The President of India, Smt Droupadi Murmu inaugurated ‘National e-Vidhan Application’ (NeVA) and addressed the Gujarat Legislative Assembly at Gandhinagar today (September 13, 2023). 

Speaking on the occasion, the President said that since the formation of Gujarat state in the year 1960, Gujarat Legislative Assembly has always worked in the interest of the society. She added that it has taken many commendable steps from time to time. She further said that inauguration of E-Assembly today is an important step which would transform this House into a Digital House. She shared that through National e-Vidhan Application (NeVA) members of this House can learn and adopt the best practices of the Parliament and other Legislative Assemblies of the country. She expressed confidence that this initiative, inspired by the goal of “one nation one application”, would bring more speed and transparency in the functioning of the Gujarat Legislative Assembly and the entire process of the House being paperless would also protect the environment.

The President said that Gujarat is among the leading states of the country on many parameters. She shared that it is a leading manufacturing hub and the largest milk producing state. She added that it is one of the major states in terms of Startup eco-system and among frontline states in Roof Top Solar Power Generation and Wind Energy Production.

The President said that human resources play an important role in the economic progress of any state. She added that it is important to provide basic facilities like a good health system, quality education, electricity and water to the public for the development of human resources. She was happy to note that the government of Gujarat has paid full attention to this aspect. She noted that there has been unprecedented improvement in girl education, teacher-student ratio, enrollment ratio and retention rate by the efforts of the government. She appreciated good medical services being provided in the rural areas through a three-tier health system which reduced maternal mortality ratio and infant mortality rate. She appreciated the significant work done in Gujarat in electricity reform and water harvesting and water supply in the last two decades. She was happy to note the state government’s initiatives for animal welfare.

Speaking about the women’s representation in the House, the President said that when women are performing excellently in every field, be it science & technology, defense or sports, their representation in politics should also increase. She said that during her visits to the educational institutions across the country, she noticed girls’ aspiration to move forward in life and do something for the country and society. She added that proper opportunities are given to women, they can contribute to nation building by standing shoulder to shoulder with men. She highlighted that participation of half of the population is very crucial for the overall development of the country.

Referring to the formation of Global Biofuels Alliance during the G20 Summit, the President said that this is another important step taken under the leadership of India after the International Solar Alliance, for environmental protection and energy self-reliance. She added that this is a good opportunity for a state like Gujarat which promotes innovative and non-traditional sources of energy.

The President said that technology is an important means to make people's lives easier and E-Vidhan would further help MLAs in staying connected with the people. She wished that while maintaining parliamentary decorum and dignity, they would set a new standard for discussing public welfare in this House. She emphasized that their efforts would be important not only in making Gujarat a more prosperous state but also in making India a fully developed nation by the year 2047.

Please Click here to see the President's Speech - 

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DS/AK