Gandhinagar, April 20 (IANS) Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel on Monday said that free treatment for serious illnesses under the Ayushman Bharat scheme has become accessible to poor and middle-class families, as he addressed a ‘Vikas Sankalp Sabha’ in Santrampur town of Mahisagar district.

Highlighting healthcare initiatives, Patel said Prime Minister Narendra Modi had “made excellent arrangements ranging from yoga to the Ayushman Bharat scheme, taking into account the health concerns of the poor and middle class”, adding that this had ensured access to treatment for serious diseases without any financial burden.

The Chief Minister began his address by paying tributes to the heroes of Mangadh and Govind Guru.

He said that the development-oriented approach initiated by the Prime Minister in the country and in Gujarat had “directly benefited the last person in the line”, and that elections were now being contested on the basis of such development works.

“The enthusiasm visible among the people reflects their unwavering trust in the BJP,” he said.

Praising PM Modi’s leadership, Patel said he “has never thought small and has always worked with big goals”, the benefits of which had reached crores of citizens.

“Essential services such as water supply, electricity and road connectivity have been extended to villages across the state. Many families have realised their dream of owning a home through the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana,” he asserted.

On tribal welfare, Patel said the Prime Minister had consistently worked to address the concerns of tribal communities.

“Prime Minister Narendra Modi has always made efforts to resolve the problems of the tribal community, the positive results of which we have received,” he said.

He also noted that the decision to celebrate ‘Janjatiya Gaurav Divas’ on the birth anniversary of Birsa Munda was a recognition of tribal culture and heritage.

Referring to administrative reforms, CM Patel said there had been “historic changes” in revenue rules, under which land records would be directly converted from new tenure to old tenure in the 7/12 extract without requiring applications from citizens.

He added that the creation of new talukas such as Godhar and Kothamba would improve administrative ease in the region.

Patel urged voters to remain cautious of opposition inducements and called on the public to ensure a decisive victory for Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) candidates in the upcoming local self-government elections.

“For a developed India, we must move forward together with the resolve of a ‘Viksit Gujarat’. Government schemes are being delivered to beneficiaries in a transparent manner,” he noted.

–IANS

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