On 3rd February, 2014, Shri Narendra Modi inaugurated several pro-people initiatives of the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation in Ahmedabad. These included the inauguration of the flyover at IIM crossroads, the Gujari bazaar (Riverfront market) and the Dhobighaat (Organized Laundry Campus) at Sabarmati Riverfront. Shri Narendra Modi was present at the draw for allotting of houses for people. The draw was done through a computer.
Inclusive development and a modern and technology-oriented approach at developing cities for the development of every section of society formed the crux of Shri Modi’s address at Sabarmati Riverfront. Shri Modi spoke about how the Mukhyamantri Gruh Yojana had, through its allocation of homes to the less privileged sections of the society, benefitted scores of poor families. “When people get a home they not only get a roof but a lot of other benefits too that help them. Today, due to the draw, the lives of several people changed. May they get their homes as soon as possible,” said Shri Modi.
Highlighting the wide reach of the Mukhyamantri Gruh Yojana, Shri Modi said, “Over 22 lakh houses in cities and 28 lakh in villages will be made. I do not think work on housing has happened on such a large scale before.” Shri Modi underscored the importance of involving all sections of the society in the development process. He said, “Urban development initiatives must match the aspirations of the middle class and the neo middle class.”
Talking about the need to fight every obstacle and take decisive steps for growth and development, Shri Modi said, “Development is our aim. Let there be any obstacle, including an old mindset, we are going ahead with development.”
Shri Modi said that while the Riverfront projects witnessed several obstacles earlier due to vested interests, now things have changed. He urged the economists, research scholars and environmentalists of India, and across the world, to study the inclusive growth approach of the Sabarmarti Riverfront Development project, through initiatives like the Gujari Bazar and Dhobi Ghat. “Those talking of 'inclusive growth' should go see the Gujari Bazar. It is an example of how to enhance the livelihood of the poor. While earlier the market was held only on Sunday, now it can go on all 7 days. All arrangements for this are in place now,” said Shri Modi. Speaking about yet another pro-people initiative, Shri Modi put forth the example of the Kankaria redevelopment, which, in the current times, witnessed a cross-section of people, rather than only from the select sections, as was the case earlier.
Shri Modi emphasized on the need to focus on development rather than living with old beliefs and an old mindset. “For so many years there was a mindset that considered urbanisation as a burden and a challenge. We have taken urbanisation as an opportunity, as a means to give people opportunity,” said Shri Modi.
Stating that the mere objective of some people was to defame Gujarat, Shri Modi said that acknowledging or reverting to them did not make sense as people knew the truth. Urging the people to take the initiative towards development, Shri Modi said, “We have to take steps to ensure that we walk two steps ahead of the world in our development journey.
On the occasion, Shri Modi also felicitated the applicants who were selected in the draw for the Mukhyamantri Gruh Yojana. Revenue Minister Smt. Anandiben Patel, Mayor of Ahmedabad Minaxiben Patel, former Mayor Shri Asit Vora were among those present on the occasion.
The Gujari bazaar (Riverfront market) :
The Dhobighaat (Organized Laundry Campus) :
