Gujarat - Projects and Development

[SSCaddict]

70k acres so quickly!

do they bribe farmers or what? not heard of a single protest for such a mammoth acquisition.

[bhargavsura]

Originally Posted by vibrant

My friend, US real deficit stands around $14 Tn and budgetary deficit is around $1 Tn.

Looking at the scale of the project this amount is very small. They are trying to develop 960 square Km. Please, read below article that was originally posted by GJ10 few pages back.

I still don't believe it. $90B isn't a small amount at all. Its almost 2 Mukesh Ambanis together who provide employment to millions of people in the country.

[GJ10]

Originally Posted by SSCaddict

70k acres so quickly!

do they bribe farmers or what? not heard of a single protest for such a mammoth acquisition.

Video about land acquisition posted in Dholera and DMIC thread already. Probably better to try and keep Dholera news out of this thread in general.

Originally Posted by bhargavsura

I still don't believe it. $90B isn't a small amount at all. Its almost 2 Mukesh Ambanis together who provide employment to millions of people in the country.

Consider all factors

30yr+ timescale
Projects all split into phases
Nature of projects like Mahindra World City or HCCs waterfront city and even Adani power plant show that the anchor tenants are also looking to be in it for the long term gain.

Its a game of many "ifs" so right now $90B is what they perceive as best-case-scenario, but doesnt mean project cannot even surpass equivalent of $90B (todays prices) dependent purely on how end result compares on a global playing field.

Many things that are in original considerations coming to $90B will end up being cut and at no time will total ongoing investments amount to anything remotely around that figure, its just a projected cumulative total, so make what you will of its value!

[GJ10]

Ford may park plant next to Nano in Gujarat

If all goes well, Ford India will park its second manufacturing unit right next to Tata Motors’ Nano factory at Sanand. Ford India had sought 550 acres from the state government to set up a mother plant together with an ancillary park.

“The company (Ford) has asked for 400 acres for its mother plant, and needs 100-150 acres for its ancillary units,” said a state government source, adding that the government had identified land at Gujarat Industrial Development Corporation’s (GIDC) estate at Sanand. According to sources close to the development, an announcement is likely within a fortnight.

This would be Ford’s second plant in India. It already has a manufacturing unit in Maraimalai Nagar, Chennai, which has an annual capacity of 200,000 units.

Ford had expressed interest in scouting land in Gujarat in November last year. Talks have been on between the US-based car major and the government. “A Ford India team met senior state government officials earlier this week, and the negotiations were very positive,” said a source. The company is expected to have taken a decision in its board meeting a few days back.

Ford is believed to have exchanged notes with the existing auto majors who have operations in Gujarat.

On its part, Ford neither confirmed nor denied the development. "In line with its long-term commitment, Ford continues to pursue an aggressive growth strategy in India to bring world-class vehicles. As part of its plan to introduce eight new products by the middle of the decade, Ford is significantly expanding its capacities in its existing facility in Tamil Nadu, as well as exploring other options to meet the growing demand of consumers in India and export markets across the world," the company said in an e-mailed response.

Ford, which rolled out the new Fiesta sedan from its Chennai facility on Friday, is trying to develop India as a manufacturing hub. It will launch eight new models by 2015 as a strategy to increase its market share in the domestic auto industry. Meanwhile, it is in the process of ramping up the capacity of its engine plant at Chennai with an investment of $72 million. Post expansion, the engine plant capacity will rise to 330,000 units per annum from a current 250,000 units.

Nigel E Wark, executive director, marketing, sales and service, said: "We are at present focusing on expanding our engine plant at Chennai, announcement about a second manufacturing plant will happen at an appropriate time. We would not like to comment on speculation."

Ever since Tata Motors chose Gujarat as the home to the world's cheapest car, Tata Nano, the state government has been on its toes to develop Gujarat as an auto hub. Maruti Suzuki Chairman R C Bhargava visited Gandhinagar in the first week of June. The country's largest passenger car maker has shown keen interest in setting up its first plant outside Haryana in Gujarat. Maruti officials have been shown a few locations across the state, including Sanand near Ahmedabad, Halol near Vadodara and Dholera where a special investment region is coming up. A decision is likely within the next two-three months.

Automakers Hyundai Motors India, Peugot, and Hero Honda have also visited the state in recent times, exploring possibilities to set up their respective manufacturing units.

General Motors (GM) was the first to set up a plant in Gujarat at Halol in 1996. While the company's Halol unit was hit by two back-to-back strikes within a span of six months starting October last year, GM India said the state government's pro-active stance and investor friendly nature helped it overcome all the trouble. "Gujarat is by far the most pro-active and investor-friendly state, and the government's prompt response at times of crisis makes it easier for companies to operate here. And the positive attitude spans right from the chief minister's office to the junior official we have to interact with," said P Balendran, vice president, corporate affairs, GM India.

