Gujarat should launch Unnat Gujarat Abhiyan: Bhatkar

The Chairman of Unnat Bharat Abhiyan (UBA) Vijay Bhatkar has suggested that the Gujarat government should launch Unnat Gujarat Abhiyan to facilitate reaching of socio-welfare schemes of the government to people.
"The governments of Maharashtra and Haryana have already launched it and Gujarat should also do the same as it is a progressive state. Various welfare schemes of the Central and state government can be taken to people through this initiative," Bhatkar told PTI on the sidelines of the 65th convocation of the Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda (MSU) here last evening.
"Unnat Bharat Abhiyan(UBA) is inspired by the vision of transformational change in rural development processes by leveraging knowledge institutions to help build the architecture of an inclusive India," said Bhatkar, who was chief guest for the convocation ceremony.

"It is necessary to analyse various social and development issues in the state through research and find out a solution to them. So the Maharashtra government recently launched Unnat Maharashtra Abhiyan," said Bhatkar.
He said, "In order to enhance research among various government agencies and educational institutes on social and economic problems, Unnat Maharashtra Abhiyan, stresses on boosting participation of students from engineering and other faculties in various project-wise schemes."
Unnat Bharat Abhiyan is being coordinated and steered by IIT Delhi, said Bhatkar, who is also the Chairman of IIT Delhi. The programme involves engaging neighbouring communities and using technologies for their upliftment.

Bhatkar said, "The Abhiyan has been launched in 91 districts out of a total 600 districts in the country so far eversince its launch in October 2014 and efforts are being made to bring remaining districts under the scheme."
Bhatkar, who is a former student of the faculty of technology and engineering of the MSU of Baroda in 1966 supported Prime Minister Modi's demonetisation initiative saying it would lead to cashless economy in the country.