Gujarat: JP Nadda targets Congress over appointments linked to poll body
Digital Desk | Ahmedabad, Oct 27 (IANS) Union Health and Family Welfare Minister Jagat Prakash Nadda on Tuesday accused the Congress of attempting to influence the Election Commission through appointments to public offices during its tenure in power, while defending the poll body's functioning amid the Opposition's criticism of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. Addressing the BJP's Save Democracy, Remove Anarchy rally in Ahmedabad, attended by Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel and Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi, Nadda cited several former election officials who, he alleged, had subsequently received positions in government or public institutions under Congress administrations. He referred to former Chief Election Commissioner T.N. Seshan, who contested against BJP veteran L.K. Advani from Gandhinagar on a Congress ticket, and former Chief Election Commissioner M.S. Gill, who was nominated to the Rajya Sabha and later served as Union Sports Minister. Nadda also cited former Rajasthan chief minister Ashok Gehlot's alleged allotment of six acres of land to Naveen Chawla for an educational trust. He referred to the appointments of former Election Commissioner Sukumar Sen as vice-chancellor of Burdwan University, K.V.K. Sundaram as an adviser to the Union Home Minister, and Nagendra Singh as India's representative to the United Nations General Assembly. He further cited V.S. Ramadevi's appointments as Governor of Himachal Pradesh and Karnataka, arguing that he Congress had attempted to bring the poll body under its influence through such appointments. Defending the BJP-led government's changes to the appointment process, Nadda said: Prime Minister Narendra Modi had, in accordance with a Supreme Court judgment, included the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha in the process of selecting the Chief Election Commissioner and Election Commissioners. The Union minister accused the Congress of questioning constitutional institutions whenever their decisions went against it. The party's criticism of the Election Commission is part of a broader pattern of challenging institutions, including the judiciary and the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG), he said. Referring to the Congress-led government's handling of the 2G spectrum and coal allocation controversies, Nadda alleged that the party had threatened the CAG and its officials over their reports. He also recalled former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi's reported description of the Planning Commission as a group of buffoons, noting that Manmohan Singh was its chairman at the time. Nadda accused the Congress of undermining constitutional authority through the establishment of the National Advisory Council (NAC), which he said had been placed on a footing comparable to the Prime Minister's Office. He also referred to Rahul Gandhi publicly tearing up an ordinance brought by the Manmohan Singh government. The minister cited the dismissal of elected state governments under Article 356 of the Constitution as another example of what he described as the Congress's record on democratic institutions. Congress governments had dismissed elected governments on 100 occasions, with former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi responsible for 50 of those instances, he said. Nadda also invoked the Emergency, alleging that around 1.3 lakh people had been imprisoned under the Maintenance of Internal Security Act and the Defence of India Rules without trial for prolonged periods. He questioned the Congress's present claims to defend democracy in light of that period. The BJP leader said, The Congress should reflect on its electoral performance instead of blaming the Election Commission and electronic voting machines for defeats. He argued that elections were decided by voters and not by rallies or protests, and asserted that the BJP would seek another mandate under PM Modi in 2029. The rally was part of the BJP's nationwide campaign against what it describes as attempts by the Congress and the INDIA bloc to undermine democratic institutions.
Gujarat forms state-level panel to coordinate 'National Unity Day' events
Digital Desk | Gandhinagar, Oct 27 (IANS) Gujarat will organise Run for Unity, unity pledges and cultural programmes across villages, towns and cities on October 31 to mark the birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, with a state-level committee formed under Chief Secretary M. K. Das to coordinate the celebrations. The programmes will be held across Gram Panchayats, talukas, municipalities and municipal corporations as part of National Unity Day, observed annually to promote national unity, integrity, security and social harmony in honour of Patel, widely known as the Iron Man of India. According to a release issued by the General Administration Department on Tuesday, programmes across the state will begin between 5 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. with the collective singing of Vande Mataram, an Ekta Parade, patriotic performances by local artists and the felicitation of individuals who have made outstanding contributions to society. Certificates will be presented to those honoured. The Ekta Parade and other events at the Statue of Unity (SoU), in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, will be telecast live across the country from 5:30 p.m. The Prime Ministers address will be watched collectively through a live telecast from 7:10 p.m., the release said. The celebrations will involve elected representatives, farmers associated with cooperative institutions, womens groups and self-help groups, as well as representatives from the education, healthcare and other sectors. Government institutions and local self-government bodies will also participate. Unity rallies and cultural programmes are planned in villages, municipalities and municipal corporations, alongside the Unity Pledge and Run for Unity. To oversee the arrangements, the state government has constituted a committee chaired by Chief Secretary M. K. Das, with senior civil service officers from the Agriculture and Animal Husbandry, Cooperation, Home, Revenue, Finance, Health, Urban Development, Education, Panchayat and General Administration departments as members. District-level committees have been formed under the respective District Collectors, while taluka-level committees will be headed by Deputy Collectors or Class-I officers. At the municipal corporation level, the Mayor will chair the committee. At the village level, Sardar Patel National Unity Committees have been established, comprising representatives from the Panchayat, the Revenue Talati, the Gram Sevak and village leaders. The state-wide observance is intended to encourage public participation in commemorating Patels birth anniversary and reinforce the message of national unity. Patel, independent Indias first Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister, played a central role in integrating princely states into the Indian Union.
ED files prosecution complaint against Western Railway employee in disproportionate assets case
Digital Desk | Ahmedabad, Oct 27 (IANS) The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has filed a prosecution complaint against a Western Railway employee for allegedly amassing assets worth approximately Rs 2.58 crore disproportionate to his known sources of income through corrupt and illegal activities between January 2017 and February 2021. The complaint has been filed by the EDs Ahmedabad zonal office under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002, against Prashant Rabari in connection with a disproportionate assets case. The agency has alleged that the assets were acquired through corrupt practices and held in the names of Rabari and his wife. According to an ED statement issued on October 27, the investigation was initiated on the basis of a first information report (FIR) registered by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), Gandhinagar, under various provisions of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988. The offences disclosed in the FIR are scheduled offences under the PMLA, providing the basis for the EDs money laundering investigation. The ED said its investigation revealed that Rabari allegedly accumulated movable and immovable properties worth approximately Rs 2.58 crore during the check period from January 1, 2017, to February 2, 2021, while employed with Western Railway. The agency alleged that the assets were acquired through corrupt and illegal activities and were disproportionate to his known sources of income. Following its investigation, the ED issued a provisional attachment order covering immovable properties valued at Rs 2,00,44,981. The agency said these properties had been acquired through the direct utilisation of funds generated through the alleged illegal activities. The provisional attachment is a measure to prevent the disposal or transfer of properties suspected to be proceeds of crime while proceedings under the money laundering law continue. It is distinct from a final confiscation order. The ED has subsequently filed the prosecution complaint before the Special Court under the PMLA at Bhadra in Ahmedabad, seeking proceedings against Rabari under the provisions of the anti-money laundering law. The case centres on the alleged acquisition of assets during the specified period and the suspected use of illegally generated funds to purchase properties. The allegations are part of the agencys investigation into the disproportionate assets case initiated following the CBIs FIR.
IOA Celebrates Amdavad Getting Hosting Rights For 2029 IWF World C'ships
The Indian Olympic Association: The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) has welcomed the decision of Amdavad, Gujarat, being awarded the rights to host 2029 IWF World Championships. This will be the first time that the global weightlifting championship will be held in India. The International Weightlifting Federation (IWF) confirmed Amdavad as the host after its Executive Board made the decision on October 25 in Ningbo, China. The announcement adds another major event to Indias international sporting calendar and comes after a significant year for weightlifting in Gujarat, where Gandhinagar hosted the Asian Weightlifting Championships earlier in 2026. With Amdavad also set to host the 2030 Commonwealth Games, the 2029 IWF World Championships will give India another chance to welcome leading international athletes and fans, and bring one of weightliftings most important competitions to Indian audiences for the first time. P.T. Usha, President of the Indian Olympic Association, said, The 2029 IWF World Championships coming to Amdavad is a proud moment for Indian sport and another opportunity for India to welcome the world. Indian weightlifting has given us remarkable champions, including Olympic medallist and world champion Mirabai Chanu, whose achievements have inspired so many across the country. Bringing the worlds best weightlifters to India will give a new generation the opportunity to see them compete on home soil and, I hope, inspire many more young Indians to take up the sport and dream of competing at the highest level. Sahdev Yadav, president of the Indian Weightlifting Federation (IWLF), said, Hosting the IWF World Championships in India for the first time is an important milestone for Indian weightlifting. India has a proud history at the Championships, with 18 World Championship medals to their name, including three world titles. Bringing the worlds best weightlifters to India will give a new generation the opportunity to see them compete on home soil and, I hope, inspire many more young Indians to take up the sport and dream of competing at the highest level. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Article Source: IANS
Gujarat provides Rs 162 crore dairy aid to over 29,500 tribal women in 3 years
Digital Desk | Gandhinagar, Oct 27 (IANS) More than 29,500 tribal women in Gujarat have received animal husbandry assistance worth Rs 162.28 crore over the past three years under the state government's Integrated Dairy Development Scheme, which provides financial support to help women establish dairy-based livelihoods, an official statement said on Tuesday. The government has allocated Rs 65 crore for 2026-27 to extend benefits to 11,206 women, with assistance of Rs 58,000 per beneficiary, according to the Tribal Development Department. Launched in 2007-08, the scheme has so far provided more than 1.96 lakh milch animals to tribal women across the state. Under the scheme, 6,860 women received assistance worth Rs 30.87 crore in 2023-24. The number increased to 13,616 beneficiaries in 2024-25, when assistance of Rs 78.97 crore was provided. In 2025-26, another 9,042 women received assistance worth Rs 52.44 crore. The scheme fixes the cost of an animal unit at Rs 90,000, covering the purchase of a milch animal, insurance, transportation, cattle feed, veterinary treatment and specialised vocational training. The funding structure comprises a loan of Rs 29,000, a Central government subsidy of Rs 29,000 and state government assistance of Rs 29,000, while the beneficiary contributes Rs 3,000. Eligible tribal women can apply online through the Tribal Development Office in their respective areas. The scheme targets women from below-poverty-line tribal families with scores ranging from zero to 20 and is implemented across 14 tribal districts of Gujarat. Beneficiaries can receive two milch animals through the scheme's subsidy and loan provisions. They are also provided training in scientific animal husbandry and animal care, with an emphasis on supplying milk regularly to local dairy cooperatives. The scheme links access to a second animal to loan repayment. A beneficiary who repays more than 60 per cent of the loan in timely instalments using income earned from the first animal becomes eligible for a second milch animal. The arrangement is intended to increase milk production and household earnings. By supporting dairy farming close to home, the scheme also seeks to provide tribal families with a more stable source of income and reduce the need for migration in search of work. The state government is implementing the scheme under Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, with Tribal Development Minister Naresh Patel overseeing the department's initiatives. The programme aims to help tribal women meet household expenses, fund their children's education and manage healthcare costs through income generated from dairy farming.
IIT Gandhinagar Project Manager Recruitment 2026
Indian Institute of Technology Gandhinagar (IIT Gandhinagar) has released the official notification for the post of Project Manager. The last date to apply online is 01 November 2026. Candidates can apply through the official website, recruitment.iitgn.ac.in.
IIT Gandhinagar Project Associate I Recruitment 2026
Indian Institute of Technology Gandhinagar (IIT Gandhinagar) has released the official notification for the post of Project Associate I. The last date to apply online is 02 November 2026. Candidates can apply through the official website, recruitment.iitgn.ac.in.
