Prime Minister Narendra Modi today underlined Gujarat’s rising stature as a global hub for high-tech engineering and manufacturing, while also reaffirming the government’s deep commitment to tribal welfare and inclusive development.
Addressing a large gathering in Dahod, the Prime Minister said that Gujarat has made remarkable progress in diverse sectors such as education, IT, semiconductors, and tourism. He informed that a major semiconductor plant is being established in the state with an investment of thousands of crores, further strengthening India’s footprint in the global semiconductor industry and creating employment opportunities for lakhs of youth.
The Prime Minister highlighted that Dahod, Vadodara, Godhra, Kalol, and Halol have together formed a robust high-tech engineering and manufacturing corridor. He said, “Vadodara is rapidly advancing in aircraft manufacturing, with the Airbus assembly line inaugurated recently. The city is also home to India’s first Gati Shakti University. Savli has a major rail coach manufacturing facility, and now Dahod is manufacturing India’s most powerful 9,000-horsepower locomotives. These developments mark a proud moment for the nation.”
He added that small and medium-scale industries across Godhra, Kalol, and Halol are also playing a vital role in Gujarat’s industrial growth. Envisioning the future of the region, he said, “From bicycles and motorcycles to railway engines and aircraft, this corridor will produce it all. Such a high-tech corridor is rare even on the global stage.”
Reaffirming his government’s commitment to tribal welfare, the Prime Minister said that the development of tribal regions is essential for building a developed India. He noted that significant work has been carried out in the last 11 years to uplift tribal communities across the country.
PM Modi said, “I have had the privilege of working extensively in Gujarat’s tribal areas, and that experience has shaped many national-level initiatives. There was a time when tribal children couldn’t even dream of studying science. Today, the tribal belt has access to quality education through ITIs, medical colleges, and two dedicated tribal universities.”
He stated that the network of Eklavya Model Schools has been strengthened over the past decade to ensure better educational opportunities for tribal students, including several such schools now operating in Dahod.
Referring to the ‘Dhartii Aaba Janjati Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan’, he said this is a historic initiative launched for the first time in independent India. He informed that the Central Government is investing nearly ₹80,000 crore in the program, aimed at transforming over 60,000 tribal villages by providing electricity, water, roads, schools, hospitals, and pucca houses.
PM Modi said, “Our government is working for those who were long neglected. The PM Janman Yojana has been introduced to support particularly vulnerable tribal groups who have been deprived for decades. New infrastructure and job opportunities are being created to ensure inclusive development.”
The Prime Minister also highlighted the launch of a national mission to eliminate sickle cell anemia in tribal communities, under which millions have already been screened.
Speaking on regional transformation, PM Modi said that Dahod, once classified as a backward district, is now progressing rapidly as an Aspirational District. He remarked, “South Dahod once faced severe water scarcity. Today, thanks to hundreds of kilometers of new pipelines, Narmada water is reaching every home. Over the years, 11 lakh acres of land from Umargam to Ambaji have been brought under irrigation, easing the burden on tribal farmers.”