Gujarat shuts 54 government primary schools across 33 districts as student numbers plunge

AHMEDABAD: The Gujarat government informed the Assembly on February 25, 2025, that 54 government primary schools across 33 districts had been shut down in the past two years due to plummeting student enrollment. The disclosure, made by Primary, Secondary, and Adult Education Minister, came in response to a question by Congress MLA Kirit Patel (Patan), exposing a deepening education crisis in the state. Schools Vanishing Across Districts Devbhoomi Dwarka led the shutdowns with nine closures, followed by Aravalli (7), Amreli (6), and Porbandar (6)each grappling with a sharp decline in student numbers. Junagadh recorded four closures, while Chhota Udepur, Kutch, and Rajkot saw three schools shut down each, signaling the widespread impact. Kheda, Jamnagar, and Navsari followed with two closures per district, further tightening the noose on struggling institutions. The crisis didnt spare Bhavnagar, Dang, Gir Somnath, Mahesana, Panchmahal, Surat, and Surendranagar, each losing one primary school, underscoring a grim picture of shrinking educational access. Single-Classroom Schools and Crumbling Infrastructure Beyond school closures, infrastructure woes continue to haunt Gujarats education system. In February 2024, the government admitted in the Assembly that 341 primary schools were operating with just one room, responding to a query from Congress MLA Shailesh Parmar. Justifying the appalling conditions, officials blamed low student and teacher numbers, arguing that fewer classrooms were necessary. However, the situation is exacerbated by the demolition of dilapidated rooms, with authorities citing a lack of available land as the reason new classrooms cannot be built, leaving students crammed into single-room facilities with no solution in sight. 1,606 Schools Run with Just One Teacher In another shocking disclosure on February 12, 2024, the Gujarat government admitted in the Assembly that 1,606 of the state's 32,000 government primary schools were running with only one teacher handling all students from Classes 1 to 8. The staggering figure highlights a severe staffing crisis in Gujarats education system, where thousands of students struggle for basic instruction in understaffed schools. Playgrounds Vanishing, Holistic Development at Risk The infrastructure crisis doesnt stop at classrooms. The government further revealed that 5,012 government primary schools across Gujarat lack a playground, depriving students of crucial recreational space. The situation in secondary and higher secondary schools is equally alarming, with 78 government, 315 grant-in-aid, and 255 private institutions operating without playgrounds, despite Gujarat housing around 12,700 such schools. Even private institutions are not spared, as 37 grant-in-aid and 509 private primary schools also lack on-campus playgrounds, highlighting a systemic neglect of student development. With shrinking school infrastructure, collapsing student enrollment, and teacher shortages, Gujarats education sector is facing one of its most severe crises in recent history.

AAP names Gopal Italia as candidate for Visavadar Assembly bypoll; EC to yet announce date

The Visavadar seat in Junagadh district, which has been lying vacant since December 2023 when Bhupendra Bhayani resigned as the AAP MLA and joined the ruling BJP

Ahmedabad Diary | Ex-Congress strategist targets Rahul in House

Arjun Modhwadia, once a Congress strategist and close aide of Ahmed Patel and now a BJP MLA from Porbandar, targeted Rahul Gandhi in the Gujarat Assembly on Tuesday. Modhwadia accused Rahul of insulting India abroad and Congressmen at home, claiming he sees Gujarat Congress leaders as either racehorses or wedding horses but has failed to recognise the difference between a horse and a rider even after years in politics. He went further, saying Rahul doesnt understand Gujarat politics and that Congress is now unfit to be an opposition party. Junagadh MP in BJP state president race? The BJPs search for a new state president has been dragging on, with names surfacing and fading in quick succession. Now, Junagadh MP Rajesh Chudasama has entered the fray. The buzz? BJP is keen on an OBC leader to take the reins. Young and politically seasoned, Chudasama has a one-term MLA and three-term MP track record. His credentials dont stop therehe recently defeated Congress MLA Vimal Chudasama in Junagadhs municipal elections. His OBC background and Saurashtra roots, a BJP stronghold, further strengthen his case. With party insiders rallying behind him, will Chudasama emerge as BJPs next state chief? MLAs high on wealth but low on degrees Gujarats 180 MLAs collectively hold Rs 3,009 crore in assets, yet 55% are not even graduates, according to an ADR report. A staggering 98 MLAs have studied only up to Class 5 or 12, or hold diplomas. Nationally, 35% of MLAs lack a graduation degree, while 24% have postgraduate or higher qualifications. Women remain underrepresentedonly 10% of Indias MLAs are women, with Gujarat contributing only 14 female legislators. Adding to the mix, 21% of Gujarats MLAs37 in all have criminal cases against them. On the wealth front, Mansa MLA Jayanti Patel leads the pack with Rs 661 crore in assets. Dilip Singh Kshatriya Our correspondent in Gujarat dilipsingh@newindianexpress.com