Digital Desk | Gandhinagar, Oct 26 (IANS) The Gujarat government has declared Devbhumi Dwarka, Porbandar, Kutch and Jamnagar districts drought-affected following deficient and delayed rainfall, announcing crop damage assistance, subsidised fodder and 150 days of employment for rural residents in the affected areas. Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel announced the decision in Gandhinagar in the presence of Agriculture Minister Jitu Vaghani, saying the government had completed the required procedures under the Central government's Drought Assessment Manual, 2016, and held high-level meetings before declaring the four districts drought-affected. Although Gujarat received around 89 per cent of its average rainfall this year, the four districts recorded lower rainfall, prompting the government to announce relief measures for farmers and livestock breeders. The decisions will come into effect from November 1, 2026. Under the crop assistance package, farmers affected by crop damage in the four districts will receive Rs 8,500 per hectare under State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) norms, subject to a maximum limit of two hectares. The government has also decided to provide 150 days of employment under the VB-G RAM G (Viksit Bharat Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) scheme in the drought-affected talukas to support rural residents. The announcement comes alongside measures to ensure fodder availability and provide financial assistance for livestock maintained at animal camps. Patel said, The government had anticipated the difficulties arising from delayed rainfall and initiated advance preparations before formally declaring the districts drought-affected. Fodder distribution at subsidised rates is authorised across Gujarat from June to July 2026, with district collectors specially empowered to facilitate distribution in specific cases. Around 1.21 crore kg of fodder has so far been distributed at Rs two per kg. The state currently has three crore kg of fodder available, and the process of procuring additional stocks has begun. For livestock kept at animal camps in the drought-declared talukas, the government will provide assistance of Rs 80 per animal per day from the SDRF for two months. The state government will bear the cost of continuing this assistance thereafter, the Chief Minister said. Explaining the rationale behind the measures, Patel said the government had consistently prioritised the interests of farmers and livestock breeders under the guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The government has stood by farmers during difficult times in the past as well. In the present situation, we stand with them with complete sensitivity and remain fully committed to providing whatever assistance farmers and livestock breeders may need in any future crisis, he said. The government has also outlined its irrigation plans for the upcoming rabi season, while prioritising drinking water supplies amid concerns over rainfall. During the current kharif season, irrigation water was supplied to the command areas of 44 dams based on demand. The state's 206 major dams currently have water storage at 66 per cent of their capacity, according to the government. For the rabi season, irrigation water supply has been planned for the command areas of 76 dams. Drinking water has been given priority, with supplies reserved for this purpose until June 30, 2027. The irrigation plan covers 11 dams, including Dharoi and Dantiwada, in North Gujarat; 12 dams, including Karjan and Panam, in Central Gujarat; and nine dams, including Ukai, Kakrapar and Damanganga, in South Gujarat. Irrigation has also been planned for 39 dams, including Shetrunji, Brahmani and Machhu, and five dams in the Kutch region. Depending on water availability, the government plans to provide between one and four irrigation cycles from the identified dams during the rabi season.
IIT Gandhinagar Junior Research Fellow Recruitment 2026
Indian Institute of Technology Gandhinagar (IIT Gandhinagar) has released the official notification for the post of Junior Research Fellow (JRF). The last date to apply online is 03 November 2026. Candidates can apply through the official website, recruitment.iitgn.ac.in.
Haryana CM Saini to lead investment outreach in Gujarat
Digital Desk | Chandigarh, Oct 26 (IANS) Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini will lead a high-level delegation to Gujarat on October 27-28 to attract investments, strengthen industrial cooperation and promote business opportunities in the state, the state government said on Monday. The delegation will visit Surat and Gandhinagar, where it will hold meetings with investors, engage with industry representatives and organise the Haryana Investment Roadshow. Haryana Industries and Commerce Minister Rao Narbir Singh will also accompany the Chief Minister. The outreach comes as Haryana seeks to attract investments worth around Rs 5 lakh crore and generate more than 10 lakh employment opportunities by 2030-31 under its Make in Haryana Industrial Policy -- 2026. Amit Agrawal, Commissioner and Secretary (Industries and Commerce), said Saini would hold one-to-one meetings with investors in Surat on October 27 to discuss investment prospects, industrial expansion and opportunities for setting up businesses in Haryana. The programme will also include a Pravasi Milan Samaroh, bringing together members of the Haryana diaspora and prominent business representatives. The event will highlight the state's cultural heritage, development trajectory and industrial capabilities. On October 28, Haryana will organise an investment roadshow in Gandhinagar, bringing together industrialists, investors and representatives from various sectors. The roadshow will showcase Haryana's industrial infrastructure, investor-friendly policy framework, connectivity and skilled workforce, while highlighting opportunities across sectors, Agrawal said. The delegation will hold discussions with industry representatives on prospective investments, projects and business partnerships. The state will also explore the possibility of signing memoranda of understanding (MoUs) linked to investment proposals. The government aims to use the engagements to establish direct links with investors and encourage companies to consider Haryana for new industrial units and expansion projects. The Make in Haryana Industrial Policy -- 2026 is aimed at accelerating industrial development, strengthening manufacturing and creating a conducive environment for domestic and international investors, according to the state government. Under the policy-led investment push, Haryana has set a target of attracting approximately Rs 5 lakh crore in fresh investments and creating more than 10 lakh jobs by 2030-31. The Gujarat outreach is intended to familiarise investors with the state's industrial ecosystem and encourage investment proposals that could support manufacturing growth, technological innovation and employment generation. The government expects the engagements in Surat and Gandhinagar to open avenues for new industrial ventures, expansion of existing businesses and partnerships with companies across sectors. The visit forms part of Haryana's broader effort to widen investor engagement and position the state as a destination for industrial investment and business expansion.
After Somnath, Gujarat plans plastic-free prasad packaging at Ambaji Temple
Digital Desk | Gandhinagar, Oct 26 (IANS) The Gujarat Pollution Control Board (GPCB) plans to introduce eco-friendly packaging for prasad at the Ambaji temple, with the proposed switch from conventional plastic boxes expected to prevent around 135.6 tonnes of packaging-related plastic waste annually. The initiative follows the introduction of plastic-free prasad packaging at the Somnath temple in September and aims to extend the model to another major pilgrimage centre in Gujarat. The alternatives developed by the National Institute of Design (NID), Ahmedabad, include moulded containers made from sugarcane bagasse, a by-product of sugarcane processing, as well as reusable tin boxes and plastic-free paper packaging. Forest and Environment Minister Arjun Modhwadia said the Ambaji temple currently uses around 15,000 plastic prasad boxes on a normal day, with demand increasing considerably during festivals and special occasions. Approximately 10 lakh boxes are distributed every month, generating an estimated 11,299.5 kg of packaging-related plastic waste. The proposed transition to eco-friendly alternatives could prevent approximately 135.6 tonnes of plastic waste annually at Ambaji. The packaging solutions are intended to maintain the hygiene, functionality and convenience required for prasad distribution while preserving its cultural identity, Modhwadia said. The GPCB engaged NID Ahmedabad's Integrated Design Services through a professional design consultancy assignment to develop alternatives suited to the requirements of both temples. Field studies at Somnath and Ambaji examined devotee footfall, the quantity of prasad distributed, preparation and packaging processes, storage conditions, distribution patterns and existing waste-generation practices. The study found that a single type of packaging would not meet all requirements. Prasad intended for immediate consumption needed lightweight, biodegradable packaging, while products carried home or transported over longer distances required stronger containers. Separate solutions were, therefore, developed for immediate consumption, regular takeaway and reusable packaging. The proposed options include paper boxes and moulded sugarcane bagasse containers for short-term use, alongside durable tin boxes that devotees can retain and reuse. At Somnath, prasad is now distributed in plastic-free paper boxes and reusable tin containers. Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel formally inaugurated the eco-friendly packaging initiative on September 17. The temple distributes approximately 4,200 kg of prasad in nearly 27,700 boxes every day. The transition from conventional plastic containers to sustainable alternatives is expected to eliminate more than 203 tonnes of plastic use annually. Minister of State for Forests and Environment, Pravin Mali, said the initiative sought to make environmental responsibility an integral part of religious practice. By introducing biodegradable and reusable alternatives at prominent pilgrimage centres, GPCB aims to demonstrate how thoughtful design, institutional action and public participation can deliver measurable environmental benefits, Mali said. The initiative is intended to promote sustainable waste management at religious sites while encouraging devotees to adopt environmentally responsible practices. With the model already introduced at Somnath and plans being developed for Ambaji, the approach could also be considered for other pilgrimage centres in Gujarat and elsewhere.
IIT Gandhinagar Assistant Scientific Officer Recruitment 2026
Indian Institute of Technology Gandhinagar (IIT Gandhinagar) has invited online applications for the post of Assistant Scientific Officer. Applications can be submitted at recruitment.iitgn.ac.in till 23 November 2026.
Nationwide anti-drug bike rally heads to Statue of Unity to join parade on October 31
Digital Desk | Gandhinagar, Oct 25 (IANS) More than 550 personnel from states, union territories and Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) are taking part in a national motorcycle rally to spread awareness against drug abuse ahead of the National Unity Day parade at Ekta Nagar on October 31. Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel on Sunday flagged off the rally from the Secretariat complex in Gandhinagar, with participants set to travel to the Statue of Unity in Ekta Nagar, also known as Kevadia, under the theme Fight Against Drugs. Director General of Police (DGP) Gyanendra Singh Malik said 45 teams are participating in the rally through four zones, with more than 275 motorcycles. Five bikers from each participating state had joined the event, including participants from Ladakh, Jammu and Kashmir, Punjab, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan, alongside CAPF personnel. Teams from across the country will reach Ekta Nagar today with the message Fight Against Drugs, DGP Malik said, adding that awareness programmes and pledge-taking activities were being organised at various locations along the route to encourage people, particularly young people, to stay away from drugs. The rally is part of preparations for the National Unity Day celebrations on October 31, which mark the birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, widely regarded as the architect of India's political integration after Independence. The annual event is held at Ekta Nagar, home to the Statue of Unity. The motorcycle rally follows the flag-off of the North Zone contingent by Union Home Minister Amit Shah in New Delhi on October 21. The contingent travelled through Haryana and Rajasthan before reaching Gandhinagar. From there, the rally will proceed through Anand and Vadodara before reaching Ekta Nagar. Participants are scheduled to take part in the National Unity Day parade on October 31. The campaign carries the message, Say No to Drugs, Say Yes to Life, with a focus on discouraging drug abuse through public awareness and community engagement. Sanjeev Kumar, Principal Secretary of the Home Department and Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister, along with senior police officers, government officials and security personnel, was present at the flag-off ceremony. The National Unity Day parade is held annually to commemorate Sardar Patel's contribution to national unity and integration. The celebrations bring together security forces and other contingents at Ekta Nagar, in Gujarat's Narmada district.
Ahead of National Unity Day, CM Bhupendra Patel Flags Off Gandhinagar Bike Rally for Drug-Free India
Gujarat CM Bhupendra Patel flags off a motorcycle rally in Gandhinagar ahead of National Unity Day 2026, promoting national unity, patriotism and a drug-free India.
Rahul Gandhi is Liar of Opposition, not Leader of Opposition: Gujarat BJP
Digital Desk | Ahmedabad, Oct 24 (IANS) Gujarat Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) chief spokesperson Anil Patel on Saturday accused Congress leader Rahul Gandhi of spreading misleading information about constitutional institutions, as the party announced a statewide campaign to counter the Oppositions allegations over the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. The BJPs Save Democracy, Remove Anarchy campaign will begin on Sunday, with a march in Surat, followed by programmes in Ahmedabad and Rajkot on October 27 and Vadodara on October 28. The party said it would organise further marches across districts and cities in Gujarat, along with press conferences and public outreach programmes. Addressing a press conference at the BJPs state headquarters in Gandhinagar, Patel accused the Congress and other Opposition parties of attempting to create distrust in constitutional institutions, including the Election Commission, through what he described as false and misleading information about SIR. Opposition is acting out of political frustration and attempting to mislead the public rather than accepting the peoples mandate and playing a constructive role, he said. Referring to Rahul Gandhis functioning, Patel said: Rahul Gandhi is behaving not as the Leader of Opposition but as the Liar of Opposition. Patel also accused the Congress of placing political interests above national interest in its pursuit of power. The partys allegations against constitutional institutions and its position on issues such as infiltration are turning matters of national interest into political confrontations, he said. He maintained that the Opposition would not succeed in creating an atmosphere of anarchy or misleading the public. The campaign is intended to present facts in response to the Oppositions claims about SIR and strengthen public confidence in democratic and constitutional institutions, the party said. The first march will take place at Adajan in Surat at 5 p.m. on Sunday in the presence of state BJP president Jagdish Vishwakarma and Union Minister C. R. Patil. State general secretary Prashant Korat will also attend. On October 27, Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel will attend the march in Ahmedabad, where state general secretary Ajay Brahmbhatt will also be present. A separate march in Rajkot on the same day will be attended by Vishwakarma, state co-in-charge Ajay Mahawar, Union Minister Mansukh Mandaviya, Union Minister Nimuben Bambhaniya and state general secretary Aniruddh Dave, among other leaders. Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi will attend the Vadodara march on October 28, along with state general secretary Hitendrasinh Chauhan. The marches would bring together state ministers, MPs, MLAs, party office-bearers, elected representatives, workers, community leaders, traders association representatives, women, non-governmental organisation representatives and other citizens. Similar programmes will subsequently be organised across the state, party leaders said. The campaign will also include press conferences in districts and cities to address the Oppositions claims regarding SIR, discussions with eminent citizens, and youth interactions on the theme Democracy vs Mobocracy. Competitions for students on strengthening democracy and outreach programmes involving influential citizens and social media influencers are also planned. Youth discussions will cover Indias democratic history, the role of constitutional institutions, the Congress past use of Article 356 and the imposition of Presidents Rule in various states. Restrictions on the press and media during the Emergency will also feature, alongside discussions on institutional autonomy, infiltration and issues concerning national interest.