Honestly think Auto manufacturing is an area that could boom in Gujarat, many important criteria the majors are looking for, are areas where Gujarat scores favourably.

Reports are nothing but speculation right now anyway, but at least we know they have land available!

Sooner more companies come in and begin a snowball effect in the state, the sooner we can catch up to existing Auto hubs, Nano is only a start. Fingers crossed for Maruti and/or Ford.

[Cosmicbliss]

Originally Posted by GJ10

Video about land acquisition posted in Dholera and DMIC thread already. Probably better to try and keep Dholera news out of this thread in general.



Consider all factors

30yr+ timescale
Projects all split into phases
Nature of projects like Mahindra World City or HCCs waterfront city and even Adani power plant show that the anchor tenants are also looking to be in it for the long term gain.

Its a game of many "ifs" so right now $90B is what they perceive as best-case-scenario, but doesnt mean project cannot even surpass equivalent of $90B (todays prices) dependent purely on how end result compares on a global playing field.

Many things that are in original considerations coming to $90B will end up being cut and at no time will total ongoing investments amount to anything remotely around that figure, its just a projected cumulative total, so make what you will of its value!

The Gujarat government scores highly in improving administration in the state. However, when it comes to mega projects like GIFT, Dholera and so on I would be sceptical. Remember how much fanfare GIFT was launched with? We know where it is today. Even Ahmedabad Metro is nowhere near starting while Jaipur Metro has already made plans of a second phase. Only the statute is probably going to happen because it appeals to ruling government's sentiments.

[GJ10]

Yeah, these things would be big risks anywhere, the same skepticism exists for similar projects in Korea, Moscow and the Middle East. GIFT is now u/c, which is a minor milestone, but yes, many more hurdles to negotiate still. Dholera is a little bit crazy, def just watch and wait.

Theres a decent balance though, also on DMIC, equally large scale but maybe a millionth as flashy as Dholera is Dahej PCPIR, massive industrial and shipbuilding zone, If you ask me which is more interesting, Id say Dholera, if you ask which me is more likely to meet its aims and make money, then without doubt it is Dahej PCPIR.

This is kinda what I meant when I said that with the right promotion Auto would give a massive boom to the state almost instantly. Im a bit old school and more inclined to believe in Industrial Growth rather than Service Sector led Growth for Gujarat despite what examples the rest of India provides.

[Cosmicbliss]

Originally Posted by GJ10

Yeah, these things would be big risks anywhere, the same skepticism exists for similar projects in Korea, Moscow and the Middle East. GIFT is now u/c, which is a minor milestone, but yes, many more hurdles to negotiate still. Dholera is a little bit crazy, def just watch and wait.

Theres a decent balance though, also on DMIC, equally large scale but maybe a millionth as flashy as Dholera is Dahej PCPIR, massive industrial and shipbuilding zone, If you ask me which is more interesting, Id say Dholera, if you ask which me is more likely to meet its aims and make money, then without doubt it is Dahej PCPIR.

This is kinda what I meant when I said that with the right promotion Auto would give a massive boom to the state almost instantly. Im a bit old school and more inclined to believe in Industrial Growth rather than Service Sector led Growth for Gujarat despite what examples the rest of India provides.

The problem in Gujarat is there's no real second line leadership. Modi be a visionary but he's still only one person. The other BJP leaders are as bad or as good as anywhere else. The attitude of people in government offices needs to improve. Today or tomorrow when Modi is not there, the momentum he built up should not be lost.

The other problem is that Gujarat has too few high quality education institutions in terms of higher education. Too many Gujarati students have to go to Pune for higher education simply because there aren't enough good colleges. Look at knowledge industries, BPOs, KPOs, R & D., IT, design, law. Where are these industries in Gujarat? A city like Baroda which could have done well in these sectors is today probably falling behind even Rajkot. The state government needs to attract knowledge industries.

[GJ10]

Originally Posted by Cosmicbliss

The problem in Gujarat is there's no real second line leadership. Modi be a visionary but he's still only one person. The other BJP leaders are as bad or as good as anywhere else. The attitude of people in government offices needs to improve. Today or tomorrow when Modi is not there, the momentum he built up should not be lost.

The other problem is that Gujarat has too few high quality education institutions in terms of higher education. Too many Gujarati students have to go to Pune for higher education simply because there aren't enough good colleges. Look at knowledge industries, BPOs, KPOs, R & D., IT, design, law. Where are these industries in Gujarat? A city like Baroda which could have done well in these sectors is today probably falling behind even Rajkot. The state government needs to attract knowledge industries.

