Chittorgarh, August 16: Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Amit Shah inaugurated and laid the foundation stones for 944 development projects worth ₹5,755 crore covering 15 districts of Rajasthan during an event in Chittorgarh on Sunday.

The event was held on the death anniversary of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee. On the occasion, Amit Shah unveiled a 21-foot-tall statue of Atal Bihari Vajpayee in Chittorgarh. According to the Press Information Bureau, the statue has been installed at a cost of more than ₹1.5 crore. Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma and other dignitaries were present at the programme.

944 Development Projects Across 15 Districts

Addressing the gathering, Amit Shah said that the 944 projects represent a major development push across Rajasthan, with a combined value of ₹5,755 crore. The projects include works inaugurated as well as those for which foundation stones were laid.

Shah also highlighted the contribution of Atal Bihari Vajpayee to India's development and national security. He recalled Vajpayee's role in strengthening India's nuclear capabilities, expanding road connectivity and developing the Golden Quadrilateral highway network.

Tribute to Atal Bihari Vajpayee

The unveiling of the 21-foot statue marked a tribute to the former Prime Minister on his death anniversary. Shah described Vajpayee as a leader whose public life was guided by patriotism and the principle of “Nation First.”

He also highlighted Vajpayee's contributions as a journalist, poet and Prime Minister, particularly in the areas of national security, infrastructure and governance.

Focus on Tribal Welfare

Shah further spoke about Vajpayee's contribution to tribal welfare, noting that his government established the Ministry of Tribal Affairs as a dedicated ministry for tribal communities.

He said the Union government has subsequently expanded initiatives for tribal welfare, including increasing the Scheduled Tribe component of the budget and establishing museums dedicated to tribal freedom fighters.

Rajasthan Government's Development Initiatives

During his address, Shah also highlighted various initiatives of the Rajasthan government under Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma. He referred to water supply projects, investment promotion under the Rising Rajasthan initiative, employment through job fairs, subsidised LPG cylinders and healthcare schemes.

According to the figures cited by Shah, the Rising Rajasthan event attracted proposed investments worth ₹35 lakh crore, while 36 new policies were formulated. He also said that 1.78 lakh jobs had been provided through job fairs.

The Union Home Minister said Rajasthan is moving towards further development through cooperation between the Central and state governments.

Source: Press Information Bureau, Ministry of Home Affairs

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