SAI Gandhinagar organises nasha mukt bharat awareness programme under Fit India Movement
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Navdeep credits SAI, JLN Stadium training facilities for Asian Para Games bronze
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Oct 24 (IANS) Indian para-athlete Navdeep Singh has credited the training environment and support at the Sports Authority of Indias Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in New Delhi for helping him prepare for the Asian Para Games 2026, where he won bronze in the mens javelin throw F40/F41 event. Navdeep, who finished fourth at the previous edition in 2022, said training alongside fellow Indian athletes at the stadiums main track helped him acclimatise to the competitive environment ahead of the Games in Aichi-Nagoya. India finished fourth in the overall standings with 114 medals, including 30 gold, 35 silver and 49 bronze, marking its best-ever performance at the continental para-sport event. Para-athletics accounted for 65 of the countrys medals, with 22 gold, 19 silver and 24 bronze. Most of us Asian Games-bound athletes, including me, did our preparations at the JLN Stadium for the Asian Games 2026, Navdeep said after his medal-winning performance. This allowed us to acclimatise and get the feel. Despite the ongoing (Indian Super League) football matches, they kept the Asian Games a priority, which I felt was quite impressive, and that supported me, he added. The Paris Paralympics gold medallist also highlighted the benefits of having access to the main track and dedicated training space, saying it allowed athletes to prepare without unnecessary interruptions or delays. Sprinters need an empty track, so they got a good chance to train inside it. I majorly train at the SAI Regional Centres (Bengaluru, Sonipat and Gandhinagar), where there is not much crowd and I dont have to wait for other athletes to finish their throws. This all happened here at the JLN Stadium too. I could focus on my preparations rather than focusing on rotations and waiting for my turn, Navdeep said, adding that he hoped to return to the facility next season. Navdeep was among 14 medallists at the Asian Para Games who trained at the JLN Stadium ahead of the competition. The group delivered a strong showing across track and field events, winning medals in multiple disciplines. Praveen Kumar won gold in the mens high jump T64, while Sandeep Kumar claimed the mens 400m T64 title with a world-record performance. Pranav Soorma triumphed in the mens club throw F51, and Rinku Hooda topped the mens javelin throw F46 event. Simran Sharma won gold in both the womens 100m and 200m T12, setting Games records in each race. The silver medallists from the training group included Manjeet in the mens javelin F12/F13, Nimisha Chakkungalparambil in the womens long jump T47, Varun Singh Bhati in the mens high jump T63, Preeti Pal in the womens 100m and 200m T35, and Ajeet Singh Yadav in the mens javelin F46. Sandeep Kumar also won bronze in the mens 100m T44, while Sandip Sanjay Sargar secured a bronze in the mens javelin combined-classification event. Anubhav Choudhary finished third in the mens 100m T35, alongside Navdeeps bronze in the javelin. More than 50 other para-athletes also train at the SAI JLN Stadium, which continues to serve as a training base for athletes across disciplines.
'Drug-Free India' message promoted through traditional sports campaign in Gujarat's Gandhinagar
Digital Desk | Gandhinagar, Oct 24 (IANS) A 'Drug-Free India' (Nasha Mukt Bharat) awareness programme was organised in Gujarat's Gandhinagar on Saturday, with a theme of 'Celebrating India's Traditional Sports.' The initiative aimed to raise awareness among the youth regarding physical fitness, the importance of traditional Indian sports, and the adoption of a healthy, drug-free lifestyle. The event was organised by the Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Western Centre of the Sports Authority of India (SAI), Gandhinagar, in collaboration with 'My Bharat.' It featured a variety of traditional Indian sports and fitness-based activities, including 'Lagori' (seven stones), tug-of-war, sack races, a 'Drug-Free India'-themed game of Snakes and Ladders, 'Knock Out Addiction' (coin toss), 'Choose Fitness' (ring toss), a 'Fit India' fitness challenge, and penalty shoot-outs. These activities fostered teamwork, discipline, and sportsmanship, while also celebrating India's rich heritage of traditional sports. The chief guest, mountaineer Nisha, conducted an awareness session highlighting the importance of fitness, discipline, endurance, healthy lifestyle choices, and staying away from substance abuse. The event concluded with an awards ceremony, where winners of the various traditional sports and activities were honoured. Through this joint initiative, SAI Gandhinagar and 'My Bharat' reaffirmed their commitment to advancing the objectives of the 'Fit India Movement' and inspiring the youth to embrace sports, fitness, and a healthy, drug-free lifestyle. Speaking to IANS, mountaineer Nisha expressed her pleasure in attending the event and said, Efforts are being made to convey the message of a 'Drug-Free India' (Nasha Mukt Bharat) to the youth. It is essential today to keep young people away from substance abuse. Traditional games are also being introduced to the current generation, as many children are unaware of the games that were played in the past. It is heartening to see such messages reaching the youth, she said. Vishal Nagrale, the District Youth Officer for Jamnagar, stated that a 'Drug-Free India' is the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. We want our country to become completely free from drugs, and we want young people to stay away from substance abuse so that we can realise the vision of a Viksit Bharat by 2047. With this objective, various initiatives are being undertaken to channel the energy of young people in the right direction, Nagrale said. Key attendees included Sachin Sharma, State Director of 'My Bharat' (Gujarat); Pankaj Yadav, Deputy Director of 'My Bharat'; and Shreyansh Singh, Assistant Director of 'My Bharat' (Gujarat). Additionally, the event saw the participation of Amrita Surana, District Youth Officer (DYO) of Navsari and Kajal Sahrawat, District Youth Officer of Patan.
Gandhinagar Hosts Awareness Program on Nasha Mukt Bharat Celebrating Traditional Sports
Gandhinagars Nasha Mukt Bharat event promotes fitness and traditional sports, encouraging a healthy, drug-free lifestyle among youth. Gandhinagar Hosts Awareness Program on Nasha Mukt Bharat Celebrating Traditional Sports
Gujarat: BJP weighs names for Gandhinagar mayor, standing committee chairman posts
Digital Desk | Gandhinagar, Oct 23 (IANS) The BJPs Gujarat unit is holding discussions on key civic appointments following its victory in the Gandhinagar Municipal Corporation (GMC) elections, with the selection of the new mayor and standing committee chairman among the posts under consideration, according to party officials. The partys state election committee met in Gandhinagar on Friday in the presence of Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel and state BJP president Jagdish Vishwakarma. The meeting comes after the BJP retained control of the state capitals civic body, winning 38 of the 44 seats in the elections on October 11. The Congress won five seats, while an Independent candidate secured one. The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), which had won one seat in the previous election, failed to open its account this time. The mayors post in the GMC is reserved for a member of the Other Backward Classes (OBC). Four names Kanaiyalal Desai, Mahesh Chaudhary, Dharmendra Nai and Rupsinhji Thakor have emerged as possible contenders, according to reports. The party is also considering appointments to the deputy mayors post, the standing committee chairmanship and the ruling party leadership in the corporation. The standing committee chairmans post is among the key positions in the civic body, given the committees role in examining municipal proposals and financial matters. Mahendra Patel and Mehul Patel were among the names being discussed for the post, although there was no official confirmation of the final selection. The BJPs selection process follows the conclusion of elections to the GMC and two other local bodies, Okha and Thara. The party won 33 of 36 seats in Okha and 19 of 24 in Thara, retaining control of both municipalities. Party leaders confirmed the presence of Patel, Vishwakarma and other key leaders at the state election committee meeting but did not specify the agenda or announce any appointments. The names of the new civic office-bearers should therefore be treated as pending until the party makes a formal announcement.
Scotland eyes research and financial links with Gujarat during First Ministers GIFT City
Digital Desk | Gandhinagar, Oct 23 (IANS) Scotlands First Minister John Swinney visited Gujarat International Finance Tec-City (GIFT City) and Gujarat Biotechnology University in Gandhinagar on Friday, exploring opportunities to deepen cooperation in financial services, education, scientific research and clean energy. Swinney, who is leading an 11-member Scottish delegation on a visit to Gujarat from October 22 to 25, reviewed GIFT Citys financial services and investment ecosystem before meeting students and faculty at Gujarat Biotechnology University. Discussions also covered collaboration between the university and the University of Edinburgh, of which Swinney is an alumnus. At GIFT City, the delegation was briefed on the development of the financial and business hub and its infrastructure, including an underground utility tunnel network designed to reduce repeated road excavation for maintenance and upgrades. The system brings together electricity cables, drinking water pipelines, district cooling pipelines, automated solid waste pipelines and communication and automation cables. Sewage lines, stormwater drainage and gas pipelines are kept in separate corridors for safety. The network is monitored round the clock through a central control room using Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) technology. The system alerts maintenance teams to technical problems, allowing repairs to be undertaken while minimising disruption to traffic and public spaces. GIFT City plans to develop 16 km of utility tunnels. Of this, 5.5 km is operational, while construction of another 5.5 km is under way. The remaining section is planned for completion in phases. New buildings are connected to the network through their basements, allowing utilities to be integrated into the citys infrastructure. The delegation also examined GIFT Citys range of financial services, investment opportunities and export-related activities. Swinney praised the technology used in the utility tunnels, according to the state governments account of the visit. At Gujarat Biotechnology University, Swinney interacted with students and discussed opportunities for cooperation in education, research and life sciences, including the partnership with the University of Edinburgh. He shared experiences from his time at the Scottish university. Swinney said, The delegations visit reflected Scotlands commitment to strengthening economic, educational and cultural ties with India. He emphasised the importance of exchanging research expertise between universities, particularly in tackling complex global challenges such as cancer. Academic and research partnerships could help enrich scientific work and establish a stronger foundation for future relations between the two countries, he said. Sports and clean energy also featured in the discussions. Referring to Glasgows experience of hosting the Commonwealth Games, Swinney said: The Games scheduled to be held in Gujarat in 2030 could create another link between Scotland and India through culture and sport. He also highlighted opportunities for cooperation in clean energy and wind power, pointing to Gujarats extensive coastline in the context of efforts to address climate change. Professor Rakesh Rawal, Director-in-Charge of Gujarat Biotechnology University, who is also its Dean (Academics) and Head of Medical Biotechnology, attended the university visit. Steve Hickling, British Deputy High Commissioner for Gujarat and Rajasthan, was also present, along with John Webster, the First Ministers principal private secretary, and Ross Ingebritsen, senior special adviser, head of communications and official spokesperson for the Scottish Government. The delegations four-day visit is focused on Gujarats development initiatives and potential areas for investment and bilateral cooperation.
Gujarat govt transfers 17 IAS officers; appoints new collectors
Digital Desk | Gandhinagar, Oct 23 (IANS) The Gujarat government on Friday transferred 17 IAS officers in a major administrative reshuffle, appointing new collectors for Mehsana, Anand and Vav-Tharad, and reassigning district development officers across several districts. The General Administration Department (GAD) issued the notification on October 23, with changes spanning the Revenue, Home, Education, Rural Development, Industries and Mines, and Sports departments. The reshuffle also includes changes in senior officers additional charges and appointments to key administrative institutions. G.T. Pandya, Additional Secretary in the Education Department, has been appointed Director of Information, Gandhinagar. Alok Kumar Pandey, Secretary in the Tribal Development Department, will take additional charge as Commissioner of Relief and ex-officio Secretary in the Revenue Department, relieving Gaurangbhai Makwana of the responsibility. Makwana, who is Managing Director of Uttar Gujarat Vij Company Ltd (UGVCL), Mehsana, has been given additional charge of Managing Director of INDEXT-B, Gandhinagar. S.K. Prajapati, Collector of Mehsana, has been transferred as Additional Rural Development Commissioner in Gandhinagar, taking over the post for which V.K. Jadav held additional charge. Harshit Pruthwiraj Gosavi, Additional Secretary in the Home Department handling Law and Order, will replace Prajapati as Mehsana Collector. Praveen Chaudhary, Collector of Anand, has been moved to the Industries and Mines Department for appointment as Chief Executive Officer of the special projects covering the Dholera Special Investment Region (SIR) and Mandal-Bechraji SIR. The move relieves Kuldeep Arya of the additional charge of the post. Utsav Gautam, District Development Officer (DDO) of Kutch-Bhuj, will replace Chaudhary as Anand Collector. M.J. Dave, DDO of Banaskantha-Palanpur, has been appointed Collector of Vav-Tharad, relieving Kalpesh Kumar Sharma of the additional charge. Sachin Kumar, DDO of Chhotaudepur, has been transferred to Gandhinagar as Deputy Secretary in the Home Department for Law and Order, succeeding Gosavi. Four officers serving as Project Administrators under the Tribal Area Sub Plan have also been assigned district development responsibilities. Vandana Meena, currently posted in Mahisagar, will become DDO of Valsad, while Rajesh Kumar Mourya, serving in Songadh in Tapi district, has been appointed DDO of Amreli. Swapnil Mahadeo Sisle, Project Administrator in Vansada, Navsari district, will take over as DDO of Tapi. Omkar Rajendra Shinde, currently posted in Chhotaudepur, will replace Sachin Kumar as the districts DDO. The movement of DDOs has also led to a change in Kutch-Bhuj, where Atirag Chaplot, currently DDO of Valsad, will replace Utsav Gautam. Ram Niwas Bugalia, DDO of Tapi, will move to Banaskantha-Palanpur, succeeding M.J. Dave, who has been appointed Collector of Vav-Tharad. In changes involving training institutions, C.C. Kotak, Deputy Director General of the Sardar Patel Institute of Public Administration (SPIPA), Ahmedabad, has been transferred for appointment as Special Director at the State Institute of Rural Development (SIRD), Ahmedabad. The appointment relieves V.N. Shah of the additional charge of the post. B.N. Patel, Executive Director of Gujarat Gas Ltd., Gandhinagar, has been transferred for appointment as Director General of the Sports Authority of Gujarat. Rajesh Kumar Mouryas appointment as DDO of Amreli will also end K.J. Jadejas additional charge of the post. The notification further relieves V.K. Jadav of the additional charge of Additional Rural Development Commissioner, Kalpesh Kumar Sharma of the additional charge of Collector of Vav-Tharad, and Kuldeep Arya of the additional charge of chief executive officer for the Dholera and Mandal-Bechraji SIR projects.