I really dont think you can compare Gujarat BJP to Karnataka BJP for example. Its no secret that Gujarat Govt has a small cabinet, maybe because there is lack of leadership lower down, maybe because Modi doesnt trust ministers lower down (as some suggest), but whatever the case, result is that the Govt is efficient and non-corrupt and that has been a big benefit to the development of the State (ie the electorate that matter.)

Similarly, its completely incorrect to label Modi as a visionary. He is an efficient manager, an inspirational motivator... but he is not the man who comes up with the ideas. In that respect, economically speaking, if the Gujarat Govt fulfill a role of simply to providing the necessary infrastructure, then I am certain that Gujarati people and Gujarati businesses can then take Gujarat to the next step of actually being an advanced society, that is not something a Govt/Leader can do.

Regarding education, the problem is deeper than just higher education, at all levels things can be improved. Even culturally, education isnt always on the same pedastal that is in S.India for example. Anyway, whatever measures have been taken in the last few years will only really take effect in a few years time. A lot of new institutes are coming up, IIT Gandhinagar being the most notable.

[Cosmicbliss]

Gujarat's tourism strategy


NAGPUR: The Gujarat government is eyeing the community's Diaspora in the country to boost tourism in its state. With a sizeable number of Gujaratis settled in different parts of the country, the state's tourism board has come up with a strategy focusing on them to increase the influx of tourists.

The tourism ministry has also drawn up a plan to develop 14 beaches located along its 1600-km coastline on a public-private partnership.

The beaches start from south Gujarat near Surat to the desert of Kutch in the north. As part of the move, Gujarat's minister of state for tourism Jitendra Sukhadia and tourism board chairman Kamlesh Patel were in the city to promote the monsoon festival at Saputara, a hill station in the Dangs district.

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/c...ow/8930626.cms

[Cosmicbliss]

Gujarat to raise Rs1,000 crore via securities sale

The state government on Monday announced sale of Gujarat Government Stock (Securities) worth Rs1,000 crore for a tenure of 10 years.

A finance department release said that the sale is being undertaken to fund capital expenditure on development programmes, particularly on schemes included in the Annual Development Plan for 2011-12.

The auction will be conducted by Reserve Bank of India (RBI) on Tuesday. The tenure of the stock will commence on June 22, 2011, and the loan will be repaid at par on June 22, 2021.
The public debt of Gujarat has shot up in recent years. It stood at Rs1.13 lakh crore as on March 31, 2011. The release said the debt has been utilised for developmental activities and in creation of productive assets. The state government has also extended guarantees on behalf of government owned entities and various statutory bodies.

The release said that there has been a consistent increase in revenue income of the state over the years. Implementation of VAT and other fiscal measures have contributed to this.

The state government has also said that it is committed to zero revenue deficit and to contain fiscal deficit to 3% of the Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP). The fiscal deficit of the state was 3.53% in 2009-10 and 3.11% in 2010-11. It is projected to be 2.43% in 2011-12.

As against revenue deficit of 1.62% in 2009-10 and 1.08% in 2010-11, the state government has estimated 0.08% surplus budget in 2011-12.

The state government on Monday announced sale of Gujarat Government Stock (Securities) worth Rs1,000 crore for a tenure of 10 years.

A finance department release said that the sale is being undertaken to fund capital expenditure on development programmes, particularly on schemes included in the Annual Development Plan for 2011-12.

The auction will be conducted by Reserve Bank of India (RBI) on Tuesday. The tenure of the stock will commence on June 22, 2011, and the loan will be repaid at par on June 22, 2021.
The public debt of Gujarat has shot up in recent years. It stood at Rs1.13 lakh crore as on March 31, 2011. The release said the debt has been utilised for developmental activities and in creation of productive assets. The state government has also extended guarantees on behalf of government owned entities and various statutory bodies.

The release said that there has been a consistent increase in revenue income of the state over the years. Implementation of VAT and other fiscal measures have contributed to this.

The state government has also said that it is committed to zero revenue deficit and to contain fiscal deficit to 3% of the Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP). The fiscal deficit of the state was 3.53% in 2009-10 and 3.11% in 2010-11. It is projected to be 2.43% in 2011-12.

As against revenue deficit of 1.62% in 2009-10 and 1.08% in 2010-11, the state government has estimated 0.08% surplus budget in 2011-12.


http://www.dnaindia.com/india/report...s-sale_1557434

[Cosmicbliss]

Come Tuesday and the Inland Container Depot (ICD) will be shifted from its existing location at Sabarmati to Khodiyar in Gandhinagar. The newly built state-of-the-art ICD will start functioning from Tuesday. The shifting has been done in view of the rise in export-import (EXIM) activities at the ICD in the last couple of years.