After 10 years, PM Modi gives green signal for 16th Asiatic Lion population census

NEW DELHI: On the occasion of World Wildlife Day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi approved the 16th population estimation of the Asiatic lion, set to take place in May this year. This decision was made during the seventh National Wildlife Board (NWLB) meeting held in Sasan, Gujarat. The 16th Asiatic Lion population estimation was scheduled for June 2020. However, it had to be suspended indefinitely because of the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic. The in-house monthly estimation shows that the number of lions was 674, which is up by 151 from the 15th Lions population estimation for the 2015 Census. Asiatic lions' natural habitat is only in the Gir Forest of Gujarat. So far, the Lion's population has doubled since 2001, and its distribution has expanded from 22,000 sq. km in 2015 to 30,000 sq. km in 2020 across 53 talukas in nine districts of Gujarat. The central government has approved more than Rs 2,900 crore for Project Lion, which is meant to conserve Asiatic lions, of which Gujarat is the only abode. Soon after completing his lion safari at Gir National Park in the morning, Modi headed for the NBWL meeting at Sasan in Gujarat's Junagadh district. Union Minister of Environment, Forest and Climate Change Bhupender Yadav and other members attended the meeting. On the occasion, Modi laid the foundation stone for the National Referral Centre-Wildlife at Junagadh. On Sunday, he also visited Vantara, an animal rescue, conservation, and rehabilitation center at the Reliance Jamnagar refinery complex. He also announced the establishment of a Centre of Excellence for Human-Wildlife Conflict Management, SACON, at Coimbatore in Tamil Nadu and unveiled a book on river dolphins. The NBWL, a statutory body that advises the government on wildlife conservation, has 47 members, including the Chief of Army Staff, members from different states, representatives from NGOs working in this field, chief wildlife wardens, and secretaries from various states. After the safari, Modi, in a post on X, said the population of Asiatic lions has seen a steady rise due to collective efforts and commended the contribution of tribals and women living in surrounding areas in preserving the lion habitat. This morning, on #WorldWildlifeDay, I went on a Safari in Gir, which, as we all know, is home to the majestic Asiatic Lion. Coming to Gir also brings back many memories of the work we collectively did when I was serving as Gujarat CM, he said. Additionally, as part of a national project, a National Referral Centre for Wildlife is being established on over 20.24 hectares of land at New Pipalya in Junagadh district. This morning, on #WorldWildlifeDay , I went on a Safari in Gir, which, as we all know, is home to the majestic Asiatic Lion. Coming to Gir also brings back many memories of the work we collectively did when I was serving as Gujarat CM. In the last many years, collective efforts pic.twitter.com/S8XMmn2zN7 Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) March 3, 2025

PM announces dolphin census, lion survey, Cheetah expansion

AHMEDABAD: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday released the countrys first-ever riverine dolphin estimation report, which revealed a population of 6,327 dolphins in 28 states, during his visit to Gir National Park in Gujarat. He was chairing the 7th meeting of the National Board for Wildlife and unveiled a series of key initiatives. Strengthening conservation efforts, he also laid the foundation stone for the National Referral Centre for Wildlife at Junagadh. Further amplifying wildlife preservation, the PM announced the 16th Asiatic Lion Population Estimation, set for 2025, besides the establishment of a Centre of Excellence at SACON, Coimbatore, to address human-wildlife conflicts. Expanding Indias ambitious cheetah reintroduction program, the PM revealed plans to introduce the big cats to Gandhisagar Sanctuary in Madhya Pradesh and the Banni Grasslands in Gujarat. In a comprehensive review, the National Board for Wildlife spotlighted key government initiatives in wildlife conservation, celebrating milestones in protected area expansion and flagship species programs like Project Tiger, Project Elephant, and Project Snow Leopard. The extensive survey, covering over 8,500 kilometers, saw Uttar Pradesh recording the highest numbers, followed by Bihar, Bengal, and Assam. Stressing community involvement, the PM underscored the role of local populations in dolphin conservation and proposed exposure visits for school children to dolphin habitats. He laid the foundation stone for the National Referral Centre for Wildlife at Junagadh, envisioned as the nerve center for coordinating wildlife disease management. On the lion conservation front, he announced the commencement of the 16th Asiatic lion population estimation cycle in 2025, following the last survey conducted in 2020. Notably, with Asiatic lions naturally dispersing into Barda Wildlife Sanctuary, conservation efforts in the region will be strengthened through prey augmentation and habitat enhancement. Emphasising the balance between conservation and eco-tourism, the PM called for improved travel infrastructure to boost wildlife tourism. Harnessing modern tech, the PM pushed for the integration of remote sensing, geospatial mapping, AI, and machine learning in tackling forest fires and human-animal conflicts.