Gujarat Dy CM to hold talks with South Korean firms on investment in technology, textiles
Digital Desk | Gandhinagar, Oct 23 (IANS) Gujarat Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi will hold a series of meetings with South Korean companies in Seoul on Friday to explore investment and industrial collaboration in sectors ranging from advanced technology and artificial intelligence to textiles, biotechnology, electronics and food processing. The high-level delegation, which is visiting South Korea as part of efforts to attract investment under the Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit initiative, is scheduled to hold around 10 one-to-one meetings and roundtable discussions with industry leaders. A business seminar and dinner with members of the Korean industrial community will conclude the day's engagements. The delegation will begin its programme with a breakfast meeting with Jejeong Lee, chairman and chief executive officer of the Advanced Technology Centre Association (ATCA), and leading researchers to discuss potential cooperation in advanced technology. Sanghavi is also scheduled to meet Huh Sung, president and CEO of Kolon Industries, which operates in the chemical and textile sectors, and Stephen Kim, CEO of DeltaX, a company working in artificial intelligence and battery energy storage system (BESS) solutions. The deputy chief minister will visit the headquarters of LS Electric for discussions with its chairman, Ja-Gyun Koo, on investment opportunities in the electronics sector. The delegation will also meet senior executives of Seoul Viosys, a company specialising in advanced technology, and hold discussions with JT Corporation on industrial cooperation. Textile manufacturing will be another focus of the visit. Sanghavi is scheduled to visit the headquarters of Youngone Corporation, a leading South Korean textile company, and meet its chairman, Sung Ki-Hak, to discuss opportunities for expansion in the sector. The delegation will also hold a roundtable with the chief executives of biotechnology companies UMTR, Plantner and Bereum to explore potential areas of cooperation. In the food and confectionery sector, a meeting is planned with Cho Kyung-woon, global business head of Lotte Wellfood, to discuss expansion opportunities. The programme includes a visit to the headquarters of Cosmax, a global manufacturer of beauty and healthcare products, where the delegation will meet the company's vice-chairman. A separate roundtable with South Korean start-ups is scheduled to focus on innovation and the development of Gujarat's start-up ecosystem. The delegation will also meet representatives of leading Korean law firms to discuss regulatory requirements and measures to facilitate investment. The day's engagements will conclude with a business seminar and dinner organised by the Indian Chamber of Commerce in Korea (ICCK), where the delegation is expected to hold discussions with Korean entrepreneurs on industrial partnerships and investment opportunities in Gujarat. The visit is aimed at strengthening economic ties between Gujarat and South Korea and identifying potential areas for investment and collaboration across multiple industries.
IIT Gandhinagar Project Associate II (Physics) Recruitment 2026
Indian Institute of Technology Gandhinagar (IIT Gandhinagar) has published the Recruitment 2026 notification for the post of Project Associate II (Physics). Online applications will be accepted till 19 November 2026. Eligible candidates can apply through the official website, recruitment.iitgn.ac.in.
IIT Gandhinagar Project Associate Recruitment 2026
Indian Institute of Technology Gandhinagar (IIT Gandhinagar), Research & Development Office, has invited online applications for the post of Project Associate II (Biology). Applications can be submitted at recruitment.iitgn.ac.in till 17 November 2026.
IIT Gandhinagar Project Associate II Recruitment 2026
Indian Institute of Technology Gandhinagar (IIT Gandhinagar) has published the Recruitment 2026 notification for the post of Project Associate II (Mathematics). Online applications will be accepted till 16 November 2026. Eligible candidates can apply through the official website, recruitment.iitgn.ac.in.
Trom Industries Wins Rs. 4.81 Crore Solar Rooftop Order from GEDA
Gandhinagar (Gujarat) [India], October 22: Trom Industries Limited (NSE: TROM | INE0SYV01018), a solar EPC and clean energy solutions company, has received a purchase order worth 4.81 crore from Gujarat
Gujarat CM Patel inaugurates 'Kathiyawad Bhavan' in Gandhinagar; donors
The inauguration of 'Kathiyawad Bhavan' of the Kathi Darbar Education Trust and the Donors
Gujarat courts Tamil Nadu, Rajasthan industry ahead of Vibrant Gujarat Summit 2027
The 11th edition of VGGS is scheduled for January 10-12, 2027, at Mahatma Mandir in Gandhinagar
NFSU Senior Project Associate Recruitment 2026
National Forensic Sciences University (NFSU) Recruitment 2026 for the post of Sr. Project Associate will be conducted through a Walk-in Interview. Eligible candidates can attend the interview on 30 October 2026 at CoE Food Forensic and Forensic Pharmacy, National Forensic Sciences University, Sector 9, Gandhinagar, Gujarat. For complete details, candidates can visit nfsu.ac.in.
PM Modi extends birthday wishes to HM Shah, praises his effective security system, anti-drug push
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Oct 22 (IANS) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday extended warm birthday greetings to Union Home Minister Amit Shah and praised his efforts in strengthening India's internal security, eliminating Maoism and making efforts to eradicate the drug menace from society. Taking to X, PM Modi said, Warm birthday greetings to Home Minister Shri Amit Shah Ji. His administrative understanding has ensured India's internal security systems become more effective. Particularly noteworthy are the successes in eliminating the menace of Maoism and in furthering our dream of a society free from drugs, he said. I pray that he is blessed with a long and healthy life in service of the people, the Prime Minister added. HM Shah was born to Gujarati parents in 1964 in Mumbai. He is considered one of the BJP's chief strategists and a close confidant of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. His political career has been marked by several key milestones, including the abrogation of Article 370, the enforcement of major internal security reforms, and a focus on cooperative federalism. At the age of 16, Amit Shah joined the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and started participating in the RSS' student wing, Akhil Bharatiya Vidhyarthi Parishad (ABVP). In 1989, Amit Shah was given his first organisational assignment when he was made the secretary of the BJP Ahmedabad. This marked a significant milestone in his political journey. In 1997, he contested his first election during the Gujarat Assembly polls from the Sarkhej constituency. He served as MLA for Sarkhej and Naranpura for his first term from 1997 to 2017. In 2002, he was made a Minister in the Gujarat Cabinet. In 2014, he was made the National President of BJP. A member of parliament for Gujarat's Gandhinagar, HM Shah has served as the 31st Minister of Home Affairs since 2019, the longest-serving holder of the office in the country's history. He has also been the first Minister of Cooperation since July 2021.
Gujarat gets Rs 8,167 crore in GST in Sep; up 35 pc year-on-year
Digital Desk | Gandhinagar, Oct 21 (IANS) Gujarats goods and services tax (GST) revenue rose 35 per cent year-on-year to Rs 8,167 crore in September this year, compared with Rs 6,050 crore in the same month last year, even as GST rates were reduced, state government spokesperson Jitu Vaghani said on Wednesday. The growth was more than twice the national GST revenue growth rate of 14.7 per cent during the same period, according to figures shared by Vaghani after the state Cabinet meeting. Gujarat collected Rs 49,858 crore in GST revenue during the first six months of the current financial year, from April to September, marking a 29 per cent increase over the Rs 38,540 crore collected during the corresponding period last year. The state government attributed the increase to the business and industrial environment in Gujarat and greater voluntary compliance by taxpayers. GST was the largest contributor to the state Tax Departments revenue in September. Collections from other taxes included Rs 2,930 crore through value added tax (VAT), Rs 1,102 crore in electricity duty and Rs 24 crore in professional tax. Together, GST, VAT, electricity duty and professional tax generated total revenue of Rs 12,222 crore for the state Tax Department during September, Vaghani said. The figures come amid a reduction in GST rates, which the state government said had not prevented revenue growth. The government cited the business environment and taxpayers cooperation as factors behind the increase. The September collections and the six-month figures indicate year-on-year growth in Gujarats GST receipts, with the state recording a higher growth rate than the national figure for September. The state government said its efforts to support economic activity, alongside voluntary tax compliance, were contributing to Gujarats economic development.
Gujarat: GMDC pays govt Rs 223.54 crore dividend for 2025-26
Digital Desk | Gandhinagar, Oct 21 (IANS) The Gujarat Mineral Development Corporation (GMDC) on Wednesday paid a dividend of Rs 223.54 crore to Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel for the financial year 2025-26 in Gandhinagar. The cheque, representing the state government's share of the corporation's dividend, was handed over by Chief Secretary M K Das in the presence of senior state government officials and GMDC representatives. Established in 1963, GMDC is a state government undertaking engaged in the mining and sale of minerals, including lignite, bauxite, limestone, fluorspar and silica sand. Its operations form part of the state's mineral resource sector, which supplies raw materials for industrial use. The corporation has also secured three coal blocks in Odisha Baitarani West, Burapahar and Kudanali-Lubri as part of its activities linked to Gujarat's long-term energy security. The development adds to GMDC's operations beyond its existing mineral mining business in Gujarat. In addition to its conventional mining activities, the company is active in the renewable energy sector and is exploring opportunities in rare earth elements, copper and other strategic minerals. These areas are among the corporation's stated focus sectors as it looks to expand its activities beyond its established mineral portfolio. The dividend payment comes as the state-owned corporation continues to operate across multiple mineral categories while pursuing opportunities in energy and strategic resources. However, details of GMDC's revenue, profit and the dividend payout ratio for 2025-26 were not provided in the state government's announcement. GMDC Chairman and Chief Advisor to the Chief Minister, Hasmukh Adhia, Managing Director Ajay Bhadu, Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister Sanjeev Kumar and Additional Principal Secretary Vikrant Pandey were present when the cheque was presented.
Gujarat CM meets Western Naval Command chief, discusses security of states coastline
Digital Desk | Gandhinagar, Oct 21 (IANS) The security of Gujarats strategically important coastline and the Indian Navys activities to protect it were discussed when Vice Admiral Sanjay Vatsayan, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Western Naval Command, met Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel in Gandhinagar on Wednesday. During the courtesy visit, Vatsayan briefed the Chief Minister on various measures undertaken by the Navy to safeguard Gujarats coastline, which is strategically significant because of its location along the Arabian Sea. Vatsayan assumed charge as the 35th Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Western Naval Command in May this year. Before taking up the appointment, he served as the Vice Chief of the Naval Staff at Naval Headquarters. He joined the Indian Navy in 1988 and has served aboard several prominent warships during his career. The Western Naval Command plays a key role in safeguarding Indias western coastline, protecting the countrys maritime borders and securing vital trade and energy routes. Its area of strategic interest encompasses the Arabian Sea and the western Indian Ocean, as well as important maritime passages such as the Strait of Hormuz, the Bab-el-Mandeb Strait, the Suez Canal, the Mozambique Channel and the Cape of Good Hope. These routes are significant for international shipping and energy supplies, making maritime security an important part of the Navys responsibilities. The meeting focused on the Navys activities concerning Gujarats coastline. Vatsayan also presented a memento to Patel during the visit.
IIT Gandhinagar Program Manager Recruitment 2026
Indian Institute of Technology Gandhinagar (IIT Gandhinagar), Research & Development Office, has released the notification for the post of Program Manager. Eligible candidates can apply online at neev.iitgn.ac.in till 06 November 2026.
Gujarat Cabinet Meeting in Gandhinagar: Power, Water and PM Modis Visit Under Focus
Gujarat CM Bhupendra Patel will chair a cabinet meeting in Gandhinagar to review the power crisis, rainfall deficit, farmers needs, PM Modis visit and Diwali preparations.
IITGN Gynaecologist Recruitment 2026
Indian Institute of Technology Gandhinagar (IITGN) has released the notification for the post of Gynaecologist. Eligible candidates can apply online till 30 October 2026.
