely, with the state government reporting zero casualties after a war-footing rescue operation late Wednesday night (September 9). Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi, who visited both the accident site and Gandhinagar Civil Hospital, said that around 15 Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .

Gandhinagar construction site accident: 15 workers rescued, 12 hospitalised

Fifteen workers were rescued after a metal slab collapsed at site under construction in the Kudasan area of Gandhinagar on Wednesday night, Gujarat Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi said, adding that the debris-clearing operation would continue through the night to ensure that no one remained trapped. Sanghavi said 12 of the rescued workers were admitted to Gandhinagar Civil Hospital, while three others who did not suffer major injuries were discharged. According to the report received just five minutes ago from the Gandhinagar Civil Hospital Superintendent, all 12 individuals currently hospitalised are safe, and none are in critical condition, he said at the accident site. The accident occurred around 9 pm at the an construction site in the Kudasan area of Gandhinagar when a large metal slab collapsed during ongoing construction work. Sanghavi said teams from the Municipal Corporation, district police, district administration, State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) and National

CEC Gyanesh Kumar to begin first Gujarat visit today, engage with BLOs, voters

Digital Desk | Gandhinagar, Sep 10 (IANS) Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar will undertake his first visit to Gujarat as the head of the Election Commission of India starting Thursday. He will hold interactions with Booth Level Officers (BLOs), Electoral Literacy Club (ELC) members and citizens. These interactions are planned around the theme of 'Transparency from Roll to Poll'. Kumar, who took charge as the 26th Chief Election Commissioner in February last year, will begin his two-day visit by paying tribute to Mahatma Gandhi at Sabarmati Ashram. He will then visit the historic Adalaj Stepwell as part of a programme introducing him to Gujarat's cultural heritage. Later in the day, CEC Kumar is scheduled to visit the Ahmedabad Management Association (AMA) premises, where he will interact with citizens on Conducting Elections in India The World's Largest Democracy. On Friday, the CEC will interact with more than 500 BLOs from across the state at Atal Kalam Hall at Gujarat University. The programme is intended to focus on the role of grassroots election officials in maintaining transparency in the electoral process. CEC Kumar will later interact with more than 1,000 members of Electoral Literacy Clubs at the AUDA Auditorium in Shela. The programme will include an introduction to the vision, mission and key features of the recently launched ELC 2.0. The Election Commission has been promoting ELCs as platforms for familiarising young citizens with electoral processes and democratic values. An information session on ECINET, the Election Commission's one-stop digital platform for election-related information and services, will also be held. ECINET was launched by the Commission in January this year and is available in 22 scheduled languages, besides English. Senior Election Commission officials will provide technical and media-related guidance during the programmes through PowerPoint presentations. They include Director General (Media) Ashish Goyal, Director General (IT) Seema Khanna, Director Shubhra Saxena and Deputy Director (Media) Apoorva Kumar Singh. The interactions have been planned by the office of Gujarat Chief Electoral Officer Sandeep Sagale to communicate Gyanesh Kumar's emphasis on Transparency from Roll to Poll and provide direct engagement with officials involved in electoral work and voter awareness.

No patients critical after Gandhinagar building site slab collapse

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Gujarat: All workers rescued after under-construction building slab collapse; zero casualties reported