According to Container Corporation of India (CONCOR) officials, ICD Khodiyar has the capacity to handle over 3 lakh TEUs (twenty feet equivalent units) of container cargo per annum.

The new ICD, which is located on SG Highway in Gandhinagar district, comprises a state-of-art EXIM facility spread over an area of 31.8 hectare. The existing Sabaramati ICD was comparatively smaller at 12.8 hectare. Officials said over the last couple of years, the container traffic has increased to 15% to 20% in the western region.

It is to be noted that consignments arriving from foreign destinations have to obtain customs clearance at the ICD. The ICDs were created some three decades ago for quick clearances of consignments since the process used to consume a lot of time at ports.

The Sabarmati ICD was established by Container Corporation in 1990. However, in recent years, the clearances were taking more time in view of increased EXIM volumes. The new ICD at Khodiyar, officials claim, will expedite clearances. It is equipped with five warehouses, three rail sidings, cranes and logistics park.

"Since customs clearances are done at ICD, the revenue generated as customs duty has also increased in last couple of years. In 2009-10, Rs422 crore was collected as duty from ICD Sabarmati, while in 2010-11 the amount was Rs491 crore," said a customs official.

According to officials, the ICD in Ahmedabad has emerged as one of the largest in the country in terms of cargo handled on account of increase in exports and imports. The ICD is the largest in the western region and fourth largest in the country.

The Khodiyar ICD will be inaugurated by chief commissioner, customs, Gujarat zone, Lipika Majumdar Roy Choudhary, on Tuesday.

http://www.dnaindia.com/india/report...ujarat_1557419

[Cosmicbliss]

http://www.bsmotoring.com/news/bajaj...gujarat/3692/1

Bajaj plans three more dealerships in Gujarat

We launched the DTS-i powered Discover 100 in July 2009 and it has reached the volumes of more than 80,000 per month within a year of its launch. We next launched the Discover 150 in May 2010 which gave the Indian consumer an opportunity to own a 150cc bike at an affordable price. This strategy gave us instant results adding 35,000 units to the company's sales," said S. Sridhar, president, motorcycle business, Bajaj Auto.



Speaking on the occasion of launching Bajaj Auto's new dealership in the city, Vimal Sumbly, deputy general manager, Bajaj Auto, said, "Since its launch in 2009, the overall Discover volumes stand close to 1.2 Lakh units per month across India with the launch of this model, we plan to clock volumes of 1.5 lakh per month for fiscal 2011-12."

He further added, "The Discover is a highly accepted model in Gujarat with ever-increasing sales. This model grew by 152 % to 8,526 in 2010-11 and currently sells close to 12,000 in Gujarat." To increase its rural penetration, Bajaj Finance, a sister concern of Bajaj Auto has a started the discount direct cash collection scheme and selected 1300 locations across India out of which 150 are in Gujarat.

"Many a time rural customers find it difficult to get the required because they lack bank accounts or salary slips. Hence a customer who is without a bank account, salary slip or a guarantor can pay the financier a lump sum or a fixed amount any month depending on his requirement based on his ration card and voter's id. We have already sold 3 lakh motorcycles under this scheme in the country," S. Sridhar added.

The company also announced that it would be launching its adventure and sports bike variants under the KTM and Ninja models in six months targeting the premium segment of bike enthusiasts under the KTM and Ninja models.

[Cosmicbliss]

Ford’s second unit might be coming-up next to Tata Motors unit in Sanand, Gujarat


Ford India, which has bought approximately 550 acres of land from the Gujarat Government somewhere in Sanand is reportedly going to build their 2nd manufacturing unit in India next to Tata Motors’ Sanand unit. Their 2nd unit will be bigger than their unit in Chennai. Gujarat unit of Ford will also feature a secondary small unit along with the mother unit.

In order to increase their business in India and Asia Pacific region, Ford Motors plans to make India as their base. Their unit in Chennai already manufactures 200,000 units annually which is not enough to feed the growing industry like India.

Gujarat Government official, on the condition of anonymity stated, “The company has asked for 400 acres of land for its mother plant, and needs around 100-150 acres for its ancillary units.” The report adds that Gujarat Govt, has already found the suitable area in the GIDC – Gujarat Industrial Development Corporation area in Sanand near Ahmedabad.

