Published By : Admin | October 21, 2013 | 19:14 IST
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"Mr. Modi distributes cheques of Rs. 12.90 crore to 715 beneficiaries"
"Claims of 61,974 tribals on total 6.41 lack acre have been granted under Forest Right Act "
Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi today handed over land allotment letters to the tribals of five districts of south Gujarat in Vansda, entitling them to cultivate on forest land. Addressing huge mass gathered at Vansda, Mr. Modi said now tribals will not get cheated by the middleman as the state government has provided land, water and electricity facilities to the tribal farmers.
The state government has begun campaign of giving land cultivation rights to the tribals under Forest Right Act-2006. Chief Minister Narendra Modi today handed over land allocation letters to more than 15,000 tribals, total 95,206 acre forest land amounting Rs. 1,425 crore at Vansda of Navsari district.
Large number of tribals from Navsari, Surat, Tapi, Valsad and Dang districts of south Gujarat today gathered in the event- Tribal Rights and Empowerment- jointly organized by Tribal Development and Forest Department in Vansda.
With the commitment of economic and social empowerment of tribals, Chief Minister Narendra Modi distributed cheques of Rs. 12.90 crore under the various schemes of forest department to 715 beneficiaries.
Claims of individual and collective succession rights of 61,974 tribals on total 6.41 lack acre have been granted under Forest Right Act. Tribals and Dalits account 22% in the total population of the state. The state government has implemented human welfare programme and has begun mission to empower this 22% of population, adding them to the mainstream of development, Mr. Modi added.
Tribals were struggling for rights of cultivation of forest land since many of their generations but the present government willingly used the satellite technology of BISAG, locating the right beneficiaries and giving them their rights, the chief minister said.
Mr Modi said, “The state government made a fresh deliberation and granted 22,000 new claims so that the tribal framers need not have to bow before any of the politician or government functionaries’.
Under Forest Right Act 2006, the government has provided land cultivation rights to the tribals so that the middlemen and wasted interests could not snatch their lands. Chief Minister Narendra Modi has approved package of Rs. 40,000 crore for five years under Vanbandhu Kalyan Yojna for the development of tribals.
It is Gujarat government’s priority to take tribals in development process. The state has taken various initiatives on this direction ranging from encouraging girl child education to higher education and technical education among tirbals, he said.
Gujarat Government has set up 95 Science Stream higher secondary schools in tribal regions, ITIs, Engineering, Nursing and Agriculture colleges in every talukas. The former governments did not provide any budget under tribal head, against that this government has provided budget of Rs. 15,000 crore under Vanbandhu Kalyan Package. By the time of the completion of the scheme tenure the government made an expenditure of Rs. 17,000 under this package. And for next five years the government has increased this package to Rs. 40,000 crore. With this budget the infrastructural facilities will take shape in tribal sector with much more rapid pace. The 108 emergency services saved the lives of tribal pregnant mothers and children. The 108 had saved lives of poor tribals on the instances of snake bite, Mr. Modi said.
He said that our government showed a path for tribals to be partner in nation building by empowering them. For the first time after independence it was the non-congress government of former prime minister Mr. Atal Bihari Vajpayeeji which formed a separate ministry for tribals. Congress has merely deceived tribals for vote-bank.
The State Tribal Development Department and Forest Environment Minister Mr. Ganpatsinh Vasawa gave outline of the budged which Mr. Modi allotted for tribal development. The farmers living in eastern tribal sector of South Gujarat have now turned to improved farming due to state government’s stimulus policy.
The Deputy Speaker of State Assembly Mr. Mangubhai Patel lauded such an event which has been organized for the tribal empowerment. He said that Mr. Modi had struggled with central government for giving tribals the rights of forest land. “As a result of his efforts the tribals of Vansda are getting their rights today”, he added saying that it is surely a happy and pride moment for the beneficiaries.
The MP of Rajya Sabha Mr. Bharatsinh Parmar and former minister & former MP Mr. Kanjibhai Patel described the atmosphere on the event as that of Diwali.
In his welcome speech Mr. Agarwal, Principal Secretary to Tribal Development Department gave outline of the programme.
The beneficiaries acquainted those on present their improved financial condition due to the forestation initiatives of the government and the cultivation rights given to them by the state government.