PM Modi unveils major wildlife push: dolphin census, lion survey, cheetah expansion

AHMEDADBAD: Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during his visit to Gir National Park in Gujarat, chaired the 7th meeting of the National Board for Wildlife and unveiled a series of key wildlife initiatives. In a historic move, he released the countrys first-ever riverine dolphin estimation report, revealing a population of 6,327 dolphins. Strengthening conservation efforts, he also laid the foundation stone for the National Referral Centre for Wildlife at Junagadh. Further amplifying wildlife preservation, the Prime Minister announced the 16th Asiatic Lion Population Estimation, set for 2025, alongside the establishment of a Centre of Excellence at SACON, Coimbatore, to address human-wildlife conflicts. Expanding Indias ambitious cheetah reintroduction program, PM Modi revealed plans to introduce the big cats to Gandhisagar Sanctuary in Madhya Pradesh and the Banni Grasslands in Gujarat. The National Board for Wildlife, in a comprehensive review, spotlighted key government initiatives in wildlife conservation, celebrating milestones in protected area expansion and flagship species programs like Project Tiger, Project Elephant, and Project Snow Leopard. The discussions also encompassed conservation strategies for dolphins and Asiatic lions, alongside the launch of the International Big Cats Alliance. A significant highlight of the meeting was the release of India's first-ever riverine dolphin estimation report by the Prime Minister, revealing a population of 6,327 dolphins across 28 rivers in eight states. This extensive survey, covering over 8,500 kilometers, saw Uttar Pradesh recording the highest numbers, followed by Bihar, West Bengal, and Assam. Stressing community involvement, the Prime Minister underscored the role of local populations in dolphin conservation and proposed exposure visits for school children to dolphin habitats. Further reinforcing India's commitment to wildlife health, the Prime Minister laid the foundation stone for the National Referral Centre for Wildlife at Junagadh, envisioned as the nerve center for coordinating wildlife disease management. On the lion conservation front, he announced the commencement of the 16th Asiatic lion population estimation cycle in 2025, following the last survey conducted in 2020. Notably, with Asiatic lions naturally dispersing into Barda Wildlife Sanctuary, conservation efforts in the region will be strengthened through prey augmentation and habitat enhancement. Emphasizing the balance between conservation and eco-tourism, the Prime Minister called for improved travel infrastructure to boost wildlife tourism. Addressing human-wildlife conflict, he announced the establishment of a Centre of Excellence at the Wildlife Institute of Indias SACON campus in Coimbatore. Harnessing cutting-edge technology, the Prime Minister pushed for the integration of remote sensing, geospatial mapping, AI, and machine learning in tackling forest fires and human-animal conflicts. He proposed a collaboration between the Wildlife Institute of India and BISAG-N to enhance conflict resolution strategies. Asiatic lion population rising steadily: PM Modi visits Gir on World Wildlife Day, hails conservation efforts Strengthening forest fire management, he urged coordination between the Forest Survey of India, Dehradun, and BISAG-N to leverage space technology for improved detection, prevention, and control mechanisms. Expanding Indias ambitious cheetah reintroduction program, the Prime Minister announced new sites, including Gandhisagar Sanctuary in Madhya Pradesh and Banni Grasslands in Gujarat. Additionally, he launched a conservation scheme targeting tigers outside designated reserves to address human-wildlife coexistence challenges. Recognizing the alarming decline in gharial populations, he also initiated a dedicated conservation project for the species. The Prime Minister reinforced Indias commitment to the Great Indian Bustard conservation, unveiling a National Action Plan to scale up efforts. Citing the success story of Girs lion and leopard conservation, the Prime Minister advocated documenting traditional conservation knowledge using AI for application across national parks and sanctuaries. Recognizing the vital role of local communities, he celebrated the sixfold increase in community reserves over the past decade and emphasized the deployment of AI in conservation the Prime Minister flagged off motorcycles to enhance the mobility of frontline forest staff and engaged with field functionaries at Gir, including eco-guides and trackers, reaffirming the governments commitment to safeguarding Indias rich biodiversity.

Photos: PM Modi goes on jungle safari in Gujarats Gir wildlife sanctuary

Sasan: Prime Minister Narendra Modi went on a lion safari at Gir Wildlife Sanctuary in Gujarats Junagadh district on Monday morning, on the occasion of the World Wildlife Day. In a post on X, Modi said the population of Asiatic lions has seen a steady rise due to collective efforts, and commended the contribution of 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 .

PM Modi Announces Asiatic Lion Census This May At National Wildlife Board Meeting In Gujarat

After completing his lion safari at Gir National Park in the morning, PM Modi headed for the meeting, at Sasan in Gujarats Junagadh district.