“A Ford India team met senior state government officials earlier this week, and the negotiations have been very positive,” the official added. When Ford was asked to answer on the matter, an official stated, “In line with its long term commitment, Ford continues to pursue an aggressive growth strategy in India to bring world class vehicles. As part of its plan to introduce eight new products by the middle of the decade, Ford is significantly expanding its capacities in its existing facility in Tamil Nadu as well as exploring other options to meet the growing demand of consumers in India and export markets across the world.”

Mr Nigel Wark, Sales and Marketing Exec Director, Ford India said, “We are at present focussing on expanding our engine plant at Chennai, announcement about a second manufacturing plant will happen at an appropriate time. We would not like to comment on speculation.”

http://www.rushlane.com/fords-second...t-1215700.html

[Cosmicbliss]

Foreign Direct Investment inflows: Gujarat slips to 6th rank among states


Despite being one of the fastest growing states in the country, Gujarat is falling behind in attracting Foreign Direct Investment (FDI). The state's share in the total FDI received by the country was less than 4% in 2010-11.

Statistics released by the Union industry ministry show that out of total FDI of US $19.42 billion - Rs87,390 crore — received by the country in 2010-11, Gujarat attracted a measly $724 million (Rs3,294 crore) of the FDI. With a lowly share of 3.7%, Gujarat was ranked sixth in terms of FDI received.

Maharashtra, on the other hand, cornered the lion's share of FDI with investment of $6.09 billion (Rs27,600 crore). It was followed by the National Capital Region (NCR), including Delhi and parts of UP and Haryana, which received $2.67 billion (Rs12,184 crore) FDI. Tamil Nadu with FDI worth $1.35 billion, Karnataka with $1.33 billion, and Andhra Pradesh with $ 1.26 billion FDI also ranked ahead of Gujarat in FDI received.

Gujarat had received FDI worth $2.82 billion (Rs12,747 crore) in 2008-09, the second highest in the country. However, its rank slipped to fifth in 2009-10 with FDI of $807 million, and it has fallen further to sixth in 2010-11.

Industry minister Saurabh Patel could not be reached for a comment on the figures released by the Union industry ministry. Officials concede that FDI inflows in Gujarat are lower than its peer states but point out that this has always been the case.

“The state has never been in the forefront of receiving FDI. Traditionally, FDI inflows in Gujarat
have not been commensurate with the level of industrialisation in the state,” says a senior official of the state government, adding that this could be on account of higher domestic investment in the manufacturing sector.

Officials point out that the annual FDI received in Gujarat has been in the region of $700-800 million over the years.

They add that the year 2008-09, when the state received FDI of $2.8 billion, was an exception. The Union industry ministry's statistics also show that Gujarat has received FDI worth around $7.1 billion in the last 10 years, around 5% of the total FDI inflows.

The statistics show that FDI inflows in the country fell by 25% from $25.83 billion in 2009-10 to $19.42 billion in 2010-11. The highest FDI of $6.98 came from Mauritius, followed by Singapore ($1.70 billion), Japan ($1.56 billion), US ($1.17 billion) and The Netherlands ($1.21 billion). The sectors which attracted maximum FDI include services, computer software & hardware, telecommunications, housing, construction, automobiles and power.

http://www.dnaindia.com/india/report...states_1556980

[Cosmicbliss]

http://www.khaleejtimes.com/displaya...rnational&col=

The Gujarat government, with Amitabh Bachchan in tow, is inching towards its goal to prove to its critics that the land of Mahatma Gandhi, or rather Narendra Modi, can attract tourists even without the bubbly flowing freely in the dry state.

With the arrival of rains, the famous Gir wildlife sanctuary, the only abode of Asiatic lions, near Junagadh shut its doors on holidayers on June 16 for four months but tourism officials will not be twiddling their thumbs.

Egged on by the just-announced Rs1.5-billion Central aid for developing the state’s three tourist spots, hectic preparations are now on for the third visit of the Hindi film superstar next month to shoot for short films to promote tourism in Champaner, Pavagadh, Ambaji and Saputara, a picturesque hill station, where the department is also organising a four-week monsoon festival.

Bachchan, who first came to Somnath, Girnar, and Bhuj and then shot at Ahmedabad, Porbandar and Dwarka during his second trip, has not been charging any fee from the Modi government and has proved to be a boon for debt-ridden Tourism Corporation of Gujarat Limited.

Corporation bosses, indeed, admit that the tourist arrivals to Gujarat have increased by at least by 15 per cent after gripping television promos featuring the Bollywood legend were released last year.

Union Tourism Minister Subodhkant Sahai’s announcement last week to offer Rs500 million each for Dwarka (a pilgrim centre), Porbandar (Mahatma Gandhi’s birthplace) and Bharuch’s Kabir Vad (a 300-year-old gigantic single banyan tree spread over 2.5 acres) has also administered a shot in the arm of the dormant tourism industry.