Gandhinagar Municipal Corporation Seeks Strict Action Against Assault on Employee
Gandhinagar Municipal Corporation demands legal action under PASA after an employee was assaulted while on duty. Gandhinagar Municipal Corporation Seeks Strict Action Against Assault on Employee
Gujarat CM performs traditional 'Shastra Puja', stresses duty and righteous action
Digital Desk | Gandhinagar, Oct 20 (IANS) Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel performed the traditional Shastra Puja at his official residence in Gandhinagar on Tuesday on the occasion of Vijayadashami, emphasising the importance of duty, dedication and preserving human values while discharging responsibilities. CM Patel worshipped weapons used by security personnel deployed for his protection in accordance with traditional Vedic rituals. The ceremony, associated with Vijayadashamis symbolism of the victory of good over evil, also highlighted the cultural significance of protecting both shastra (weapons) and shastra (scriptures). Addressing the security personnel present, the Chief Minister spoke about the importance of duty, dedication and Karmayoga, or the path of selfless action. He stressed that those responsible for protection and security must continuously fulfil their duties while upholding compassion, empathy and righteous conduct. The CM also underlined the importance of preserving human values in the performance of official responsibilities and striving for spiritual growth through good deeds. The Chief Minister extended Vijayadashami greetings to the security personnel who participated in the ceremony. Superintendent of Police (SP) Tejas Patel, who oversees the Chief Ministers security arrangements, welcomed him on the occasion. Deputy Superintendents of Police, police inspectors, police sub-inspectors, commandos, drivers, and other personnel deployed for the Chief Ministers security were present and took part in the ritual. The ceremony continued a tradition initiated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his tenure as Gujarat Chief Minister. The Shastra Puja has since been observed at the Chief Ministers residence on Vijayadashami, combining the festivals cultural significance with a recognition of the responsibilities of security personnel. Vijayadashami, also known as Dussehra, is traditionally associated with the victory of good over evil. The worship of weapons on the occasion reflects the longstanding cultural practice of honouring the instruments used to protect people and uphold justice.
Clash Breaks Out At Garba Festival Near Ahmedabad, Swords Brandished
A violent clash broke out between security guards and alleged antisocial elements at the Mandali Garba festival in Santej, near Ahmedabad, reportedly over entry without passes. The altercation escalated, with sticks and swords brandished amid the chaos. Santej police and the Gandhinagar LCB reached the spot and launched an investigation.
ED searches 29 premises in six cities in WhatsApp-linked 'pump-and-dump' fraud
Digital Desk | Mumbai, Oct 19 (IANS) The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has conducted searches at 29 premises across six cities in Maharashtra and Gujarat as part of a money-laundering probe into an alleged WhatsApp-driven pump-and-dump scheme involving the shares of two listed companies, an official statement said on Monday. The EDs Mumbai Zonal Office-I carried out the searches on Friday at premises in Mumbai, Nashik (Maharashtra), Ahmedabad, Gandhinagar, Surat, and Bhavnagar (Gujarat) under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). The investigation relates to alleged manipulation in the shares of R M Drip and Sprinklers Systems Ltd (RMDSSL) and R&B Denims Ltd. The premises searched included the offices of the two companies, residences of their promoters and persons who had been allotted shares at low prices, offices of stockbroking and finance firms, and premises linked to individuals suspected of operating promotional WhatsApp groups. According to ED, its investigation found that between April 2023 and March 2024, the two companies issued more than 3.5 crore shares and convertible warrants to selected individuals and entities. A substantial portion of the money used for these allotments came from a small group of connected persons, firms, and lenders. The agency alleged that the share prices were subsequently pushed up while a large proportion of the shares remained with the same set of holders. From late December 2025 to February 2026, WhatsApp communities with names such as Multibagger Stocks allegedly circulated daily buy recommendations for the shares among retail investors. The ED said the groups operated using SIM cards obtained in the names of other persons in Haryana and Mumbai, while their operations were allegedly run from Bhavnagar. The agency claimed the promotional campaign led to a sharp increase in buyers, trading volumes and share prices. Preferential allottees allegedly took advantage of the increased buying interest to sell part of their holdings to a large number of investors. During the searches, the ED said it identified clusters of family-linked beneficiaries, including entities associated with Affluence Gems, Kawa HUF, and Komalay Consultancy. These beneficiaries had allegedly acquired shares at low prices through preferential warrants. According to the agency, the shares were subsequently promoted through WhatsApp, X, SMS and other channels to generate buying interest. The ED said it has frozen trading accounts worth about Rs 200 crore belonging to the persons and connected entities under investigation. The agency also seized documents, digital devices, share transaction records and property-related papers during the searches. Further investigation is underway.
Digital Desk | Bengaluru, Oct 18 (IANS) Karnataka Governor Dr Sudha Yadav celebrated the auspicious occasion of Navaratri by performing the traditional Kanya Pujan with underprivileged and disadvantaged girl children at Lok Bhavan in Bengaluru. Expressing her desire to celebrate the occasion with children from economically weaker sections, the Governor specially invited young girls from the Nagammanagar slum area in Gandhinagar to Lok Bhavan and participated in the traditional rituals with them on Sunday. During the ceremony, Governor Yadav applied tilak on the foreheads of the girls and performed the rituals with due reverence, celebrating the divine feminine spirit symbolised by young girls during Navaratri. Moving beyond the traditional ceremonial proceedings, the Governor also spent quality time with the children, sharing a special meal with them and interacting in a warm and informal manner. She mingled with the girls like a child herself and engaged them in cheerful conversations, creating an atmosphere of happiness, affection, and togetherness. As part of the celebrations, she distributed school bags, books, and other stationery items among the children. She also blessed them and wished them a bright and successful future, emphasising the importance of education and opportunities in shaping their lives. The special celebration reflected the Governor's message of love, compassion and care towards children, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds, said officials. By inviting girls from a slum settlement to Lok Bhavan, she sought to make the traditional Kanya Pujan more inclusive and meaningful, while highlighting the need to support children's education and overall well-being. The event also spotlighted the significance of extending social care and encouragement to children who may have limited access to resources and opportunities. The Chief Engineer and Assistant Executive Engineer of the Karnataka Slum Development Board, along with the Governor's personal staff, were present during the occasion.
Gujarat: Nearly 46 pc boat ambulance emergencies linked to pregnancy complications
Gandhinagar, Oct 18 Pregnancy-related complications accounted for nearly 46 per cent of the 777 medical emergencies handled by Gujarats two The post Gujarat: Nearly 46 pc boat ambulance emergencies linked to pregnancy complications appeared first on Bilkul Online .
Gujarat govt to take investment pitch to 22 nations, eight Indian cities ahead of Vibrant Summit
Gujarat govt to take investment pitch to 22 nations, eight Indian cities ahead of Vibrant Summit Gandhinagar: Gujarat will reach out to investors in 22 countries and eight Indian cities over October and November as part of its efforts to attract businesses and technology partners ahead of the 11th edition of the Vibrant Gujarat Global [] The post Gujarat govt to take investment pitch to 22 nations, eight Indian cities ahead of Vibrant Summit appeared first on Mangalorean.com .
Gujarat forms committee to review teachers non-academic workload, online data entry
Digital Desk | Gandhinagar, Oct 17 (IANS) The Gujarat government has initiated a review of non-academic duties assigned to schoolteachers, including data entry on multiple online portals, with Education Minister Pradyuman Vaja directing a committee of senior officials to recommend ways to reduce their workload and allow them to devote more time to classroom teaching. At a high-level meeting in Gandhinagar on Saturday, Vaja reviewed the additional responsibilities assigned to primary and secondary school teachers by various departments, along with teacher training requirements and data entry work on different online portals. The committee will comprise senior officials from the Education Department, the Gujarat Council of Educational Research and Training (GCERT), Samagra Shiksha and the Commissioner of Schools. It will examine the issue in detail and submit a report to the state government, which will take a final decision based on its recommendations. The classroom is a teachers true workplace, Vaja said, stressing the need to reduce unnecessary online data entry and non-academic duties so that teachers can spend more time on teaching and other academic activities. The minister said the government is committed to addressing teachers concerns and that efforts to simplify their work were being undertaken in mission mode. The stated objective is to improve the quality of education by allowing teachers to focus more closely on students learning. Referring to the national goal of Viksit Bharat 2047 envisioned by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Vaja said: Education would be key to achieving the target and that teachers had an important role to play. He called for the government, teachers and students to work together towards nation-building. The review will cover the workload arising from online reporting, data entry and other responsibilities assigned by different departments, in addition to teacher training. The committees findings are expected to inform the governments decision on measures to simplify teachers duties. Principal Secretary of the Education Department, Milind Torawane; Director of Primary Education, Prakash Trivedi; and senior officials from the Education Department, GCERT and Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan attended the meeting.
Gujarat govt targets wider global reach for MSMEs through free trade pacts
Gandhinagar Gujarat govt will hold a state-level workshop on October 21 to help exporters and micro, small and medium enterprises The post Gujarat govt targets wider global reach for MSMEs through free trade pacts appeared first on Bilkul Online .
ED searches 29 premises across six cities in share investment fraud case
Digital Desk | Mumbai, Oct 16 (IANS) The ED on Friday conducted searches at 29 offices and residential properties across Mumbai, Ahmedabad and four other cities, seizing digital devices in an investment fraud linked to manipulation of share prices of two listed companies, an official statement said. During the search operations, various incriminating documents, digital devices, records of share transactions, and property documents were seized, the ED statement said. The Directorate of Enforcement (ED), Mumbai Zonal Office-I, conducted the search operations at 29 premises across six cities, including Mumbai, Nashik, Ahmedabad, Gandhinagar, Surat and Bhavnagar, under the provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002, it said. The matter is related to the manipulation of the shares of listed companies, including R M Drip and Sprinklers Systems and R&B Denims Ltd, said the ED. The premises searched include the offices of the two companies, the residences of their promoters, of persons to whom shares were allotted at low prices, offices of stock-broking and finance firms, and premises of persons suspected to have operated the promotional WhatsApp groups, the ED said. The ED investigation revealed that between April 2023 and March 2024, the two companies issued over 3.5 crore shares and convertible warrants to selected persons and entities. A large part of the money paid for these shares came from a small circle of connected persons, firms and lenders. Over the following months, the share prices were steadily pushed up, while the shares largely stayed in the same hands, it said. The investigation also revealed that from the end of December 2025 to February 2026, WhatsApp communities with names such as Multibagger Stocks sent daily uy tips on these shares to gullible retail investors. These groups were run on SIM cards obtained in the names of other persons in Haryana and Mumbai, but operated from Bhavnagar, Gujarat, it said. Lured by the tips, the number of buyers in the two shares rose from about 3,400 to over 1 lakh. On February 25, 2026, the WhatsApp groups were suddenly deleted. Both shares fell to the lower circuit and lost about 70 per cent of their value within days, leaving more than one lakh small investors with heavy losses and shares that could not be sold, the ED said.
Gujarat: Amit Shah to lay foundation stone for 81-foot Shiva statue
Union Home Minister Amit Shah will lay the foundation stone for an 81-foot Lord Shiva statue at the Varadayini Mataji Temple in Rupal, Gandhinagar, on Friday. His itinerary also includes visits to Jain spiritual leaders, an evening aarti in Mansa and a Raas Garba programme in Kolvada
Gujarat approves four brownfield medical colleges, mandates free hospital services
Gandhinagar The Gujarat government has approved four brownfield medical colleges in Kheda, Mahisagar, Botad and Gir Somnath districts under the The post Gujarat approves four brownfield medical colleges, mandates free hospital services appeared first on Bilkul Online .
Explosion at Gujarat Chemical Factory Claims Lives of Four Workers
A tragic explosion at a chemical factory in Gandhinagar, Gujarat, resulted in the deaths of four workers during pipe fitting work. Explosion at Gujarat Chemical Factory Claims Lives of Four Workers
4 Killed In Explosion At Dye Factory In Gandhinagar
The explosion took place during pipe-fitting work near a boiler vessel. Preliminary findings suggest the pipe may have burst due to pressure, triggering an explosion.
Four workers killed in blast at factory in Gandhinagar's Chhatral GIDC industrial area
Four workers lost their lives in a devastating explosion at Kovika Dyes & Intermediates factory in Gujarat. The tragic incident happened during pipe-fitting work near a boiler vessel, raising concerns about safety. Preliminary investigations suggest a pressure burst may have caused the explosion, with forensic teams now examining the site. Police are registering an accidental death case and conducting post mortem examinations of the victims.
