Create an environment for Healthy Competition : Modi

By ENN, Ahmedabad, Mar 6 : Chief Minister Narendra Modi has called upon the People's Representatives to promote what they stand for, to foster an environment conducive to promote healthy competitions for development.

Mr Modi disbursed the first instalment of Rs 562 crore, under the ''Swarnim Jayanti Mukhyamantri Shaheri Vikas Yojana'' to Municipalities and Municipal Corporations in a function held here yesterday.

In the run-up to the Golden Jubilee celebrations of the state this year, the Chief Minister had inspired the people's representatives to play a significant role in realising the vision of ''Swarnim Gujarat'', making honest and meticulous efforts providing excellent amenities and facilities to citizens.

He said in a landmark initiative, Gujarat has opted to emphasise for all-round development of urban-centres. As part of the initiative, the State has launched 'Swarnim Jayanti Mukhyamantri Shaheri Vikas Yojana' covering seven Municipal Corporations and 159 Municipalities.

The Chief Minister listed out the challenges faced in the last decade. Around forty per cent of the total population is dependent on urban amenities. After carefully considering all the factors, State Government celebrated the year 2005 as ''Urban Development year'', mandated to bring qualitative-changes in urban amenities and the services provided to the citizens. Achievements demonstrate Gujarat's abilities which came as inspiration to others, he added.

Mr Modi revealed ''The Scheme seeks to provide total sum of Rs 7000 Crore, out of that the first instalment of Rs 562 Crore is being released. If we take a look, the 2001 Budget had allocated just Rs 241 Crore for Urban Development, where as the present allocation has witnessed multifold-rise, by handing out Rs 562 Crore from the same platform.'' He asked them to prove on performance-parameters, before the May 1. Those who can implement time-bound programme, the second instalment may get released immediately. The best Corporators may win the prize, considering the merit and performance. The entire nation debates about the achievements of Gujarat. He urged the Self-Government Institutes to grab the rhythm of development.

The function was organised by the Department of Urban Development. Mayors of Municipal Corporations and Municipalities, Members of Parliament and MLAs attended the function.