In order to bring in tourists to Gujarat, and to market its sight-seeing places, the state tourism department has also entered into a pact with Rajasthan, Karnataka and Punjab for inter-state tourism.

While Gujarat is desperate to woo tourists visiting Rajasthan, the neighbouring state is targeting the non-resident Gujaratis who return to their home towns in Gujarat during the winter.

While Gujarat wants foreign tourists from Rajasthan, it is trying to woo religious tourists from Punjab. And if Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra tourism department, too, tie up, Gujarat will be able to offer the entire western part of India to any tourist as one single destination.

The next in line is Goa, where Gujarat wants to promote its wildlife and religious tourism along with beach tourism on its 1,600-km coastline, the longest in the country.

According to Tourism Minister J N Vyas, his department has selected 16 ‘ill-equipped’ beaches, many of them virgin, for promoting ‘beach tourism’ with a view to attracting domestic and foreign tourists to the state.

A master plan has been prepared for each of these beaches, including levelling along a three-kilometre stretch of each beach, landscaping, benches, kiosks, toilets, lighting and caravan facilities, etc.

For a novel project, Rs60 million has been sanctioned by the Gujarat government to upgrade the Balasinor Dinosaur Fossil Park in Raioli, home to the one of the largest dinosaur fossils sites in the world and where you can touch dinosaur remains and hold a 65-million-year-old egg in your hands.

Aaliya Sultana Babi, the former princess of Balasinor and owner of a heritage hotel, is an enthusiastic promoter and protector of the dinosaur legacy and conducts tours to the site, in an effort to boost heritage tourism in the state.

Wankaner Palace’s Digvijay Singh, yet another family member of royal families of erstwhile princely states in Gujarat, also takes tourists on a memorable visit to the state’s 1935-built step-well in the middle of a river.

The 30-odd heritage hotel owners, not happy with the incentives being offered now, are meeting Modi on June 19 in the hope of receiving better sops for their eye-catching properties on the lines of ones given in Rajasthan.

Well, with ambitious plans for intra-state budget flights, 11 new airports, whale shark tourism, medical tourism was well as Sardar Patel tours and a Sufi circuit, Gujarat is sure to go places even without lifting the age-old liquor ban despite losing excise revenues worth Rs25 billion a year.

After all, following the promotional advertisments videographed with the Bollywood megastar Big B, the state has seen an increase in tourist flow by nearly 1.3 million in the five months ending December last what with the number of foreign tourists also shooting up by 65 per cent — from mere 84,442 in 2009 to 1,42,175 now.

Over to Amitabh!

[Cosmicbliss]

The state government on Saturday launched a first of its kind 'School Dropout Tracking System', even as the Kanya Kelavani and Shala Praveshotsav (school enrolment) campaigns concluded.More than 18,000 villages of the state were covered in the twin campaigns by the state government from June 16 to 18.

The chief minister, other ministers of the state, officials and office bearers of various government boards and corporations, visited schools across the state and enrolled children in primary schools and anganwadis over these three days.

Officials said that 3.49 lakh children up to the age of 5 were enrolled in schools during the first two days of the drive.

CM Narendra Modi launchedthe 'School Dropout Tracking System'in Mehsana's Satlasana taluka. Thesoftware-based tracking system is aimed at minimizing instances of school dropouts.

Modi said that the state government was targeting a zero school-dropout rate as against the existing rate of 2 - 3%. He also said that the tracking system would be launched across the state shortly.

The CM appreciated the support extended to the twin campaigns by citizens, and said that the government and society were working together to educate children and build a sound future for the state.

He dismissed the criticism of the campaigns, saying that they were driven by jealousy and politics.

He also accused the past governments of neglecting primary education in desire of votes.

In the second phase, the twin campaigns will be undertaken in urban areas from June 23 to 25. The state government also announced that the Gunotsav drive would be undertaken in the second half of the academic year.

http://www.dnaindia.com/india/report...ng-you_1556680

[Cosmicbliss]

Within 24 hours of joining Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Keshridevsinh Zala, crown prince of the erstwhile state of Wankaner, started his political innings on Monday by meeting local workers.

The Wankaner scion joined the saffron party on Sunday in the presence of 18 royal families including two from Rajasthan and chief minister Narendra Modi. The function was held at Wankaner royal palace.

A pleased Zala said, "I am very happy to be a part of BJP and have already started working for my people by meeting members of local kisan cell and minority cell on Monday." "I want to serve the people and will be available anytime to address their grievances," he added.

Digvijayzsinhji, Zala's father was environment minister in Indira Gandhi's government and a two-time Congress MLA. During the function, members of the royal family hailed Modi for the developmental work in the state.