Text of PM Modi's address to the Indian Community in Guyana
November 22, 2024
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The Indian diaspora in Guyana has made an impact across many sectors and contributed to Guyana’s development: PM
You can take an Indian out of India, but you cannot take India out of an Indian: PM
Three things, in particular, connect India and Guyana deeply,Culture, cuisine and cricket: PM
India's journey over the past decade has been one of scale, speed and sustainability: PM
India’s growth has not only been inspirational but also inclusive: PM
I always call our diaspora the Rashtradoots,They are Ambassadors of Indian culture and values: PM
Your Excellency President Irfan Ali, Prime Minister Mark Philips, Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo, Former President Donald Ramotar, Members of the Guyanese Cabinet, Members of the Indo-Guyanese Community,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Namaskar!
Seetaram !
I am delighted to be with all of you today.First of all, I want to thank President Irfan Ali for joining us.I am deeply touched by the love and affection given to me since my arrival.I thank President Ali for opening the doors of his home to me.
I thank his family for their warmth and kindness. The spirit of hospitality is at the heart of our culture. I could feel that, over the last two days. With President Ali and his grandmother, we also planted a tree. It is part of our initiative, "Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam", that is, "a tree for mother”. It was an emotional moment that I will always remember.
Friends,
I was deeply honoured to receive the ‘Order of Excellence’, the highest national award of Guyana. I thank the people of Guyana for this gesture. This is an honour of 1.4 billion Indians. It is the recognition of the 3 lakh strong Indo-Guyanese community and their contributions to the development of Guyana.
Friends,
I have great memories of visiting your wonderful country over two decades ago. At that time, I held no official position. I came to Guyana as a traveller, full of curiosity. Now, I have returned to this land of many rivers as the Prime Minister of India. A lot of things have changed between then and now. But the love and affection of my Guyanese brothers and sisters remains the same! My experience has reaffirmed - you can take an Indian out of India, but you cannot take India out of an Indian.
Friends,
Today, I visited the India Arrival Monument. It brings to life, the long and difficult journey of your ancestors nearly two centuries ago. They came from different parts of India. They brought with them different cultures, languages and traditions. Over time, they made this new land their home. Today, these languages, stories and traditions are part of the rich culture of Guyana.
I salute the spirit of the Indo-Guyanese community. You fought for freedom and democracy. You have worked to make Guyana one of the fastest growing economies. From humble beginnings you have risen to the top. Shri Cheddi Jagan used to say: "It matters not what a person is born, but who they choose to be.”He also lived these words. The son of a family of labourers, he went on to become a leader of global stature.
President Irfan Ali, Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo, former President Donald Ramotar, they are all Ambassadors of the Indo Guyanese community. Joseph Ruhomon, one of the earliest Indo-Guyanese intellectuals, Ramcharitar Lalla, one of the first Indo-Guyanese poets, Shana Yardan, the renowned woman poet, Many such Indo-Guyanese made an impact on academics and arts, music and medicine.
Friends,
Our commonalities provide a strong foundation to our friendship. Three things, in particular, connect India and Guyana deeply. Culture, cuisine and cricket! Just a couple of weeks ago, I am sure you all celebrated Diwali. And in a few months, when India celebrates Holi, Guyana will celebrate Phagwa.
This year, the Diwali was special as Ram Lalla returned to Ayodhya after 500 years. People in India remember that the holy water and shilas from Guyana were also sent to build the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya. Despite being oceans apart, your cultural connection with Mother India is strong.
I could feel this when I visited the Arya Samaj Monument and Saraswati Vidya Niketan School earlier today. Both India and Guyana are proud of our rich and diverse culture. We see diversity as something to be celebrated, not just accommodated. Our countries are showing how cultural diversity is our strength.
Friends,
Wherever people of India go, they take one important thing along with them. The food! The Indo-Guyanese community also has a unique food tradition which has both Indian and Guyanese elements. I am aware that Dhal Puri is popular here! The seven-curry meal that I had at President Ali’s home was delicious. It will remain a fond memory for me.
Friends,
The love for cricket also binds our nations strongly. It is not just a sport. It is a way of life, deeply embedded in our national identity. The Providence National Cricket Stadium in Guyana stands as a symbol of our friendship.
Kanhai, Kalicharan, Chanderpaul are all well-known names in India. Clive Lloyd and his team have been a favourite of many generations. Young players from this region also have a huge fan base in India. Some of these great cricketers are here with us today. Many of our cricket fans enjoyed the T-20 World Cup that you hosted this year.
