By Meenakshi Sharma
In an impressive achievement, the Patel Government celebrates completing two years in the state, with the introduction of NeVA. The inauguration of the “National e-Vidhan Application (NeVA)” project by President Draupadi Murmu in the state Assembly marks Gujarat as the first digital house in the country.
NeVA, developed under the Digital India program, aims to digitize and make legislatures paperless using Information & Communication Technologies (ICT). With features such as member-centric information, contact details, rules of procedure, business lists, notices, bills, and more, NeVA streamlines the legislative process. By eliminating the need for paper-based notices and data collection, NeVA will enhance efficiency and contribute to Gujarat Assembly’s speed, user-friendliness, transparency, and eco-friendliness. This digital transformation will also save over 25 tonnes of paper per year. President Draupadi Murmu commended Gujarat for its contributions to various fields and lauded the state’s decision to go digital in the Legislative Assembly, emphasizing its wide-ranging benefits. Chief Minister Patel highlighted Gujarat’s achievements, such as linking 158 services to Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) and processing over 10 lakh e-files through e-government, which have greatly improved the welfare of the people. Under Bhupendra Patel’s leadership, the state government has undertaken numerous projects and initiatives to further enhance the prosperity of vibrant Gujarat.
In celebrating two years of Gujarat Chief Minister’s tenure, it’s important to highlight the numerous accomplishments achieved under this administration. Hosting the G20 summit this year stands as a major milestone for India, with Gujarat playing a significant role in the event. The state organized various meetings such as the G20 Energy Transitions Working Group, B20, the third Trade and Investment Working Group meeting, and the U20 Mayoral Summit. Gujarat also successfully hosted the MedTech Expo-2023 in Gandhinagar and other significant gatherings like the G20 Ministerial Conference on Women Empowerment and Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors meetings.
The state received an incredible cultural boost from these events as delegates explored architectural wonders and admired Gujarat’s balanced development in both industrial and religious infrastructure. Gujarat recognizes that women’s inclusion in development is crucial for progress. The state government has made strides to empower women by implementing 200 schemes exclusively focused on them and allocating over ₹1 lakh crore within its first-ever gender budget. Gujarat continues to be one of India’s safest states for women through initiatives such as forming a ‘SHE Team’ of 121 female officers and establishing Women Help Desks in 72 police stations.
In the midst of a global pandemic, Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel ensured that his administration prioritized healthcare provision. Under PMJAY, health coverage was increased from ₹5 lakhs to ₹10 lakhs for citizens. A state-wide campaign was launched to perform health check-ups on one crore children with a budget allocation of ₹15,182 crore. The Patel government also plans to establish new medical colleges in Aravalli, Dang, Mahisagar, and Chhota Udepur districts, further demonstrating its commitment to healthcare.
Gujarat’s rise as a powerhouse of industry can be attributed to its government’s pro-business stance and robust ecosystem. The impactful ‘Vibrant Gujarat’ initiative has solidified the region’s reputation as a top global business destination. During the first half of Vibrant Summit-2024, 15 ground-breaking MoUs were signed, generating investments valuing ₹7,374 crore in a four-phase weekly signing process. In January 2024, this biennial investor extravaganza, initiated by Narendra Modi as Gujarat’s Chief Minister back in 2003, will celebrate its 20th anniversary with its 10th edition taking place in Gandhinagar. Over 35 nations are eagerly anticipated for the forthcoming VGS event.
Marking two years in office, the state government under Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel has made significant strides for Gujarat, earning well-deserved praise for effective governance. The government has undertaken countless projects to further enhance the vibrancy of the state.
Gujarat serves as a model for good governance. The successful ‘Meri Maati Mera Desh’ Campaign led to the construction of 15,136 toilets, 16,336 Amrut Vatikas, and the planting of 12,28,025 trees. Displaying its resolute determination during the ‘Biparjoy’ cyclone, Gujarat’s government adopted a ‘Zero-Casualty approach’, minimizing damage to life and property.
The Chief Minister’s office has implemented e-modules, technology-driven services addressing citizen grievances. Furthermore, Gujarat has unveiled its largest-ever budget for FY 2023-24 – ₹3 lakh 1 thousand 22 crore – without introducing any new taxes. Each of these initiatives strengthens public faith in the government’s commitment to good governance.
Shri Bhupendra Patel has earned a reputation for his humble nature and maintaining a low profile, but despite this, he has demonstrated his political and administrative aptitude through well-received decisions that have gained approval from the public as well as the higher authorities.