Speaking on the occasion, Modi said, "Most of the states in the country are facing electricity problems but in Gujarat, electricity is available round the clock."

He further said, "Where the country has failed to achieve four percent growth rate in agriculture, Gujarat has emerged as the only state to maintain over 10% growth rate in the past 10 years."


http://www.dnaindia.com/india/report...ujarat_1557437

[Cosmicbliss]

NEW DELHI — The Indian state of Gujarat has invited global tenders to help build the world's tallest statue -- a 182-metre memorial to an independence hero that will cost $300 million.

The towering 597-feet figure, which would reach almost halfway up New York's Empire State Building, will bear the likeness of Vallabhbhai Patel, the freedom fighter who guided India's integration into a united, independent nation.

Patel was born in Gujarat and the state government has been kicking the statue proposal around for some time, but now the plans appear to be moving forward.

In the latest edition of The Economist magazine, the government took out a full page advertisement inviting tenders to provide consultancy services for the project, including scrutiny and vetting of the structural blueprints.

According to the advert, the statue of Patel, which will be known as the "Statue of Unity", will be built on an islet in Gujarat's Narmada river, a few miles downstream from the giant Narmada Dam hydroelectric project.

It is a pet project of Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi, who believes the structure will be "standing high, not just in metres and feet, but much more in terms of academic, historical, national and spiritual values."

"My vision is to develop the place as a source of inspiration for ages to come," Modi wrote in a recent blog.

"It will have a high-tech museum, chronicling 90 years' history of India?s freedom fighters. Going much beyond a structure, it will be developed as a research and academic centre for preserving the unity and integrity of India."

Known as the "Iron Man of India", Patel played a major role in the struggle for independence from British rule.

A close friend and ally of Mahatma Gandhi, with whom he shared a prison cell, he became the leader of the Congress Party in 1934 and was a leading force in the Quit India civil disobedience movement.

Patel's lasting legacy was forged in his role as India's first home minister, when he was tasked with moulding a united country from hundreds of semi-autonomous princely states and British-era colonial provinces.

The monument, which will only be accessible by boat, will have lifts to take visitors to the top for a panoramic view from Patel's eye.

It will be four times the height of the Statue of Liberty and six times that of Christ the Redeemer in Rio de Janeiro.

It would also tower 50 metres over the 128-metre Spring Temple Buddha in China's Henan Province which currently holds the title of world's tallest statue.

Modi is a controversial politician, who has been credited with turning around Gujarat's economic fortunes but is tainted by accusations of complicity in the massacre of Muslims during riots which swept the state in 2002.

Despite impressive economic growth figures, poverty and hunger levels remain high, especially among Gujarat's large Muslim population and lower caste Hindus.

"If Mr Modi really wants to show his respect for Sardar Patel, he should spend this money on the upliftment of those living below the poverty line and on improving the infrastructure," said Mahesh Pandya, director of Paryavaran Mitra (Friends of the Environment), based in Gujarat's largest city, Ahmedabad.

"Such an expenditure on erecting a statue cannot be justified in a scenario when people are dying of hunger and poverty," Pandya told AFP.

Other critics have compared Modi to the chief minister of Uttar Pradesh, Mayawati, who has spent hundreds of millions of dollars erecting statues of herself and other icons of the lowest-caste dalit community to which she belongs.

However, Gujarat government spokesman Jainarayan Vyas argued that ambitious, large-scale public projects could make an important contribution to a state's status and sense of self-worth.

"Several projects have long-term implications and their value cannot always be measured in terms of profit and loss," Vyas told AFP.

"Sardar Patel has not been given his due in Indian history. We believe Patel deserves a monument befitting his stature and the heights he achieved during his lifetime," said Vyas, who is Gujarat's health and tourism minister.

"You can say the statue is a metaphor for his tall achievements," he added.

NEW DELHI — The Indian state of Gujarat has invited global tenders to help build the world's tallest statue -- a 182-metre memorial to an independence hero that will cost $300 million.

The towering 597-feet figure, which would reach almost halfway up New York's Empire State Building, will bear the likeness of Vallabhbhai Patel, the freedom fighter who guided India's integration into a united, independent nation.

Patel was born in Gujarat and the state government has been kicking the statue proposal around for some time, but now the plans appear to be moving forward.

In the latest edition of The Economist magazine, the government took out a full page advertisement inviting tenders to provide consultancy services for the project, including scrutiny and vetting of the structural blueprints.

According to the advert, the statue of Patel, which will be known as the "Statue of Unity", will be built on an islet in Gujarat's Narmada river, a few miles downstream from the giant Narmada Dam hydroelectric project.