PM Modi Chairs National Wildlife Board Meet In Gujarat, Announces Lion Census

SASAN (GUJARAT), Feb 3: Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired the National Board for Wildlifes seventh meeting here on Monday, on the occasion of the World Wildlife Day, and announced the Asiatic lion population estimation to be held in May this year. Soon after completing his lion safari at Gir National Park in the morning, Modi headed for the NBWL meeting, at Sasan in Gujarats Junagadh district, which was attended by Union Minister of Environment, Forest and Climate Change Bhupender Yadav [] The post PM Modi Chairs National Wildlife Board Meet In Gujarat, Announces Lion Census appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

PM Modi goes on safari in Gujarat; lauds tribals for preserving habitat of Asiatic lions

SASAN: Prime Minister Narendra Modi went on a lion safari at Gir Wildlife Sanctuary in Gujarat's Junagadh district on Monday morning, on the occasion of World Wildlife Day. In a post on X, Modi said the population of Asiatic lions has seen a steady rise due to collective efforts, and commended the contribution of tribals and women living in surrounding areas in preserving the Asiatic lions' habitat. This morning, on #WorldWildlifeDay, I went on a Safari in Gir, which, as we all know, is home to the majestic Asiatic Lion. Coming to Gir also brings back many memories of the work we collectively did when I was serving as Gujarat CM, he said. In the last many years, collective efforts have ensured that the population of Asiatic Lions is rising steadily. Equally commendable is the role of tribal communities and women from surrounding areas in preserving the habitat of the Asiatic Lion, Modi added. This morning, on #WorldWildlifeDay , I went on a Safari in Gir, which, as we all know, is home to the majestic Asiatic Lion. Coming to Gir also brings back many memories of the work we collectively did when I was serving as Gujarat CM. In the last many years, collective efforts pic.twitter.com/S8XMmn2zN7 Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) March 3, 2025 The prime minister also posted pictures of lions that he came across during the safari. Union Minister of Environment, Forest and Climate Change Bhupender Yadav, other ministers and senior forest department officials accompanied Modi during the safari. The PM later went to chair the seventh meeting of the National Board for Wildlife at Sasan Gir, the headquarters of the Gir Wildlife Sanctuary. The central government has approved more than Rs 2,900 crore for Project Lion, meant for the conservation of Asiatic lions, for which Gujarat is the only abode, stated a government release. Currently, the Asiatic lions inhabit nearly 30,000 square kilometres across 53 talukas in 9 districts of Gujarat, it said. Additionally, as part of a national project, a National Referral Centre for Wildlife is being established on over 20.24 hectares of land at New Pipalya in Junagadh district, it said. A high-tech monitoring centre for wildlife tracking and a state-of-the-art hospital have also been set up in Sasan to strengthen conservation efforts, the release said. Earlier, Modi had a night halt at Sinh Sadan, a forest guest house managed by the state forest department, in Sasan after he arrived from Somnath where he offered prayers at the Lord Shiv temple, the first among 12 jyotirlingas, on Sunday evening. On Sunday, Modi also visited Vantara, an animal rescue, conservation and rehabilitation centre located at the Reliance Jamnagar refinery complex. It is a rescue centre dedicated to the welfare of captive elephants and wildlife, providing sanctuary, rehabilitation and medical care to animals rescued from abuse and exploitation.

PM Narendra Modi Goes On Lion Safari At Gir Wildlife Sanctuary On World Wildlife Day | News18

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday morning went on a lion safari at Gir Wildlife Sanctuary in Gujarat's Junagadh on the occasion of World Wildlife Day. During the jeep safari, he was accompanied by some ministers and senior forest department officials and was also seen capturing pictures of lions.In a post on X later, he reiterated the commitment to protect and preserve the incredible biodiversity of our planet on the occasion of World Wildlife Day. n18oc_indiaNews18 Mobile App - https://onelink.to/desc-youtube

Watch: PM Modi's Lion Safari At Gujarat's Gir On World Wildlife Day

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday went on a lion safari at Gir Wildlife Sanctuary in Gujarat's Junagadh on the occasion of World Wildlife Day.

World Wildlife Day | PM Modi Goes On Lion Safari In Gujarat

Sasan (Gujarat), Mar 3: Prime Minister Narendra Modi went on a lion safari at Gir Wildlife Sanctuary in Gujarats Junagadh district on Monday morning, on the occasion of the World Wildlife Day, during his tour of the state. Modi had a night halt at Sinh Sadan, a forest guest house managed by the state forest department, in Sasan after his arrival from Somnath where he offered prayers at the Lord Shiv temple, the first among 12 jyotirlingas, on Sunday evening. [] The post World Wildlife Day | PM Modi Goes On Lion Safari In Gujarat appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

PM Modi Goes On Lion Safari At Gir Wildlife Sanctuary On World Wildlife Day

Prime Minister Narendra Modi embarked on a thrilling lion safari adventure at the renowned Gir Wildlife Sanctuary in Gujarat's Junagadh district on Monday morning.