Gujarat girl selected among 20 students nationwide for satellite technology mission
Digital Desk | Gandhinagar, Oct 15 (IANS) A Class 11 student from Gujarats Mahisagar district has been selected among 20 students from across India for 'Mission ShaktiSAT', a space science initiative that has provided her with practical training in satellite coding, design and assembly. Vipa Bariya, who hails from Padhara village in Kadana taluka, is the only female student selected from Gujarat for the mission. She studies in the Science stream at Eklavya Model Residential School in Vejalpur, near Godhra, and aspires to become a pilot or an astronaut. Organised by Space Kidz India, Mission ShaktiSAT brought together around 12,000 female students from 108 countries. As part of the programme, Vipa attended a 10-day international workshop at Gautam Buddha University in Greater Noida in Uttar Pradesh, from August 22 to 31, where she received hands-on training in satellite coding, design and assembly alongside participants from other countries. She was also presented with a special award and trophy at the event. I have been interested in space science and satellite technology since childhood. Being selected for Mission ShaktiSAT and getting the opportunity to visit ISRO feels like a dream come true, Vipa said. During the first phase of the competition, she completed all 21 modules, comprising 550 lessons, within the stipulated time with guidance from her schoolteachers. Vipa is scheduled to participate in a space technology event organised by Viasat in New Delhi from October 26 to 28. She may also get an opportunity to visit the Indian Space Research Organisations space centre at Sriharikota in Andhra Pradesh after the satellite launch date is finalised. According to Vipa, the mission involves two satellites, one intended to land on the Moons surface and the other to orbit the Moon. Her interest in space science has been encouraged by her father, Gulabbhai Bariya, who teaches Mathematics and Environmental Studies to students of Classes 3 to 5 at a primary school. Her schoolteacher and mentor, Deepika Sharma, has also guided her in developing her skills and pursuing her ambitions. Vipas selection comes as residential schools for tribal students seek to expand access to science and technology education and opportunities in specialised fields. Eklavya Model Residential Schools provide education to students from tribal communities, including those in remote areas. The Gujarat government said the initiative was part of efforts to improve educational opportunities for tribal children in line with Prime Minister Narendra Modis vision of Viksit Bharat 2047. Under Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel and Tribal Development Minister Naresh Patel, the states Tribal Development Department is implementing schemes aimed at improving the quality of education and access to modern learning facilities. For Vipa, the programme has offered an opportunity to pursue her longstanding interest in space technology beyond the classroom, with further participation in space-related activities expected in the coming weeks.
Gujarat: 4 killed in boiler explosion at Chhatral GIDC
Four people were killed in a boiler explosion at Kovika Color Company in Chhatral GIDC, where a fire broke out on Thursday, Gandhinagar Superintendent of Police Ravi Teja Vasamsetty said. Further details are awaited. In a separate incident in the state on October 11, a massive fire broke out in the medicine store room of the Government Civil Hospital affiliated with the Medical College in Godhra at midnight, prompting the evacuation of more than 200 patients, including pregnant women. The fire triggered panic on the hospital premises, following which fire brigade personnel and police rushed to the spot and initiated rescue operations. However, all patients were safely evacuated due to the prompt response of the administration, averting a major accident. (ANI)
Gujarat CM urges Chandigarh students to share states development story
Digital Desk | Gandhinagar, Oct 14 (IANS) A 40-member student delegation from Chandigarh is visiting Gujarat to study its culture, industrial development and technological initiatives under the Centres 'Yuva Sangam' programme, with the students meeting Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel in Gandhinagar on Wednesday. The delegation, accompanied by institutional representatives, is in Gujarat from October 10 to 16 as part of Yuva Sangam, an initiative under the Union Ministry of Educations Department of Higher Education to promote cultural exchange and mutual understanding among young people from different states and Union Territories. During their meeting with Patel, the students were encouraged to maintain a positive outlook and share their experiences of Gujarats development with people in their home state. The chief minister also highlighted the features of Gujarats development model under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The interaction was attended by the chief ministers Chief Advisor, Hasmukh Adhia, and Secretary Ajay Kumar. Yuva Sangam is part of the Centres Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat initiative, which seeks to strengthen national unity and encourage young people to understand the diversity, traditions and development experiences of other parts of the country. The programme is structured around five themes tourism, traditions, progress, people-to-people connect and technology. Through visits to different states, students are given opportunities to learn about local customs, historical heritage, development models, industrial achievements and technological advancements. Gujarat Central University is hosting the Chandigarh delegation and facilitating its exposure to the states historical and tourist destinations, local culture and traditions, industrial development and government initiatives. The programme also seeks to establish lasting relationships among students from different parts of the country and encourage dialogue on the role of technology and innovation across sectors. As part of the reciprocal exchange, a 50-member delegation of students from Gujarat will visit Punjab from October 22 to 29. The students were selected through a prescribed process from around 5,000 applications received for the programme. The Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER), Mohali, will serve as the nodal institution for the Gujarat delegations visit to Punjab.
From 'Lakdi to Laptop': Gujarat Bharwad community distributes 221 JCB machines to youth
Digital Desk | Gandhinagar, Oct 14 (IANS) A total of 221 new JCB machines were distributed to young members of the Bharwad community under the 'Yuva Rojgar Yojana', while laptops collected through a community initiative will be given free to students who perform well in their Class 10 and Class 12 board examinations. Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi distributed the machines at a programme organised by the Bharwad Yuva Sangathan at Town Hall in Gandhinagar, with the initiative aimed at promoting self-employment and creating sustainable livelihood opportunities for young people across Gujarat. Addressing the gathering, Sanghavi described the community's transition from traditional livelihoods to digital education as a journey from Lakdi to Laptop, saying it would contribute to the country's development. The stick has always symbolised the honour of the Bharwad community, and now, laptops in their hands will contribute to the nation's development, he said, adding that while the stick had once served to protect the community, laptops would help its progress and upliftment. Sanghavi said the initiative would help generate employment for several families. He noted that obtaining bank loans could be difficult for ordinary and economically weaker rural households, but collective efforts by the community had helped young people access opportunities for self-employment. Thousands of young people had earlier received Eco and Bolero vehicles under similar efforts, he said. The distribution of 221 JCB machines marks an initiative to strengthen the economic prospects of young beneficiaries from different districts. The programme was attended by community representatives and officials associated with Amin JCB. Emphasising education, Sanghavi urged the community to ensure that girls received the best possible opportunities to study. The laptop initiative would support daughters of Maldhari families living in villages in pursuing education and sports, he said. The laptops are to be gifted free of cost to students who perform well in their Class 10 and Class 12 board examinations. The community also organised a traditional weighing ceremony of the Deputy Chief Minister against laptops to mark its effort to adapt to the digital age while retaining its cultural identity. The ceremony reflected the theme of the programme, From Stick to Laptop. Sanghavi also referred to action against illegal encroachments around the Dwarkadhish Temple, saying the land had been cleared to make it available for devotees and improve facilities for the lakhs of people who visit the shrine from across India and abroad. On cow protection, the Deputy Chief Minister said the first anti-cow slaughter law in Gujarat had been introduced when PM Narendra Modi was the state's Chief Minister. Over the past year, convictions in 15 cow slaughter cases had resulted in sentences ranging from seven years' imprisonment to life imprisonment, he added. He warned those involved in cow slaughter that they would have to abandon the activity or leave the state. He also praised the community's practice of organising mass marriages, saying the participation of community leaders in collective weddings, including those of their own children, helped save time and money while promoting unity. Former MLA Bhavanbhai Bharwad said the community had made progress in social awareness and education, claiming that nearly 90 per cent of its members were educated. Hostels had been established at several locations, including Amreli, Anand, Dharampur, Naina village and Ranuja, to support boys' education. Hostels and dharamshalas are also being constructed to assist students in need, he added. Young members of the community honoured Sanghavi with traditional symbols, including a stick, turban and waistcoat. Faculty members and officials who provide free coaching to community youth for competitive examinations were also felicitated with certificates presented by the Deputy Chief Minister. Prominent community members, including Lakhabhai Bharwad, Rajabhai Bharwad and Bharatbhai Budheliya from Bhavnagar, along with youth representatives, community leaders and representatives of Amin JCB, attended the programme.
32 awards, three categories: Gujarat honours Divyang employees and employers
Gandhinagar Gujarat has finalised 32 state-level awards for persons with disabilities (Divyang) and those supporting their employment, after reviewing 69 The post 32 awards, three categories: Gujarat honours Divyang employees and employers appeared first on Bilkul Online .
SC to hear Asarams appeal against life sentence in minor rape case on Nov 17
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Oct 14 (IANS) The Supreme Court on Wednesday listed for November 17 the appeal filed by self-styled godman Asaram Bapu challenging the Rajasthan High Court judgment upholding his conviction and life sentence in the 2013 minor rape case. A Bench of Justices J.B. Pardiwala and K. Vinod Chandran directed the apex court registry to summon the trial court records, in both physical and digital form, and furnish one set each to the petitioner, the state government and the victim. The matter was posted for further hearing at 2 p.m. on November 17 after the apex court was informed that Asaram was currently out on 20-day parole granted by the Rajasthan High Court, with the period due to end on October 27. The Justice Pardiwala-led Bench said it would hear the appeal further once Asaram surrendered after the expiry of his parole. During the hearing, the Supreme Court indicated that it would examine the legal question raised in the appeal, observing that the appellant side would have to establish that the alleged lapse was sufficient to vitiate the entire conviction. The apex court had earlier declined to grant interim bail to Asaram on medical grounds, while permitting him to avail round-the-clock services of a trained caregiver of his choice in view of a medical assessment submitted by the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS). Asaram has challenged the May 27 judgment of the Rajasthan High Court's Jodhpur Bench, which upheld his conviction and life sentence awarded by a Special POCSO Court in the 2013 case involving the sexual assault of a minor student at his Chhindwara Gurukul. The Special POCSO Court in Jodhpur had convicted Asaram on April 25, 2018, and sentenced him to imprisonment for the remainder of his natural life. Following the High Court verdict, he surrendered before the Jodhpur Central Jail on May 28 after undergoing a medical examination. Separately, the Rajasthan High Court on October 6 directed the state government to implement its August 3 order granting Asaram 20-day parole and submit a compliance report. Asaram is also serving a life sentence in a separate sexual assault case involving a woman disciple at his Gandhinagar ashram in Gujarat.
Gujarat completes 96 pc of approved houses under PMAY-U, wins three national awards
Digital Desk | Gandhinagar, Oct 14 (IANS) Gujarat has completed 96 per cent of the houses approved under the beneficiary-led construction component of the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (Urban), earning the state one of three national awards for urban housing and planning, the state government said on Wednesday. The awards, conferred by the Union Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, recognise Gujarats implementation of housing reforms, completion of houses for beneficiaries and procedures followed under the town planning scheme. Urban Development and Urban Housing Department Secretary Remya Mohan received the awards on behalf of the state from Union Minister of State for Housing and Urban Affairs, Tokhan Sahu, at a ceremony in New Delhi. Gujarat received the first award in the category of State with the Highest Number of Reforms Achieved under PMAY (U) 2.0. The ministry had proposed around 14 reforms covering land, urban planning, regulatory procedures, digital technology and financial mechanisms to make affordable housing more accessible, faster and transparent. Gujarat was recognised for implementing the highest number of these reforms among states. The second award was for the highest completion of houses under the Beneficiary-Led Construction (BLC) component of PMAY-U. Gujarat has completed 96 per cent of the houses approved under this component, the highest completion rate in the country, according to the state government. The third award recognised Gujarats practices in implementing Town Planning Scheme (TPS) procedures under the Gujarat Town Planning and Urban Development Act, 1976. Under the mechanism, residential zones are designated and 10 per cent of plots are reserved for Socially and Economically Weaker Sections (SEWS), with the aim of making land available for affordable housing in urban areas. Urban Development Minister Kanu Desai said Gujarat had approved 11.14 lakh houses under PMAY-U, of which construction of more than 9.30 lakh had been completed. More than 1.50 lakh additional houses had been approved under PMAY-U 2.0, launched in 2025-26, extending the schemes coverage to more urban families, he said. Desai said the three awards reflected the state governments efforts in urban development and the welfare of economically weaker sections under the guidance of Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel. He attributed the recognition to teamwork and the governments governance policies. Minister of State for Urban Development, Darshna Vaghela, said: Gujarat had received 14 national awards in urban housing between 2015-16 and 2026. With the latest three awards, the states total has risen to 17. Vaghela said the achievements reflected the states efforts towards faster and transparent governance. The government remained committed to providing vulnerable urban families with pucca houses and basic amenities to support a dignified life, she added. The awards come as Gujarat continues to implement PMAY-U and its successor, PMAY-U 2.0, to expand access to permanent housing in urban areas.