Digital Desk | Gandhinagar, Sep 10 (IANS) All workers trapped after a portion of an under-construction building collapsed in Gujarat's Kudasan area were rescued safely, with the state government reporting zero casualties after a war-footing rescue operation late Wednesday night. Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi, who visited both the accident site and Gandhinagar Civil Hospital, said that around 15 workers were initially reported injured in the incident. Two of them were discharged after being found safe, while the remaining injured workers were undergoing treatment at the Civil Hospital. The collapse occurred late Wednesday evening at the construction site of the 'Bosky The Empire' commercial building in Kudasan. A portion of the slab suddenly gave way, trapping workers beneath the debris and prompting the local administration, police and fire brigade teams to launch an immediate rescue operation. Rescue personnel from the Gandhinagar Municipal Corporation, fire brigade and disaster management teams used cranes and other modern equipment to remove the debris and reach the workers trapped underneath. All those rescued were shifted by ambulance to Gandhinagar Civil Hospital for medical treatment. The timely rescue operation ensured that there were no fatalities in the incident. Senior officials, including Home Department Additional Chief Secretary Sanjeev Kumar, Director General of Police (DGP) Gyanendra Singh Malik, the District Collector, Municipal Commissioner and senior police officials, monitored the operation, the Deputy Chief Minister said. BJP MLA Rita Patel said local residents had told her that around 20 to 22 people generally worked at the construction site each day. According to her, all workers had been brought out from the debris and shifted to the Civil Hospital, with none reported to be in critical condition. This incident occurred about three hours ago. We were outside when we received a call informing us that this accident happened in the Kudasan area of Gandhinagar. From local residents, we learned that around 20 to 22 people used to work here daily. However, so far, 13 people have been pulled out from the debris and shifted to Civil Hospital. Fortunately, no one is in critical condition; all are receiving treatment. A dedicated team of doctors is present at the Civil Hospital, ensuring they receive proper care, Patel added. Health Minister Praful Pansheriya also reached Gandhinagar Civil Hospital soon after the incident and reviewed the treatment of the injured. Specialist doctors were deployed to ensure that the workers received timely medical care. The latest official account comes after initial reports indicated that 10 to 15 workers could have been trapped beneath the collapsed structure. Emergency teams had rushed to the site after the incident at around 9.15 p.m. on Wednesday, while ambulances were deployed to transport the injured. Authorities have now ordered a detailed investigation into the accident. Officials will examine whether prescribed safety norms were followed at the construction site and whether any quality-related issue or other deficiency in the centring and slab work contributed to the collapse. Deputy CM Sanghavi said appropriate legal action would be taken according to the findings of the investigation. The district administration, municipal authorities and senior police officials are continuing to monitor the situation.

Part of Under-Construction Building Collapses in Gandhinagar, Injuring Ten

A section of a building under construction in Gandhinagar collapsed, injuring ten workers. Rescue operations are ongoing at the site. Part of Under-Construction Building Collapses in Gandhinagar, Injuring Ten

15 workers rescued, 12 hospitalised after iron slab collapses at construction site in Gandhinagar

The accident took place around 9 p.m. at a building under construction when an iron slab being erected between two buildings suddenly collapsed, trapping workers underneath.

Gujarat CM to join Prez Murmu at 72nd National Film Awards on Sep 22

Digital Desk | Gandhinagar, Sep 10 (IANS) Gujarat is set to host the 72nd National Film Awards for the first time as the prestigious ceremony moves out of New Delhi and to Gujarat's Ekta Nagar, home to the Statue of Unity, with President Droupadi Murmu scheduled to present the awards on September 22. The development marks a departure from the long-standing tradition of holding the National Film Awards in the national capital. The awards were instituted in 1954 and have predominantly been presented in New Delhi, although the ceremony has been held outside the national capital on rare occasions, including in Chennai in 1971. President Murmu will visit Gujarat for three days from September 21 and will preside over the national award ceremony at the Statue of Unity during her visit. Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel will also be present at the ceremony, according to state government spokesperson and Minister Jitu Vaghani. Vaghani said the hosting of the National Film Awards at the Statue of Unity is a significant occasion for Gujarat, noting that it was the first time the prestigious ceremony is being organised outside the national capital in the state's history. The ceremony is expected to bring together leading names from the Indian film industry, including actors, directors, producers, technicians and other artists. The awards recognise achievements in Indian cinema across feature films, non-feature films and writing on cinema, covering films released in 2024. The 72nd edition will honour several prominent names and films. 'Article 370' has been named Best Feature Film, while Yami Gautam has been named Best Actress for the film. Mammootty and Kartik Aaryan will share the Best Actor award for their performances in 'Bramayugam' and 'Chandu Champion', respectively. Randeep Hooda has been named Best Debut Director for 'Swatantrya Veer Savarkar'. The choice of Ekta Nagar also places the ceremony against the backdrop of the Statue of Unity, the 182-metre monument dedicated to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. A film on the Statue of Unity is itself among the works being recognised at this year's awards, with filmmaker Aanand L Rai receiving the Best Direction award in the non-feature category for 'Statue of Unity Ekta Ka Prateek'. President Murmu's Gujarat visit would not be limited to the National Film Awards ceremony and she would also participate in other important programmes in the state, Vaghani said. The Chief Minister was briefed in detail about the arrangements and preparations during a Cabinet meeting. Vaghani added that the state government had initiated the necessary administrative and organisational preparations for the national-level event. Preparations are also underway at the Statue of Unity complex in Ekta Nagar. A specially constructed temporary venue is being prepared to accommodate the President, award recipients and other guests, with nearly 1,000 people expected to attend.