Gujarat leads nation in mangrove afforestation; covers 19,020 hectares under MISHTI scheme

AHMEDABAD: Gujarat has emerged as the national leader in mangrove afforestation, covering 19,020 hectares in just two years under the Centres MISHTI scheme. Launched in 2023, the initiative aims to expand Indias mangrove cover while strengthening coastal livelihoods. With Gujarat spearheading the efforts, the program is rapidly transforming the nations coastal ecosystem. The Central government launched the MISHTI (Mangrove Initiative for Shoreline Habitats and Tangible Incomes) scheme in 2023 to expand mangrove forests across coastal states and union territories, securing a sustainable future for both communities and ecosystems. In just two years, Gujarat has surged ahead, planting mangroves across more than 19,000 hectares, making it the national frontrunner in the initiatives success. Gujarat remains committed to environmental conservation, aligning with the vision of Viksit Gujarat to Viksit Bharat. This commitment has positioned Gujarat at the forefront of the Central Governments MISHTI scheme implementation, said Forest and Environment Minister Mulubhai Bera. Gujarats mangrove ecosystem is strategically distributed, with Kutch leading the charge at 799 sq. km. The Gulf of Kutch, home to the Marine National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary, along with districts like Jamnagar, Rajkot (Morbi), Porbandar, and Devbhoomi Dwarka, accounts for 236 sq. km. The central and southern belt, spanning Bhavnagar, Ahmedabad, Anand, Bharuch, Surat, Navsari, and Valsad, holds 134 sq. km, covering critical areas like the Gulf of Khambhat and Dumas-Ubhrat. Meanwhile, Saurashtra, including Amreli, Junagadh, and Gir-Somnath, maintains a moderate 6 sq. km of mangrove cover. Mangrove forests serve as a crucial green barrier, preventing coastal erosion while supporting fish breeding and sustaining coastal livelihoods. During cyclones, they shield vulnerable regions, curb rising salinity, and protect agriculture. With a 1,650 km-long coastline, Gujarat fosters diverse ecosystems, including mangroves, coral reefs, and seagrasses. Under the MISHTI scheme, the Central government aims to plant 540 sq. km of mangroves in five years. Gujarat has already raced ahead, completing plantation across 190 sq. km in just two years.

Gujarat pays Rs 12,389 crore for crop losses, but Rs 185 crore insurance dues remain unpaid

Gujarat Agriculture Minister Rajivji Patel informed the Assembly that the state has disbursed over Rs 12,389 crore to 99.43 lakh farmers over the past five years to compensate for crop losses caused by unseasonal rains and windstorms. However, the government admitted that rs 185.31 crore in insurance premiums under the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY) for Kharif 2019 remains unpaid due to administrative delays. The latest compensations follows heavy rains during Kharif 2024, which severely impacted crops such as groundnut, cotton, soybean, moong, urad, tur, vegetables, and fodder in Junagadh and Porbandar districts. A survey identified 18,023 affected farmers in Junagadh and 50,206 in Porbandar, and the government has transferred over Rs 100 crore directly to 68,229 farmers bank accounts. Despite the Gujarat governments claims of compensating farmers with crores of rupees for crop losses, it admitted in the Assembly that Rs 185.31 crore in insurance premiums under the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY) for Kharif 2019 remains unpaid. Responding to a query from Congress MLA Shailesh Parmar, the government attributed the delay to administrative reasons. Criticising the delay, Gujarat Congress Kisan Cell President Pal Ambaliya alleged that farmers money is stuck in the PMFBY scheme. The scheme, launched in 2016, was abruptly discontinued by the government on August 10, 2020. Lakhs of farmers are still awaiting their dues, caught in a dispute between the government and insurance companies, he said. Ambaliya further stated that farmers have repeatedly approached district collectors and filed complaints, but no action has been taken. He also pointed out that while the government stopped paying premiums in 2019, 12 lakh farmers in Gujarat still paid Rs 450 crore in premiums for 2020-21. How can a scheme be discontinued after farmers have already paid? It has been five years, and they have not received a refund, let alone interest. The government has failed both farmers and the insurance company, he alleged.

BJP Sweeps Local Body Polls In Gujarat By Winning 60 Municipalities Of 68

The ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Tuesday swept the local body polls in Gujarat by winning the Junagadh Municipal Corporation (JMC) as well as 60 municipalities out of 68 and all three taluka panchayats where voting was held on February 16.

BJP sweeps local body polls in Gujarat, Congress bags just one municipality out of 68

The BJP dominated the Gujarat local body polls, winning 60 out of 68 municipalities, all three taluka panchayats, and the Junagadh Municipal Corporation. The Congress won only one municipality, while the Samajwadi Party secured two. This was the first election with a 27% OBC quota in panchayats, municipalities, and civic corporations.

