Vice President C. P. Radhakrishnan on Friday described Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu (DNHDD) as a “mini India”, praising its transformation through infrastructure development, public participation and people-centric governance.
Addressing a public function at Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam Government College in Silvassa during his maiden visit to the Union Territory, V-P Radhakrishnan said the region’s development was contributing to the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047.
He credited the progress achieved over the past decade to the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the sustained efforts of Administrator Praful Patel and active participation by local people.
₹13,000 crore infrastructure push
V-P Radhakrishnan said more than 450 infrastructure projects worth over ₹13,000 crore have been undertaken in the Union Territory during the last decade. These include around 800 km of roads, developed at a cost of more than ₹4,000 crore.
He said improvements in connectivity and infrastructure have helped strengthen the foundations for economic and social development across the Union Territory.
Healthcare transformation
Highlighting advances in healthcare, the Vice President noted that DNHDD, which had no medical college before 2019, now has one with 177 seats.
The Union Territory also has the 450-bed NAMO Hospital in Silvassa and a recently inaugurated 350-bed NAMO Hospital in Daman.
V-P Radhakrishnan said that TB cases have declined by 57 per cent and malnutrition by 58 per cent over the past three years. The Union Territory has also achieved 100 per cent saturation of Health and Wellness Centres and institutional deliveries, besides complete registration under the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission.
Education and opportunities for youth
The Vice President said 21 new schools have been constructed at an investment of more than ₹700 crore, while another 16 schools are under construction. Government schools have also been equipped with smart classrooms.
He highlighted the establishment of institutions and campuses of NIFT, Gujarat National Law University and other professional institutions, saying these developments are expanding educational and career opportunities for young people within the Union Territory.
Tourism emerges as growth driver
Tourism has also witnessed significant growth, with annual tourist footfall increasing from around 6 lakh in 2021 to nearly 50 lakh in 2025, V-P Radhakrishnan said.
He cited initiatives such as the Daman Night Market, Ram-setu Seafront, restored heritage sites, beaches, water sports and eco-tourism projects as contributing to the region’s tourism potential while showcasing its heritage and natural environment.
Industry, connectivity and clean energy
V-P Radhakrishnan highlighted DNHDD’s industrial base, noting that the Union Territory has more than 7,500 manufacturing units and provides over 2.8 lakh employment opportunities through the MSME sector.
The inauguration of Namo Airport, Daman, has further strengthened air connectivity with Delhi, Mumbai and Ahmedabad, he said.
He also appreciated the Union Territory for achieving 100 per cent solarisation of government buildings, with nearly 12 MW of installed solar capacity.
DNHDD a “mini India”
Referring to the contributions of Mahatma Gandhi, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel and PM Modi, the Vice President said Gandhi symbolises non-violence and the freedom struggle, Sardar Patel represents India’s unity and integrity, while PM Modi represents development.
V-P Radhakrishnan said the Union Territory’s social diversity, cultural heritage and spirit of harmony make it a “mini India”, with people from different parts of the country contributing to its growth and living together harmoniously.
He said the ongoing transformation of DNHDD demonstrates how innovative governance and people’s participation can support inclusive development and contribute to the broader vision of a Viksit Bharat by 2047.