Your cheers for the ‘Team in Blue’ at their match in Guyana could be heard even back home in India!
Friends,
This morning, I had the honour of addressing the Guyanese Parliament. Coming from the Mother of Democracy, I felt the spiritual connect with one of the most vibrant democracies in the Caribbean region. We have a shared history that binds us together. Common struggle against colonial rule, love for democratic values, And, respect for diversity.
We have a shared future that we want to create. Aspirations for growth and development, Commitment towards economy and ecology, And, belief in a just and inclusive world order.
Friends,
I know the people of Guyana are well-wishers of India. You would be closely watching the progress being made in India. India’s journey over the past decade has been one of scale, speed and sustainability.
In just 10 years, India has grown from the tenth largest economy to the fifth largest. And, soon, we will become the third-largest. Our youth have made us the third largest start-up ecosystem in the world. India is a global hub for e-commerce, AI, fintech, agriculture, technology and more.
We have reached Mars and the Moon. From highways to i-ways, airways to railways, we are building state of art infrastructure. We have a strong service sector. Now, we are also becoming stronger in manufacturing. India has become the second largest mobile manufacturer in the world.
Friends,
India’s growth has not only been inspirational but also inclusive. Our digital public infrastructure is empowering the poor. We opened over 500 million bank accounts for the people. We connected these bank accounts with digital identity and mobiles. Due to this, people receive assistance directly in their bank accounts. Ayushman Bharat is the world’s largest free health insurance scheme. It is benefiting over 500 million people.
We have built over 30 million homes for those in need. In just one decade, we have lifted 250 million people out of poverty. Even among the poor, our initiatives have benefited women the most. Millions of women are becoming grassroots entrepreneurs, generating jobs and opportunities.
Friends,
While all this massive growth was happening, we also focused on sustainability. In just a decade, our solar energy capacity grew 30-fold ! Can you imagine ?We have moved towards green mobility, with 20 percent ethanol blending in petrol.
At the international level too, we have played a central role in many initiatives to combat climate change. The International Solar Alliance, The Global Biofuels Alliance, The Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure, Many of these initiatives have a special focus on empowering the Global South.
We have also championed the International Big Cat Alliance. Guyana, with its majestic Jaguars, also stands to benefit from this.
Friends,
Last year, we had hosted President Irfaan Ali as the Chief Guest of the Pravasi Bhartiya Divas. We also received Prime Minister Mark Phillips and Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo in India. Together, we have worked to strengthen bilateral cooperation in many areas.
Today, we have agreed to widen the scope of our collaboration -from energy to enterprise,Ayurveda to agriculture, infrastructure to innovation, healthcare to human resources, anddata to development. Our partnership also holds significant value for the wider region. The second India-CARICOM summit held yesterday is testament to the same.
As members of the United Nations, we both believe in reformed multilateralism. As developing countries, we understand the power of the Global South. We seek strategic autonomy and support inclusive development. We prioritize sustainable development and climate justice. And, we continue to call for dialogue and diplomacy to address global crises.
Friends,
I always call our diaspora the Rashtradoots. An Ambassador is a Rajdoot, but for me you are all Rashtradoots. They are Ambassadors of Indian culture and values. It is said that no worldly pleasure can compare to the comfort of a mother’s lap.
You, the Indo-Guyanese community, are doubly blessed. You have Guyana as your motherland and Bharat Mata as your ancestral land. Today, when India is a land of opportunities, each one of you can play a bigger role in connecting our two countries.
Friends,
Bharat Ko Janiye Quiz has been launched. I call upon you to participate. Also encourage your friends from Guyana. It will be a good opportunity to understand India, its values, culture and diversity.
Friends,
Next year, from 13 January to 26 February, Maha Kumbh will be held at Prayagraj. I invite you to attend this gathering with families and friends. You can travel to Basti or Gonda, from where many of you came. You can also visit the Ram Temple at Ayodhya. There is another invite.
It is for the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas that will be held in Bhubaneshwar in January. If you come, you can also take the blessings of Mahaprabhu Jagannath in Puri. Now with so many events and invitations, I hope to see many of you in India soon. Once again, thank you all for the love and affection you have shown me.
Thank you. Thank you very much.
And special thanks to my friend Ali. Thanks a lot.