BJP sweeps Gujarat civic body polls, cements political stronghold

AHMEDABAD: The BJP party has tightened its grip on Gujarats political landscape, securing a landslide victory in the elections for 66 municipalities and by-elections for two others. The BJP dominated the municipal elections, clinching 1,315 seats, while Congress trailed with 252 seats. Independent candidates secured 126 seats, the BSP secured 11 seats while AAP and others secured 13 and 4 seats respectively. The party maintained its lead in the Taluka Panchayat polls, bagging 55 seats as Congress managed to win 17 seats and independents grabbed over 6 seats. The trend continued in the Junagadh Municipal Corporation elections, where the BJP secured a sweeping 44 seats, leaving Congress with just 11 seats. The election process wrapped up on February 16, recording an average voter turnout of 57% across the regions. However, voter enthusiasm varied widely, with Chorwad Municipality emerging as a standout, posting a record 76 per cent turnout --- the highest in the state. Of the 1,844 municipal seats, 167 were uncontested, leaving 4,374 candidates vying for the remaining 1,677 seats. Notably, the BJP dominated the uncontested tally, securing 162 seats unopposed, while Congress won just one, and four seats went to other parties. The BJP also swept Valsad, Pardi, and Dharampur municipalities but faced resistance from rebels, with four independents winning in Dharampur. In Valsad, BJP won 34 of 37 seats, while Congress secured just one. In Junagadh Municipal Corporation, BJP clinched 40 of 60 seats while Congress secured 11 seats, and one seat was secured by an independent. BJP also dominated uncontested wins, securing eight seats outright. Junagadh has seen BJPs dominance since 2004, except for a brief Congress victory in 2009. In a significant political shift, the Samajwadi Party clinched power in Ranavav and Kutiyana, marking its emergence in Gujarats Porbandar district. This victory underscores the partys growing influence in the region, reshaping the local political landscape. Notably, the Devgadh Baria Nagar Palika elections took a violent turn as tensions flared after the results were announced. Chaos erupted in the Kapadi area when unidentified individuals hurled stones, sparking a fierce clash between two groups from the same community. The violence left over three people injured, escalating the situation further. However, authorities swiftly deployed heavy police presence in response and effectively turned the Kapadi area into a security zone.

Gujarat Local Body Elections Underway, BJP Wins 215 Seats Unopposed

Voting for the Gujarat local body elections began at 7 a.m. on Sunday and will continue until 6 p.m., with counting scheduled for Tuesday. The elections cover Junagadh Municipal Corporation, 68 municipalities, and three taluka panchayats.

Voting underway for local body elections in Gujarat

Voting is underway for Gujarat's Junagadh Municipal Corporation, 66 municipalities, and three taluka panchayats with 27% seats reserved for OBCs. Over 38 lakh people are eligible to vote, with 5,084 candidates in contention. The BJP is set to win several uncontested seats. The counting of votes will be held on February 18.

Congress candidates pull out of race in 8 seats in Junagadh civic body, BJP bags them without fight

While an official announcement will be made on February 4, the last day to withdraw the nominations for the February 16 voting, the ruling BJP claimed they won these eight seats without a fight as no other contenders were left in the fray

Gujarat local elections heat up as parties prepare for battle

AHMEDABAD: In a significant development in Gujarat's political landscape, preparations are intensifying for the upcoming elections across 66 nagarpalikas, one municipal corporation, and three taluka panchayats. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has taken proactive steps by scheduling a crucial state parliamentary board meeting on January 29 and 30 at Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel's residence, aimed at finalizing their candidate list. The party has already mobilized its district leadership for the candidate selection process, with designated observers for each nagarpalika providing valuable input to the board. Meanwhile, the Congress party faces internal challenges as it continues to postpone its much-needed organizational restructuring, which has been pending since Shaktisinh Gohil assumed leadership. During a recent visit, Congress national General Secretary Mukul Vasnik directed party leaders to prioritize the civic polls over organizational reforms. The party has confirmed its intention to contest elections under its own symbol, with Gohil clarifying that no alliance discussions are currently underway, though Vasnik suggested that state leadership would have significant influence in any potential alliance decisions. The electoral landscape appears particularly challenging for opposition parties, as the BJP maintains a strong grassroots network and committed voter base. The ruling party's established presence and governmental power give it a distinct advantage over both Congress and the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), which lack comparable organizational strength and ground-level support. However, the BJP faces its own internal challenges, with growing dissent among party workers and leaders manifesting in recent elections through successful rebellions against official party candidates. The elections, scheduled for February 16th with results to be announced on February 18th, include the significant contest for the Junagadh Municipal Corporation. Political analysts note that even if Congress and AAP were to form an alliance, its impact might be limited due to the BJP's established dominance and institutional advantages. However, the BJP's internal conflicts and the inability of current state leadership to effectively manage party rebels could potentially impact their electoral performance. This electoral cycle represents a crucial test for all parties involved, with the BJP working to maintain its dominance despite internal challenges, while opposition parties struggle to establish a meaningful presence in Gujarat's local governance structure. The outcomes of these elections could provide important indicators about the changing dynamics of local politics in Gujarat and the effectiveness of various political strategies employed by major parties

