Gandhinagar (Gujarat) [India], May 21 (ANI): Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel has approved the new 'Atalwadi Yojana', aimed at enhancing the well-being of villagers, during the State Cabinet meeting held on May 20.

Sharing details of the decision, Spokesperson Minister Jitu Vaghani stated that the Chief Minister has approved the 'Atalwadi Yojana' with the objective of upgrading the facilities available to citizens residing in the remotest areas of the state.

According to the Chief Minister's Office (CMO), providing further details on the matter, the Spokesperson Minister said that under this scheme, an 'Atalwadi' with a capacity to accommodate 500 people will be constructed in villages, allowing social and public events to be held under a single roof. Each Atalwadi will be equipped with primary facilities, including a large open hall with an arch-shed, a kitchen, separate toilets for men and women, and clean drinking water. Villages with a population of more than 2,000 across the state will benefit from this scheme.

This decision will provide poor and middle-class families in villages with modern amenities at reasonable rental rates for marriages, social gatherings, or religious functions. Access to this facility within their own village under the Atalwadi Yojana will also result in significant financial savings for the citizens.

In addition, during times of natural disasters, cyclones, or heavy rainfall, the structure can be utilised as a 'Shelter Home'. This physical infrastructure will serve as a safe haven for villagers during emergencies.

Elaborating further, he said that open spaces belonging to the Gram Panchayat, plots designated by the Panchayat, or public lands near the main temple or tourist spots of the village will be selected for the construction of these venues. The benefits of Atalwadi will be accessible to all citizens of the village equally without any discrimination, thereby fostering mutual cooperation and social harmony.

It is worth mentioning here that the state government has made a budget provision of 60 crores in the current financial year for this new 'Atalwadi Yojana'. (ANI)