Gujarat govt gets record Rs 384.67 crore dividend from GEL, GTL
Digital Desk | Gandhinagar, Oct 14 (IANS) The Gujarat government has received a record dividend of Rs 384.67 crore from two state-controlled companies, Gujarat Energy Limited (GEL) and GSPL Transmission Limited (GTL), for the financial year 2025-26, following a restructuring that increased its shareholding in both entities. The dividend is the highest amount paid to the state government in a single financial year by any company under its control, according to an official statement released on Wednesday. Of the total amount, GEL contributed Rs 324 crore, while GTL paid Rs 60.67 crore. The cheques were presented to Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel in Gandhinagar by Avantika Singh, Managing Director of GEL and Vice-Chairperson of GTL. Energy and Petrochemicals Minister Rushikesh Patel, Minister of State, Kaushik Vekariya, and the Chief Minister's Principal Advisor, Hasmukh Adhia, were also present. The increase in the government's dividend income follows a Scheme of Arrangement involving companies in the Gujarat State Petroleum Corporation (GSPC) group, which came into effect on May 1 this year, coinciding with 'Gujarat Gaurav Diwas'. Under the scheme, Gujarat Gas Limited was renamed Gujarat Energy Limited following the integration of GSPC into the company. Meanwhile, the gas transmission business previously operated by Gujarat State Petronet Limited (GSPL) was transferred to GSPL Transmission Limited. The restructuring also changed the state government's shareholding in the two companies. Its stake in Gujarat Gas Limited, which was approximately six per cent before the scheme, increased to around 38 per cent in GEL. The government, which previously had no direct shareholding in GTL, now holds approximately 38 per cent in the transmission company. The scheme received approvals from the state government, the boards and shareholders of the respective companies, and the Union Ministry of Corporate Affairs before its implementation. The change in the corporate structure is reflected in the dividend figures. Gujarat Gas Limited paid the state government a total dividend of approximately Rs 81.55 crore over the three financial years from 2022-23 to 2024-25. In comparison, GEL alone paid Rs 324 crore in 2025-26, nearly four times the amount received over the preceding three years. Manoj Kumar Das, Chief Secretary and Chairman of GEL and GTL, described the payment as a historic moment for both GEL and GTL. Singh said the company's ability to contribute to the government through dividends had been significantly constrained for years by its legacy corporate structure. The Scheme of Arrangement has now proved decisive, unlocking the company's true financial potential and creating an opportunity to make a stronger contribution to the State's development and welfare initiatives, she said. The state government expects the dividend income to add to its revenue and support development and public welfare initiatives. Senior officials present at the event included Additional Chief Secretary of Finance Department, T. Natarajan; Principal Secretary of Energy and Petrochemicals Department, Ashwini Kumar; and Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister, Sanjeev Kumar.
SC turns down Asaram's bail plea in Gandhinagar rape case
The Supreme Court on Wednesday refused to entertain self-styled godman Asaram's plea challenging the Gujarat High Court's order denying him bail in the 2013 Gandhinagar rape case. Asaram, who is currently on parole granted by the Rajasthan High Court in another rape case, had sought bail to visit his ailing wife. The court noted his parole status and will hear his appeal against conviction in the Jodhpur case after his surrender on November 17.
Gujarat govt raises Anganwadi meal budget by 67 pc; adds green gram to menu
Digital Desk | Gandhinagar, Oct 14 (IANS) The Gujarat government has increased the daily procurement rate for hot cooked meals at Anganwadis by 67 per cent, from Rs 5.10 to Rs 8.50 per child, with the state bearing the entire additional cost of Rs 80 crore annually to improve the nutritional quality of meals served to more than 16.17 lakh children. The decision, announced by the Women and Child Development Department on Wednesday, will cover children aged three to six years across 53,065 Anganwadis in Gujarat under the Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) scheme. The increase of Rs 3.40 per child per day is intended to support a more varied menu featuring pulses, whole green gram, chickpeas, seasonal green vegetables and fruits. Under the revised funding arrangement, the existing expenditure of Rs 5.10 per beneficiary per day will continue to be shared equally by the Centre and the state government. Gujarat will bear the entire additional amount of Rs 3.40 per child per day, taking the total daily provision to Rs 8.50 per beneficiary. The additional annual expenditure is estimated at approximately Rs 80 crore. The revised rate also provides greater financial support for the local procurement of ingredients required to prepare meals at Anganwadis. According to the department's resolution, the daily allocation includes Rs 1.24 for tuvar dal, 85 paise for whole chickpeas, Rs 1.30 for whole green gram, 52.5 paise for jaggery, 83 paise for seasonal green vegetables and Rs 2 for fruits. A further 65 paise has been allocated for peanuts or sesame seeds, 60 paise for spices and 50 paise for local transportation. The menu has also been expanded to include whole green gram as part of the weekly hot cooked meal schedule. Children will receive a hot breakfast at 11 a.m. and a hot meal at 1:30 p.m. The menu includes boiled or sprouted green gram, thick tuvar dal, vegetable pulao, muthia prepared with green vegetables, spiced chickpeas, green gram with rice and vegetables, and seasonal fruits. Other items include sheera, sukhdi, bottle gourd dhebra, jaggery pudla, bhakhri, dhokla and idli. The Women and Child Development Department said the revised arrangement combines higher financial support with a more diverse menu, while strengthening the system for procuring ingredients locally. The decision has been taken under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, with guidance from Women and Child Development Minister Manisha Vakil, officials said. The department has issued a detailed plan setting out the quantities and costs of ingredients to be procured for preparing the meals. The revised rate increases the funds available for each child's daily meals while retaining the existing Centre-state cost-sharing arrangement for the original allocation. The additional expenditure will be met entirely by Gujarat, allowing the enhanced provision to be implemented without increasing the Centre's existing contribution.
GSSSB Gujarati Stenographer CV Schedule 2026 - Check Certificate Verification Date
GSSSB Gujarati Stenographer CV Schedule 2026 has released on 13 October for Grade-2, Class-3 posts under Advt. No. 254/202425. Check the certificate verification date, 17 October reporting time, venue in Gandhinagar, shortlisted candidates list and required documents.
BJP retains Gandhinagar civic body with 38 of 44 seats
BJP had, however, seen an erosion of three seats compared to the 2021 election. This election saw BJP workers allegedly tearing Congress posters and Congress' lone Lok Sabha MP from Gujarat, Geniben Thakore, challenging BJP to touch party posters in daytime.
Gujarat saw 14.5 pc voter names removed in SIR: CM Patel
Digital Desk | Gandhinagar, Oct 13 (IANS) Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel on Tuesday defended the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, saying around 14.5 per cent of names had been removed from the states voter list, a higher proportion than in any state governed by an opposition party, and rejected allegations that the exercise was being used to selectively delete voters. In a post on social media platform X, Patel said claims by the opposition that the revision was aimed at unilaterally removing voters names were completely divorced from reality. He argued that the figures showed the process was impartial and that the removals primarily involved deceased voters, people who had migrated and duplicate entries. The vast majority of the removed names belong to individuals who have passed away, migrated, or had duplicate entries, Patel said, adding that accurate electoral rolls were essential for free and fair elections. Citing figures for other states, the Chief Minister said around 2.05 crore names had been removed from the electoral rolls in Uttar Pradesh, which is governed by the BJP. He also referred to West Bengal, claiming that approximately 63 per cent of the names removed there belonged to Hindus. If the objective were political, would the numbers look like this? Patel asked, rejecting allegations that the exercise targeted particular voters or communities. He said electoral rolls needed to be updated periodically to remove the names of deceased and duplicate voters and include newly eligible voters. Patel described SIR as a statutory process conducted by the Election Commission and said it was transparent. Understand the facts and do not be misled by baseless claims. A clean and accurate voter list is the true guarantee of free and fair elections, he said. The Chief Ministers remarks came on the day when BJP showed strong performance in state's local body elections, including in the Gandhinagar Municipal Corporation, where the party won 38 of the 44 seats. The Congress secured five seats, while an Independent candidate won one. The Aam Aadmi Party, which had won one seat in 2021, failed to win any this time. Patel also linked the election results to public support for Prime Minister Narendra Modis leadership and the BJPs development agenda. Referring to comments made by Union Home Minister Amit Shah after the results, he said the mandate showed that voters had rejected what he described as the oppositions negative narrative and politics-based on falsehoods. The historic victory secured by the BJP in Gujarats local bodies, including Gandhinagar, and the results of by-elections across the country show that the people continue to stand firmly with PM Modi, Patel said in a separate post. He called on the Congress and the INDIA bloc to introspect over their repeated electoral defeats in Gujarat, arguing that development and good governance continued to enjoy public support. The SIR exercise has become a point of political contention, with opposition leaders raising concerns over the deletion of names from electoral rolls and the potential impact on eligible voters. The Election Commission conducts electoral roll revisions to maintain voter records, including by removing entries that are no longer valid and adding newly eligible electors.
Gujarat Civic Polls: BJP registers landslide wins in Okha, Thara, sweeps 3 nagarpalika bypolls
The BJP on Tuesday swept the Gandhinagar Municipal Corporation (GMC) polls, winning 38 of the 44 seats, and retained power in the Thara and Okha municipalities in Gujarat, according to results declared by the State Election Commission. However, the Congress finished second in Gandhinagar with five seats, while an independent candidate bagged one seat. The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), which had secured one seat in the previous GMC elections, failed to open its account this time. The GMC last went to polls in October 2021, when the BJP won 41 of the 44 seats, while the Congress secured two seats and the AAP one.
BJPs Gujarat poll win shows voters strong support for Modi, says Amit Shah
Amit Shah announced the BJP's significant victory in the recent municipal elections in Gujarat. The BJP secured 38 out of 44 seats in Gandhinagar Municipal Corporation. The Aam Aadmi Party contested all seats but forfeited its security deposits. Shah criticized Rahul Gandhi for Congress's ongoing electoral failures in Gujarat and elsewhere. The BJP's wins in by-elections demonstrate their strong position compared to Congress's performance.
BJP Sweeps Gandhinagar Civic Polls, Retains Power In Thara And Okha
BJP Wins 38 Of 44 Gandhinagar Seats; Congress Finishes Second With Five
IIT Gandhinagar Senior Research Fellow (Computer science and engineering) Recruitment 2026
Indian Institute of Technology Gandhinagar (IIT Gandhinagar), Research & Development Office, has released the official notification for the post of Senior Research Fellow. The last date to apply online is 15 November 2026. Candidates can apply through the official website, iitgn.ac.in.
Gandhinagar Municipal Corporation Election: BJP gets over 57% vote share, Congress 37%, AAP just 4%
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Tuesday won 38 of the 44 seats in the Gandhinagar Municipal Corporation elections , securing 56.64 per cent of the vote. The Congress won five seats with a vote share of 37.05 per cent, while the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) failed to win a single seat, polling 4.38 per cent of the votes. Others secured one seat with a vote share of 1.92 per cent.
BJP Scores Hat-Trick in Gandhinagar Civic Polls, Wins 38 Seats; AAP Draws a Blank
Gandhinagar Municipal Corporation Election Results 2026: BJP wins 38 of 44 seats to retain power for a third consecutive term. Congress gets 5 seats, while AAP fails to open its account.
BJP Retains Gandhinagar Municipal Corporation With 38 Of 44 Seats As AAP Fails To Open Account
Gandhinagar civic polls: BJP wins 38 of 44 seats, Congress gets 5
In the recent Gandhinagar Municipal Corporation elections, the BJP secured 38 of the 44 available seats. The Congress party finished with five seats while an independent candidate won one seat. The Aam Aadmi Party, which had previously won a seat, failed to gain any representation this time. Voter turnout was recorded at 59.25% with approximately 2.59 lakh registered voters participating.
3. Gujarat Civic Polls: BJP Wins 38 Of 44 Seats In Gandhinagar, Congress Improves Tally
The BJP has retained control of the Gandhinagar Municipal Corporation (GMC), winning 38 of the 44 seats in the civic elections. The Congress won five seats, while the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) failed to win any. The results were announced on
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has retained control of the Gandhinagar Municipal Corporation (GMC), winning 38 of the 44 seats in the civic elections. The Congress secured five seats, while an Independent candidate won one seat. The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), which fielded 32 candidates, failed to win a single seat.
Gujarat civic polls: Counting underway in Gandhinagar, other local bodies
BJP has governed the GMC for the last five years. This time, the BJP, Congress and Aam Aadmi Party are the main contenders in Gandhinagar
Results for the Gandhinagar Municipal Corporation (GMC) elections will be declared today, with counting of votes for 40 seats across 11 wards scheduled to begin at 8 am. The contest is primarily between the ruling BJP, the Congress and the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP). Polling for the civic body was held on Sunday, October 11. The GMC recorded a tentative voter turnout of 59.25 per cent, while turnout stood at 81.18 per cent in Thara municipality and 56.44 per cent in Okha, the State Election Commission (SEC) said.
MLA Jignesh Mevani Charged In Second FIR Post Gandhinagar Polls
Congress MLA Jignesh Mevani and three others have been booked in a second FIR for allegedly obstructing police, creating commotion at a police outpost, and violating the poll code during the Gandhinagar civic body elections. The charges include unlawful assembly and rioting, stemming from an incident where Mevani and supporters allegedly interfered with police questioning a man at a Sector-13 police outpost on October 9.
