After a minor albeit potent glitch in state politics that saw a shift in leadership, Gujarat has steadily eased itself in the shadow of its new Chief Minister. However, modest and humble the reticent CM Vijay Rupani may seem, he remains inflexible and firm in his words. Under his guidance, administration seems slow, but promising.
Gujarat Samachar and Asian Voice publisher-editor CB Patel, Bureau Chief Nilesh Parmar, and journalist/columnist Vishnu Pandya called upon CM Rupani on January 20 at his Gandhinagar residence, when he expressed desire to strengthen relations with Gujaratis settled abroad. Problems faced by NRGs due to demonetisation, were explained in detail to the chief minister. The Ahmedabad branch of the Reserve Bank of India is not authorised to accept old currency from NRGs for exchange. The unfairness of how these visitors have no other option but to travel to Mumbai in order to get their banned notes replaced, was also elucidated. When asked to come up with a permanent solution for the inconvenience, Rupani readily connected with the Finance Ministry in New Delhi, on the phone.
Speaking to Additional Secretary GC Murmu, Ministry of Finance, CM Rupani advocated for NRIs and asked that proper light be shed on their problems. "To ease their problems, provisions should be made in at least one centre in any city in Gujarat," he said. There are no big or small problems for the chief minister, and he tries to bring a solution for each one of them. He said it was Narendra Modi's leadership that brought the state under global limelight. The recently concluded Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit is an example. National and international companies signed over 25,000 MoUs. "The world recognises Gujarat's growth today, and the government intends to take it to newer heights," Rupani said.
Along with economic growth, Gujarat government also promotes focus on its people. In a move that mirrors Modi's 'Sabka Saath Sabka Vikas', Rupani's administration makes sure the minorities and socially unrepresented aren't neglected in the race to the top. He said, "Just yesterday we conducted an event in Chhota Udepur where we provided land rights and rights to grow produce to over 70,000 people of the tribal community, putting an end to demands that date years back. These communities are flourishing, which is why, the government cannot afford to displease them."
Millions of Gujaratis have settled down in overseas, and thousands of Gujaratis visit India every year. These visitors face several issues right from the minute of their arrival at the airport. Providing a solution for such problems, CB suggested for an 'NRI Help Desk' at the airport. Agreeing to the idea, CM Rupani said while the decisions relating to airport management lies with the Central Government, he will talk to the department concerned.
What is Gujarat doing in lieu with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Make in India, and Swachh Bharat campaigns? "Be it the Make in India campaign, or Swachh Bharat, Gujarat's efforts remain noteworthy. Isn't Vibrant Gujarat fulfilling Make in India's needs? When it comes to the implementation of schemes, Gujarat will always be in the forefront."
Referring to the tremendous opportunities provided by the state's tourism department, CB stated that if the sector is used to join Gujarati youth settled abroad, it would benefit a lot of people. He said Gujarat Tourism needs to make efforts to promote tourism. Rupani demonstrated readiness to bring the state and NRGs close. CB offered to make all measures to bridge communications between the country and NRIs. He said if proper bond isn't maintained between the two, it will adversely affect both sides.
CB invited CM Rupani to Britain, asking him to boost relations and interact with the Gujarati community settled in the country. The ever-respectful Chief Minister accepted the invite saying that while he finds himself occupied with several responsibilities, he will visit Britain the first chance he gets.
