Gandhinagar (Gujarat) [India], January 2 (HBTV): The Gujarat Cabinet, chaired by Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, approved the formation of nine new municipal corporations across the state on Wednesday.
This decision aligns with the 2024-25 budget commitment to upgrade municipalities—Navsari, Vapi, Anand, Nadiad, Mehsana, Surendranagar/Wadhwan, Morbi, Porbandar/Chhaya, and Gandhidham—into municipal corporations.
In adherence to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's policy of ‘Je Kahevu Te Karvu’ (Delivering on Commitments), the Bhupendra Patel-led government has swiftly initiated steps to operationalize these municipal corporations.
Gujarat Minister Rushikesh Patel emphasized the state's vision of Viksit Gujarat@2047, focusing on goals of ‘Earning Well’ and ‘Living Well’ under the broader framework of Viksit Bharat@2047 envisioned by PM Modi.
‘Currently, Gujarat has eight municipal corporations: Ahmedabad, Surat, Vadodara, Rajkot, Bhavnagar, Junagadh, Jamnagar, and Gandhinagar. After 14 years, the state is set to double this number to 17, with nine new additions,’ said Patel.
The Cabinet’s decision supports NITI Aayog's vision of ‘Cities as Engines of Growth,’ facilitating effective urban planning, development-focused initiatives, and transparent governance.
Details of the New Municipal Corporations
- Navsari Municipal Corporation: Formed by merging Navsari Municipality with Dantej, Dharagiri, Eru, and Hansapore Gram Panchayats.
- Gandhidham Municipal Corporation: Includes Gandhidham Municipality and Kidana, Galpadar, Antarjaal, Shinai, Meghpar-Borichi, and Meghpar-Kumbhardi Gram Panchayats.
- Morbi Municipal Corporation: Merges Morbi Municipality with Shaktasanala, Ravapara, Lilapar, Amreli, and other surrounding Gram Panchayats.
- Vapi Municipal Corporation: Formed by combining Vapi Municipality with Balitha, Salvav, Chharwada, and other nearby Gram Panchayats.
- Anand Municipal Corporation: Combines Anand, Vallabh Vidyanagar, and Karamsad Municipalities with Mogri, Jitodia, and Lambhvel Gram Panchayats.
- Mehsana Municipal Corporation: Integrates Mehsana Municipality with Fatepura, Ramosana, Dediasan, and parts of several other Gram Panchayats.
- Surendranagar Municipal Corporation: Formed by merging Surendranagar, Dudhrej, and Wadhwan Municipalities with nearby Gram Panchayats.
- Porbandar Municipal Corporation: Combines Porbandar and Chhaya Municipalities with surrounding Gram Panchayats like Vanana and Digvijaygarh.
- Nadiad Municipal Corporation: Includes Nadiad Municipality and Yoginagar, Pipalag, Dabhan, and other Gram Panchayats.
Enhancing Urban Development
Minister Rushikesh Patel noted that converting municipalities and Gram Panchayats into municipal corporations will streamline governance and improve service delivery. Essential services like roads, sewerage, clean drinking water, education, and healthcare will now be systematically provided.
The state government also assured financial and administrative support to rural areas integrated into the new corporations, ensuring timely civic amenities and better living standards. Urban planning will be optimized through structured approaches, including land allocation for community development projects.
Major infrastructure initiatives like BRTS, Metro Rail, and Riverfront Development will also be extended to these areas, enhancing the quality of life for citizens.
The move reflects the state government’s commitment to ‘Sauno Saath, Sauno Vikas,’ aiming to elevate the Ease of Living for all residents.
(ANI)