Gandhinagar, May 20 (IANS) The Gujarat government has approved a new rural infrastructure scheme under which community facilities capable of accommodating 500 people will be built in villages across the state for social, religious and public events, while also serving as emergency shelters during natural disasters.

The decision was approved by Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel during a state Cabinet meeting held on Wednesday.

Announcing the decision, Government spokesperson and Minister Jitu Vaghani said the “Atalwadi Scheme” had been approved with the objective of improving facilities for citizens living in the remotest parts of the state.

“Under this scheme, ‘Atalwadis’ with a capacity of 500 people will be constructed in villages so that social and public events can be organised under one roof,” Minister Vaghani added.

According to the Minister, each Atalwadi will include a large open hall with an arch shed, a kitchen, separate toilets for women and men, and basic arrangements for clean drinking water.

He said that villages with population of more than 2,000 would receive the benefit of the scheme in the initial phase.

Minister Vaghani said the decision would provide ordinary and middle-class rural families with access to modern facilities at reasonable rental rates for marriage ceremonies, social gatherings and religious functions.

“Since facilities will be available within their own villages under the Atalwadi Scheme, citizens will also be able to save significantly on expenses,” he added.

The Minister added that the structures would also be used during emergencies caused by natural disasters, cyclones and heavy rainfall.

“In times of disaster, this physical infrastructure can be used as a safe shelter home for villagers,” he said.

Giving further details, Minister Vaghani said: “Land for the construction of Atalwadis would be selected from open spaces owned by gram panchayats, plots designated by panchayats, or public spaces located near a village’s main temple or tourist site.”

He added that the facilities would be available equally to all residents without discrimination, which, according to the state government, would also help promote mutual cooperation and social harmony within villages.

The state government has made a budgetary provision of Rs 60 crore for the this scheme in the current financial year.

–IANS

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