Under-Construction Building Collapses in Gandhinagar: 10-15 Workers Feared Trapped, Rescue Underway

A construction site in Kudasan near Gandhinagar, Gujarat, turned into an emergency zone on Wednesday after a section of an under-construction building suddenly collapsed.Several workers are feared to be buried under the debris. Officials said around 10 to 15 workers may

Slab Collapse in Gandhinagar: Rescue Efforts Underway for Trapped Workers

A slab collapse at the Boski Empire construction site in Gandhinagar has trapped over a dozen workers. Rescue operations are ongoing. Slab Collapse in Gandhinagar: Rescue Efforts Underway for Trapped Workers

Several workers feared trapped as portion of under-construction building collapses in Gujarat

Digital Desk | Gandhinagar, Sep 9 (IANS) A portion of an under-construction commercial building collapsed at around 9:15 p.m. on Wednesday in the Kudasan area of Gandhinagar in Gujarat, with around 10 to 15 construction workers feared trapped beneath the debris, leading to a large-scale night-time rescue operation. The incident reportedly occurred at the Bosky The Empire construction site, where an iron slab was reportedly being erected between two units when the structure suddenly gave way. The collapse was accompanied by a loud crash, following which local residents rushed to the site and alerted the authorities. Officials said around 10 to 15 workers were believed to have been at the site when the structure collapsed. Four workers were initially rescued, while further efforts were underway to locate and rescue those who may still be trapped. The injured workers were shifted to Gandhinagar Civil Hospital for treatment, with one patient reported to be in critical condition. A local police team and more than four fire brigade vehicles were sent to the site soon after the incident was reported. Fire and rescue personnel began clearing the heavy iron structure and concrete debris to reach the workers believed to be trapped underneath. 10 to 15 workers were trapped after the massive crane came crashing down at the site. Four have been rescued. As soon as the information was received, a local police team and four fire brigade vehicles rushed to the scene. A rescue operation is being carried out on a war footing, officials said. Multiple 108 emergency ambulances were also deployed at the site to provide immediate medical assistance and transport rescued workers to hospital. The collapse occurred at the construction site of the commercial project in Kudasan, a busy area near Gandhinagar. According to people at the spot, the sound of the structure collapsing drew a large crowd of local residents, while police and emergency personnel moved in to secure the area and assist with the rescue operation. Gandhinagar Municipal Commissioner and Gujarat Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi reached the site and took stock of the rescue efforts. Fire brigade and police teams are continuing the operation as authorities are working to ascertain the exact number of people who were present at the construction site. Initial reports variously described the incident as involving a crane and an iron slab, while authorities continued their rescue operation to establish the circumstances of the collapse. The exact number of workers trapped, the total number injured and whether there were any deaths had not been officially confirmed at the time of the initial rescue efforts.

DRI cracks down on illegal wildlife trade in 6 operations, 13 held

Digital Desk | New Delhi, Sep 9 (IANS) The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) on Wednesday said it conducted six significant operations at different locations across the country in last 10 days, resulting in the seizure of a two leopard pelts, 180 live Indian Star Tortoises, 12 live Tokay Geckos, around 24 kg Pangolin Scales and 500 grams Tiger bones. Thirteen persons were arrested across these six operations. DRI officers intercepted a person in Jeypore, Koraput district, Odisha, and recovered one leopard pelt from his possession. The leopard pelt and the apprehended person were handed over to the State Forest Department, Koraput, for further investigation and legal action under the Act. In another operation on the same day, officers intercepted a person near Gandhinagar, Bengaluru and examination of his baggage resulted in the recovery of 180 live Indian Star Tortoises concealed in six cloth covers. The striking star-like pattern on the shell of the Indian Star Tortoise has made it particularly attractive in the exotic pet and wildlife-collector markets, driving illegal capture and international trafficking. The 180 live tortoises were seized under the Act and the accused was arrested, according to an official statement. In the third operation, DRO officers intercepted a Bolero truck in Ri-Bhoi district, Meghalaya, while it was proceeding towards Mawhati. Thorough checking of the vehicle led to the recovery of 14.68 kg dried Pangolin scales, packed in three carry bags. The recovered pangolin scales, along with the apprehended person and the vehicle, were handed over to the Range Forest Officer, Nongpoh, Meghalaya, for further necessary action. Earlier, DRI officers, in an operation targeting an illegal leopard skin trade network, coordinated with the Forest Department, Sidhi, Madhya Pradesh and intercepted four persons in Sidhi district. One leopard skin was recovered from two persons travelling in a Mahindra Thar. Follow-up investigations and searches led to the identification and interception of two further members of the syndicate, besides recovery of incriminating evidence relating to the alleged illegal poaching, possession, transportation and proposed sale of leopard skin and its parts. The leopard skin and vehicle were seized and the persons were handed over to the Forest Department, Sidhi, for further action under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.