It is a pet project of Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi, who believes the structure will be "standing high, not just in metres and feet, but much more in terms of academic, historical, national and spiritual values."

"My vision is to develop the place as a source of inspiration for ages to come," Modi wrote in a recent blog.

"It will have a high-tech museum, chronicling 90 years' history of India?s freedom fighters. Going much beyond a structure, it will be developed as a research and academic centre for preserving the unity and integrity of India."

Known as the "Iron Man of India", Patel played a major role in the struggle for independence from British rule.

A close friend and ally of Mahatma Gandhi, with whom he shared a prison cell, he became the leader of the Congress Party in 1934 and was a leading force in the Quit India civil disobedience movement.

Patel's lasting legacy was forged in his role as India's first home minister, when he was tasked with moulding a united country from hundreds of semi-autonomous princely states and British-era colonial provinces.

The monument, which will only be accessible by boat, will have lifts to take visitors to the top for a panoramic view from Patel's eye.

It will be four times the height of the Statue of Liberty and six times that of Christ the Redeemer in Rio de Janeiro.

It would also tower 50 metres over the 128-metre Spring Temple Buddha in China's Henan Province which currently holds the title of world's tallest statue.

Modi is a controversial politician, who has been credited with turning around Gujarat's economic fortunes but is tainted by accusations of complicity in the massacre of Muslims during riots which swept the state in 2002.

Despite impressive economic growth figures, poverty and hunger levels remain high, especially among Gujarat's large Muslim population and lower caste Hindus.

"If Mr Modi really wants to show his respect for Sardar Patel, he should spend this money on the upliftment of those living below the poverty line and on improving the infrastructure," said Mahesh Pandya, director of Paryavaran Mitra (Friends of the Environment), based in Gujarat's largest city, Ahmedabad.

"Such an expenditure on erecting a statue cannot be justified in a scenario when people are dying of hunger and poverty," Pandya told AFP.

Other critics have compared Modi to the chief minister of Uttar Pradesh, Mayawati, who has spent hundreds of millions of dollars erecting statues of herself and other icons of the lowest-caste dalit community to which she belongs.

However, Gujarat government spokesman Jainarayan Vyas argued that ambitious, large-scale public projects could make an important contribution to a state's status and sense of self-worth.

"Several projects have long-term implications and their value cannot always be measured in terms of profit and loss," Vyas told AFP.

"Sardar Patel has not been given his due in Indian history. We believe Patel deserves a monument befitting his stature and the heights he achieved during his lifetime," said Vyas, who is Gujarat's health and tourism minister.

"You can say the statue is a metaphor for his tall achievements," he added.

http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp...cd3a564f2b.3f1

[Cosmicbliss]

Modi hails the development work in Gujarat by his governmentPTI | 06:06 PM,Jun 19,2011
Rajkot, Jun 19 (PTI) Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi today hailed his own government for the developmental work in Gujarat and for "achieving new heights in the fields of agriculture and energy, even without slapping any additional taxes." "Most of the states in the country are facing electricity problems. But electricity is available in Gujarat round the clock," Modi said after being felicitated by as many as 18 royal families of Gujarat and Rajasthan at the royal palace in Wankaner here. He claimed that when the country could not reach the 4 per cent growth rate in agriculture from the 2.5 per cent, Gujarat emerged as the only state to maintain over 10 per cent growth rate for the past 10 years. "In 2001, nearly 4,500 towns in the state were facing the scarcity of water. But the scenario has completely changed after a decade and all these towns now have adequate water supply, after the state government set up pipelines to provide water from Narmada (river)," he said. Modi recalled the sacrifice given by the royal families after India got independence. "It's a great sacrifice to give up power, which royal families did, to keep India intact after independence," Modi said. Modi also recalled the emergency period in 1975 imposed by the then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, who wanted extra-ordinary powers, but failed and imposed the emergency lasting 19 months. On the occasion, Kesri Dev Sinh, prince of Wankaner joined the BJP. Eighteen royal families including Maharaja Raghubirsinhji of Shihor (Rajasthan) felicitated Modi for his contribution to the state.

http://ibnlive.in.com/generalnewsfee...nt/730699.html

[Cosmicbliss]

It's an absurd thing for someone to talk about his own government that way. What do you mean "hails"? Yes the Gujarat BJP has made an impact in some things and made a real difference to administration. But there are failings too and more importantly, the state BJP has in the last couple of years been busier trying to capture power in every institution (Gujarat Cricket Association, cooperative banks) than governance. The Modi government must ensure that they themselves don't buy their own hype and that expectations should remain only a step or two ahead of ground reality.