Ahmedabad Diary | BJP divided as turncoats clash with veteran

The Gujarat political landscape is on a knife edge, as a clash brews between the original BJP and its imported leaders. Arvind Ladani, a former Congress MLA, is leading the charge against BJPs Dilip Sanghani, exposing fissures and fueling unrest within party ranks. While former BJP minister Jawahar Chavda has largely stayed out of the mudslinging, the drama shows no signs of letting up. Adding fuel to the fire, the contentious recruitment fair from before the Lok Sabha polls is making a comeback, casting a shadow over BJP organisation as imported leaders flout party rules and openly highlight past political ties. BJP, Congress spar over Junagadh municipal polls The State Election Commission recently announced the schedule for Junagadh Municipal Corporation elections, which will include 66 municipalities and several taluka panchayats. Voting will take place on February 16 across 696 wards and 4,390 seats across these civic bodies. As the elections draw near, Congress has accused the BJP of deliberately postponing elections in certain areas due to fear of defeat. In response, the BJP countered, accusing Congress of reminiscing of its past defeat and questioning the integrity of the Election Commission while targeting the BJP. BJP MLA demands creation of Ogad district The government is mired in controversy over its decision to divide Banaskantha district, with protests erupting in Deodar, Kankrej, and Dhanera. As the dispute shows signs of intensifying, BJP MLA Keshaji Chauhan of Deodar has broken ranks with his own party, demanding the creation of Ogad district. We will fight against the government until the end to create Ogad district, he said. Chauhan emphasised his responsibility to his constituents, saying he had already submitted a representation to the government calling for the new district. Chauhan made it clear that he would not retreat from his stance, further escalating tensions over the issue. Dilip Singh Kshatriya Our correspondent in Gujarat dilipsingh@newindianexpress.com

Gujarat: Junagadh civic body, 66 municipalities to vote on Feb 16 with 27 per cent OBC quota

Polling will be held on February 16 for Junagadh municipal corporation, 66 municipalities, and three taluka panchayats in Gujarat. This is the first local body election with a 27% OBC quota since the 2023 Gujarat government decision. Votes will be counted on February 18.

Gujarat to hold panchayat, civic body elections after two-year hiatus; voting on February 16

AHMEDABAD: The long-awaited dates for elections to Municipal Corporations, District Panchayats, and Taluka Panchayats in Gujarat, whose terms have recently expired, are being unveiled today. Voters across the state will head to the polls on February 16 for the municipal elections, which will cover 66 municipalities. The results will then be determined with vote counting scheduled for February 18. The State Election Commission has announced the general elections for Junagadh Municipal Corporation and 66 municipalities across Gujarat on Tuesday, Gujarat will conduct general elections for the Municipal Corporations, including those in Kathlal, Kapadvanj, and Gandhinagar Taluka Panchayats. Additionally, mid-term elections for the Botad and Wankaner Municipal Corporations have also been called. Alongside these, by-elections have been scheduled for seats that have fallen vacant across various municipalities and panchayats. A total of three vacant seats in three Municipal Corporations, 21 seats in Municipal Corporations, 9 seats in District Panchayats, and 91 seats in Taluka Panchayats will go to the polls. Voting for all these elections will take place on February 16, with the results to be declared on February 18. In addition to the general elections, by-elections will take place across several municipalities and panchayats. This includes three vacant seats in three municipalities, mid-term elections for Botad and Wankaner Municipalities, and by-elections for 21 vacant seats in Municipal Corporations, 9 seats in District Panchayats, and 91 seats in Taluka Panchayats. Voting for all these seats will occur on February 16, with the results announced on February 18. Elections for several gram panchayats are still pending due to ongoing work on reservation implementation. However congress demands to announce it soon. The election process in Gujarat, previously stalled due to delays in implementing a 27 per cent reservation for Other Backward Classes (OBCs) in local bodies, is now set to move forward. This follows the Gujarat government's approval of the 27 per cent OBC reservation in August 2023, based on recommendations from the Justice Jhaveri Commission. The decision comes after a landmark Supreme Court ruling, which mandated that OBC reservations in local bodies must be grounded in population-based data. Notably, OBC reservations in Gujarats local bodies had previously been set at just 10 per cent.

Gujarat Doctor Performs Complex Uterine Surgery Denied Thrice By London Surgeons

Dr. KP Gadhvi in Junagadh performed the laparoscopic surgery in just 1.5 hours. The NRI patient who arrived in Junagadh on a one-month visa, recovered well and started walking in three days

Gujarat's Sakkarbaug Zoo Welcomes A Pair Of White Tigers

The animals at Sakkarbaug Zoo in Gujarat's Junagadh are thrilled to welcome two new zoo-mates - a pair of white tigers.