Gujarat govt clears incentives for 25 industrial units with Rs 3,903 crore investment
Digital Desk | Gandhinagar, Oct 12 (IANS) Gujarat has approved final eligibility certificates for 25 industrial units seeking incentives under two state industrial policies, covering proposed investments of Rs 3,903.30 crore and expected to generate more than 8,178 employment opportunities. The approvals were granted at a high-level committee meeting chaired by Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi, according to a statement issued by the state Industries and Mines Department on Monday. Of the 25 units, 22 have been approved for investments worth Rs 1,631.90 crore under the Industrial Policy-2015. The remaining three large industrial units have received final approval for investments totalling Rs 2,271.40 crore under the Aatmanirbhar Gujarat Scheme-2022. The units are spread across Ahmedabad, Morbi, Bharuch, Kutch, Vadodara, Mehsana, Kheda and Surendranagar districts. They operate in sectors including automobiles, textiles, plastics, paper, chemicals, ceramics and metals. The state government provides financial incentives to eligible industrial units under the two policies, including assistance linked to net state goods and services tax (SGST), interest subsidies and reimbursement of employees' provident fund (EPF) contributions. The latest approvals cover both large industrial projects and smaller enterprises, with the government seeking to support investment across different segments of the state's industrial sector. The department said the incentive framework was intended to promote industrial development, encourage investment and support the growth of micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) alongside larger industries. The approvals come as Gujarat continues to use policy-linked financial assistance to attract industrial investment across its districts and manufacturing sectors. The department said the projects covered by the latest decisions were expected to create approximately 8,178 jobs.
Gujarat Congress MLA Jignesh Mevani Faces FIR Over Police Station Incident
Jignesh Mevani and seven others face FIR for disrupting police work and inciting community tensions during local elections in Gandhinagar. Gujarat Congress MLA Jignesh Mevani Faces FIR Over Police Station Incident
Gujarat adds field, off-road vehicle categories to govt procurement policy
Digital Desk | Gandhinagar, Oct 12 (IANS) The Gujarat government has introduced two new categories for procuring official vehicles, allowing departments to select vehicles suited to field inspections, enforcement work and off-road duties, while expanding the options for electric vehicles in its government fleet. The revised policy, announced on Monday, introduces Category-F for field inspection and enforcement vehicles and Category-F1 for officers who require vehicles for off-road operations. The amendment builds on the government's April 11, 2023, policy, which prescribed vehicles according to the designation and responsibilities of ministers, senior officials, district-level officers, and government departments. Category-F includes different categories of SUVs, including electric vehicles. The inclusion of electric vehicles in the new category extends their use under the procurement policy beyond regular government office duties to field inspection and enforcement work. Category-F1 covers officers performing off-road duties in departments including Home; Forest and Environment; Industries and Mines; Narmada, Water Resources, Water Supply and Kalpsar; Panchayats and Rural Housing; Ports and Transport; Roads and Buildings; and Revenue. Departments have been given lists from which they can choose vehicles as per their needs. The provision addresses the operational requirements of officers working in forest areas, remote locations, mineral-rich regions and construction or development project sites where unpaved roads and difficult terrain may require specialised vehicles. The earlier policy, introduced in 2023 in place of the 2019 framework, had six main categories, A to E, including the A1 subcategory. Category-A covered ministers and the Chief Secretary, while A1 was designated for VVIP state guests. Category-B covered heads of constitutional bodies, boards, corporations and similar institutions. Category-C applied to district-level officials, including Collectors, District Development Officers and Superintendents of Police. Category-D covered heads of departments and equivalent officials, while Category-E provided for staff cars for government offices. The revised policy retains the existing designation-based categories while adding provisions based on the nature of official duties. The procurement rules continue to require vehicles to be purchased through the Government e-Marketplace (GeM) at prevailing market prices. Purchases outside the prescribed policy require approval from the competent authority, supported by specific circumstances and valid reasons, as well as prior government approval. The revision retains the existing procurement framework while providing separate options for field enforcement and off-road work.
Gujarat: FIR against Cong MLA Jignesh Mevani over police station ruckus
Gandhinagar An FIR has been registered against Congress MLA Jignesh Mevani and seven others for allegedly obstructing a police inspector, The post Gujarat: FIR against Cong MLA Jignesh Mevani over police station ruckus appeared first on Bilkul Online .
IIT Gandhinagar Program Associate-I Recruitment 2026
Indian Institute of Technology Gandhinagar (IIT Gandhinagar) has released the official notification for the post of Program Associate-I. The last date to apply online is 31 October 2026. Candidates can apply through the official website, recruitment.iitgn.ac.in.
Jignesh Mevani, others booked in Gujarat for obstructing police
Ahmedabad: An FIR has been registered against Congress MLA Jignesh Mevani and seven others for allegedly obstructing a police inspector, creating a commotion inside Pethapur police station and attempting to incite tensions between communities during the campaign for the Gandhinagar Municipal Corporation elections, according to the FIR. The incident allegedly took place on October 8 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 .
Voter Turnout Reaches 31.90% in Gandhinagar Municipal Elections
Gandhinagar sees a voter turnout of 31.90% in local elections, with men participating more than women. Counting set for October 13. Voter Turnout Reaches 31.90% in Gandhinagar Municipal Elections
Voter Turnout Reaches 5.9% in Gandhinagar Municipal Elections by 9 AM
Gandhinagar municipal elections see 5.9% voter turnout by 9 AM, with Ward 4 leading in participation. Voter Turnout Reaches 5.9% in Gandhinagar Municipal Elections by 9 AM
Gujarat local polls: Gandhinagar records 5.9 pc turnout in first two hours of voting
Digital Desk | Gandhinagar, Oct 11 (IANS) Voting is underway for the Gandhinagar Municipal Corporation (GMC) elections on Sunday, with a turnout of 5.90 per cent recorded in the first two hours, as polling also took place in Okha and Thara municipalities and for by-elections to seats in other local bodies across Gujarat. According to the State Election Commission (SEC), 15,347 of the 2,59,985 registered voters in Gandhinagar had cast their votes between 7 a.m. and 9 a.m. The turnout was 7.26 per cent among male voters and 4.49 per cent among female voters. Ward 4 recorded the highest turnout at 8.97 per cent, followed by Ward 1 at 8.26 per cent. Ward 9 reported the lowest turnout at 4.56 per cent, according to the poll data report. Elections are being held for all 44 seats across the GMC's 11 wards, with 130 candidates in the fray. The principal contest is among the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Congress and the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP). Polling began at 7 a.m. and will continue until 6 p.m. The elections are being conducted through electronic voting machines (EVMs). The GMC, which has 2,59,985 registered voters, last went to the polls in October 2021, when the BJP won 41 of the 44 seats. Congress secured two seats, while the AAP won one. In the Okha municipality, polling is being held for 32 of the total 36 seats across nine wards, as four seats were won unopposed. A total of 75 candidates are contesting the remaining seats, according to the SEC. In Thara municipality, elections are being held across six wards comprising 24 seats, with 59 candidates in the fray. By-elections are also being held for one seat each in the Kheralu, Chhota Udepur and Bayad municipalities, along with vacancies in various district and taluka panchayats across the state. The SEC has arranged police deployment and patrolling, particularly at polling stations classified as sensitive and hyper-sensitive, to ensure peaceful voting. The election schedule was announced on September 16, triggering the implementation of the model code of conduct. Counting of votes is scheduled for October 13. Repolling, if required, will be held on Monday.
Local Body Elections in Gujarat Set for October 11, Eyes on Gandhinagar
Voting for local body elections in Gujarat will take place on October 11, with results expected on October 13. Local Body Elections in Gujarat Set for October 11, Eyes on Gandhinagar
Digital Desk | Gandhinagar, Oct 10 (IANS) Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel has said that several development initiatives launched in the state under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership had subsequently been expanded nationwide, as he congratulated the Prime Minister on completing 25 years in public service. Addressing a press conference in Gandhinagar alongside Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi and government spokesperson Minister Jitu Vaghani, Patel on Friday added that PM Modi's political journey, which began with his tenure as the Gujarat Chief Minister on October 7, 2001, had been guided by the principles of Service, Not Power and Nation First. PM Modi had introduced a new approach to governance based on development and performance, with the mantra of 'Reform, Perform, Transform', and had sought to turn challenges into opportunities through a clear vision and decisive leadership, he said. Recalling PM Modi's tenure as Gujarat Chief Minister, Patel cited the Jyotigram Yojana, which improved electricity supply to villages, the Narmada canal network, which expanded access to water, and the Vibrant Gujarat Global Investment Summit, launched in 2003 to attract investment to the state. Patel said the development model pursued in Gujarat had contributed to PM Modi securing a national mandate in the 2014 Lok Sabha elections. As Prime Minister, he had continued to serve as the countrys 'Pradhan Sevak', ushering in an era of development-focused and performance-driven politics, he noted. He said that development under PM Modi went beyond roads, bridges and industries, and was intended to bring tangible changes to the lives of disadvantaged sections of society. Initiatives relating to housing, sanitation, financial inclusion, healthcare security and Garib Kalyan Melas were aimed at ensuring that welfare benefits reached people directly, he added. Patel also highlighted PM-KISAN, the promotion of natural farming, the Ujjwala Yojana and efforts to increase women's participation in decision-making as initiatives supporting farmers, women and other sections of society. Drawing parallels between Gujarat's schemes and national programmes, Patel cited the expansion of MA Amrutam into Ayushman Bharat, Jyotigram into the Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Gram Jyoti Yojana, Nirmal Gujarat into the Swachh Bharat Mission, Jal Mandir into Amrit Sarovar and Kanya Kelavani into 'Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao'. He also pointed to the transition from Khel Mahakumbh in Gujarat to the nationwide Khelo India programme. Highlighting projects expected to support Gujarat's economic growth, Patel referred to the Ahmedabad-Dholera rail and expressway projects, the Western Dedicated Freight Corridor, the railway locomotive manufacturing unit in Dahod and defence aircraft manufacturing in Vadodara. He also cited the International Financial Services Centres Authority and India International Bullion Exchange at GIFT City. The Chief Minister said, The hybrid renewable energy park at Khavda in Kutch, the CNG terminal in Bhavnagar and the expansion of the semiconductor sector are positioning Gujarat for growth in clean energy, advanced technology and manufacturing. Six semiconductor projects under the Semiconductor Mission were part of the state's efforts to emerge as a major semiconductor hub. Patel also referred to India's response to the Covid-19 pandemic, saying PM Modi had demonstrated global responsibility by promoting the development of indigenous vaccines and supplying them to other countries. Guided by the principle of 'Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam', or the world as one family, PM Modi had strengthened India's international standing while seeking to balance development with environmental protection, he said. He added that the Prime Minister's emphasis on self-reliance, innovation and skill development was creating opportunities for young people and supporting the goal of Viksit Bharat-2047.
Gujarat govt approves Rs 2.90 crore for nine-day Navratri celebrations at five pilgrimage sites
Digital Desk | Gandhinagar, Oct 10 (IANS) The Gujarat government has approved Rs 2.90 crore for nine days of Navratri celebrations at five prominent pilgrimage sites, extending the planned Garba programmes from a single day to the full duration of the festival, Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi said. The celebrations will be held at Ambaji, Bahucharaji, Unai, Modhera and Unjha, where devotees will be able to participate in Garba programmes alongside religious observances during the nine-day festival dedicated to the worship of Shakti. According to the state government on Friday, the existing resolution provided for a one-day Navratri event at these sites. However, considering the faith and sentiments of devotees, Sanghavi decided to organise Garba programmes throughout all nine days of Navratri. The approved allocation of Rs 2.90 crore will cover the celebrations at the five religious destinations, including other associated expenses and artists' fees. The venues include the Shri Arasuri Ambaji Mata Devasthan Trust, the Unai Mata Temple in Vansda, the Shri Modheshwari Mata Temple in Modhera, the Shri Bahucharaji Mata Temple in Mehsana district and the Shri Umiya Mataji Temple in Unjha. The programmes are intended to bring together religious observances and Gujarat's traditional folk culture, allowing local residents and pilgrims from across the state to participate in Garba at the temple sites. Navratri, celebrated over nine nights, is marked by worship of the Goddess and community Garba and Dandiya Raas events across Gujarat. The festival also draws devotees to major temples dedicated to the Goddess, making the pilgrimage sites important centres of religious activity during the period. The government's allocation will support the organisation of the nine-day programmes at the five selected destinations. The initiative aims to offer pilgrims visiting these sacred sites throughout Navratri an opportunity to participate in Garba in a devotional atmosphere. By extending celebrations across all nine nights, the government seeks to combine traditional worship with Gujarats rich folk culture and provide devotees with a more immersive Navratri experience at the five pilgrimage destinations