Gandhinagar building collapse: Several workers feared trapped after slab collapses in Kudasan

A portion of an under-construction building collapsed in the Kudasan area of Gandhinagar, Gujarat, with several workers feared trapped under the debris, as per reports.

Several workers feared trapped as crane collapses at construction site in Gujarat's Gandhinagar, rescue on

Several workers feared trapped as crane collapses at construction site in Gujarat's Gandhinagar, rescue on.

Gujarat CM, Assembly Speaker and all 182 MLAs plant trees under Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam 3.0

Digital Desk | Gandhinagar, Sep 9 (IANS) Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, Assembly Speaker Shankar Chaudhary, Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi and all 182 MLAs came together at the Secretariat Complex in Gandhinagar on Wednesday to participate in a tree plantation drive under the third phase of the nationwide Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam campaign. The plantation programme was organised as part of Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam 3.0, launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to promote environmental conservation and increase green cover. Gujarat had launched the states third-phase campaign in June this year. Deputy Speaker Purnesh Modi, Forest and Environment Minister Arjun Modhwadia and other members of the Council of Ministers also participated in the drive, with legislators planting trees within the Legislative Assembly premises. Speaking on the occasion, Assembly Speaker Chaudhary said the campaign was gaining support as a peoples movement and that the participation of ministers and legislators at the Assembly complex would help convey the message of environmental conservation to citizens. The trees planted on Wednesday would remain as an enduring memory within the Assembly premises and, in the years ahead, would provide shelter and shade to animals and birds, he said. Chaudhary also underlined the importance of trees in providing oxygen and clean air and contributing to rainfall. Referring to future generations, including Gen Z, Alpha, Beta and Gamma, he said: All generations would continue to require oxygen to sustain life and people across Gujarat must participate actively in the Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam 3.0 campaign. The trees planted during the programme were identified with the names of individual MLAs. The species included Peepal, Kusum, Kadam, Arjun, Sadad, Tamarind, Sisoo, Jamun, Silk Cotton, Desi Almond, Borsali, Kachnar and Kigelia. The plantation drive was held in front of a statue of Mahatma Gandhi at the Secretariat. The organisers said the location was intended to reinforce the message of environmental protection and encourage greater public participation in tree plantation. The event brought together the states elected representatives for a collective plantation activity as Gujarat continues its participation in the third phase of the national campaign.

Gujarat Assembly begins three-day session, pays tribute to five former and serving legislators

Digital Desk | Gandhinagar, Sep 9 (IANS) The Gujarat Assembly began its ninth session on Wednesday with the House paying tribute to five deceased current and former legislators, as Chief Minister and Leader of the House Bhupendra Patel recalled their contributions as public representatives. On the first day of the ninth session of the 15th state Assembly, CM Patel moved condolence references for former Minister of State and serving member of the 15th Assembly Yogesh Patel, former Minister Mohansinh Rathava, former Minister of State Lalit Kumar Patel, and former MLAs Popatlal Patel and Sunilbhai Gamit. Paying tribute to the deceased leaders, the Chief Minister expressed grief over their deaths and recalled the public service rendered by them during their respective tenures as elected representatives. Assembly Speaker Shankar Chaudhary, along with state Ministers and members of the ruling and allied parties, also expressed their condolences and remembered the contributions of the former legislators. The House then observed a two-minute silence in memory of the deceased members and prayed for peace for their departed souls. The condolence references formed part of the opening proceedings of the three-day Assembly session, which is scheduled from September 9 to 11. The session is the ninth of the 15th Gujarat Legislative Assembly. The session follows a meeting of the Business Advisory Committee chaired by Speaker Shankar Chaudhary, where the proposed legislative business and scheduling of Bills were discussed. The meeting was attended by Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Rushikesh Patel, Finance Minister Kanubhai Desai, senior Minister Kurjibhai Bavaliya, Congress Legislature Party leader Tushar Chaudhary and Deputy Leader of House Shailesh Parmar. Government spokesperson Jitu Vaghani had said the committee discussed the order in which the Bills would be taken up during the three-day session. He had also added that condolence references for former and serving legislators who had died were discussed as part of the Assembly's parliamentary and legislative procedures. The state government has listed nine Bills for consideration during the session, covering areas including agricultural universities, natural farming science, rent, regulation of livestock and poultry feed, land revenue, prevention of fragmentation of agricultural land, secondary and higher secondary education, ease of doing business, and goods and services taxation. The three-day session is expected to see the state government introduce and take up the listed legislation, while the Opposition is also expected to raise issues during the proceedings. The final sequence of legislative business is to be determined by the Speaker and announced before the House.