Gujarat groundwater crisis: Alarming contamination levels across districts revealed

AHMEDABAD: The Government of India, in a concerning update to the Rajya Sabha, has flagged an alarming situation regarding groundwater pollution in Gujarat. According to the data wise Number of Partly Affected Districts (cumulative) with major Contaminants in Ground Water of India in 2022-23, major contaminants have affected numerous districts across the state. Salinity levels exceeding 3000 micro mhos/cm (EC) were detected in 28 districts, while fluoride levels above 1.5 mg/l plagued 30 districts. Nitrate contamination, surpassing the safe limit of 45 mg/l, was found in 32 districts, and arsenic levels above 0.01 mg/l affected 12 districts. Additionally, 14 districts reported iron concentrations exceeding 1 mg/l. Fluoride levels exceeding 1.5 mg/L have been recorded in several districts across Gujarat, including Ahmedabad, Amreli, Anand, Arvalli, Banaskantha, Bhavnagar, Botad, Chhota Udepur, Dahod, Devbhoomi Dwarka, Gir Somnath, Jamnagar, Junagadh, Kachchh, Mahesana, Morbi, Narmada, Panchmahal, Patan, Porbandar, Rajkot, Sabarkantha, Surat, Surendranagar, and Vadodara. In a Reply by the Union Ministry of Jal Shakti in response to MP R Girirajan's question in the Rajya Sabha, the government highlighted the grave health hazards posed by contaminated groundwater. Long-term consumption of water containing arsenic, fluoride, or mercury above permissible limits can lead to severe health complications. Arsenic contamination has been linked to poisoning, skin disorders, and cancers of the skin, bladder, kidney, and lungs. Excessive fluoride levels can cause crippling skeletal or dental fluorosis, while high concentrations of heavy metals like mercury increase the risk of kidney diseases, poisoning, and cancer. The government informed the Rajya Sabha that water management, including improving groundwater quality and addressing contamination, is primarily the responsibility of state governments, as water is a state subject. The Central Government supports these efforts by offering technical assistance and financial aid through various centrally sponsored schemes. The Central Government informed the Rajya Sabha that in Gujarat, a total of 1,52,507 drinking water samples were tested during 2023-24. Of these, 14,922 samples were found contaminated. Remedial measures, including interim actions and water supply restoration, were taken for 13,834 affected samples. While Ground water pollution remains a pressing issue in many parts of Gujarat, the government is simultaneously taking measures to address the challenge, Under the Central Government's Jal Jeevan Mission for 2023-24, Gujarat reported significant financial activity. The state began with an opening balance of 1,088.66 crore, while the Centre allocated 2,982.85 crore. Of this, 2,237.14 crore was drawn, bringing the total available funds to 3,325.80 crore. Gujarat reported utilizing 2,377.83 crore, with an additional 2,676.40 crore spent under the state's share of the program.

4 College Students Among 7 Killed In Car Collision In Gujarat

Seven persons, including four college students, headed to a village to appear for an exam, were killed when two cars collided in Gujarat's Junagadh district on Monday, police said.

7 Killed As Cars Collide In Gujarat, Catches Fire, Spreads To Nearby Huts

Seven people, including five students, were killed in a deadly collision between two cars on the Junagadh-Veraval highway near Maliya Hatina village in Gujarat on Monday morning.

Seven dead, including five college students, in Gujarat road accident

At least seven people, including five college students, were killed in a tragic road accident in Junagadh, Gujarat, on Sunday night. The incident occurred when the car they were traveling in struck a divider and collided head-on with another vehicle, leaving no survivors. Gujarat: A collision between two cars near Bhanduri village on the Junagadh-Veraval highway killed seven people, including five students heading for an exam. The police arrived at the scene, and the injured were taken to the hospital pic.twitter.com/B4C80qnFL9 IANS (@ians_india) December 9, 2024 According to local police, the group was traveling in a car from a nearby town when the driver reportedly lost control of the vehicle. The car veered off course, hit the road divider, and then collided with an oncoming vehicle. The impact of the crash was so severe that all passengers in the car, including the five students, were killed instantly. The victims, aged between 18 and 22, were identified as students from a local college who were returning from a weekend trip. The two occupants of the other vehicle, a middle-aged couple, sustained injuries and were immediately rushed to the nearby hospital, where they are reported to be in stable condition. The police have registered a case and are investigating the cause of the accident. Initial reports suggest that the driver may have been speeding or lost control due to slippery road conditions, but further investigations are underway. The incident has sent shockwaves through the local community, with the families of the deceased expressing their grief. College authorities have also issued a statement offering condolences to the families of the victims. Local residents and students have gathered to mourn the tragic loss of young lives.