In the lead-up to Diwali, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has launched a series of ambitious development projects in Gujarat’s Amreli district, with a total investment exceeding Rs 4,800 crore.
These projects, spanning infrastructure, water management, and tourism, are set to transform the region and enhance its appeal as a cultural and business hub.
Modi highlighted the launch of Bharat Mata Sarovar in Dudhala as a key attraction, anticipated to position Amreli as a prominent tourist destination akin to the Statue of Unity in Narmada, while emphasizing water resource advancements through initiatives like the Saurashtra Narmada Avtaran Irrigation (SAUNI) scheme.
Jairam Ramesh, Congress General Secretary, spotlighted a financial access crisis impacting Jharkhand’s tribal populations, who, despite having money deposited from government schemes, are barred from withdrawing due to stringent KYC norms. Ramesh argued that these requirements, primarily intended to curb financial fraud, inadvertently burden low-income tribal residents, especially those in economically fragile districts like Latehar and Lohardaga. A survey conducted by NREGA Sahayta Kendras in these districts revealed that 60 percent of surveyed households had at least one frozen bank account, often due to minor inconsistencies in official records, which hinder access to crucial financial resources like MGNREGA wages and Jharkhand’s Maiya Samman Yojana benefits.
Ramesh, urging the RBI to adapt KYC procedures for these communities, criticized what he described as “thoughtless policy coordination.” According to him, rigid KYC protocols have overwhelmed local banks, further straining access in areas where administrative reach is already limited. This situation raises questions about balancing regulatory measures with the need for rural banking access—a dilemma intensified by India’s push for digital transactions and direct benefit transfers.
In stark contrast to Jharkhand’s financial access issues, Prime Minister Modi’s Gujarat visit emphasized strides in infrastructure. During his visit to Amreli, Modi inaugurated projects worth Rs 4,800 crore across sectors including roadways, water management, and tourism. Among these, Bharat Mata Sarovar in Dudhala is envisioned as a potential landmark that could elevate Amreli as a major tourism destination, akin to the impact of the Statue of Unity in Narmada. Modi, recalling the successes of the Saurashtra Narmada Avtaran Irrigation (SAUNI) scheme, emphasized how the initiative had transformed water distribution across Gujarat, benefiting numerous villages and cities.
Prime Minister Modi’s speech also touched on India’s increasing appeal as an international business hub. Following discussions with Spanish President Pedro Sanchez, Modi highlighted India’s commitment to fostering cross-sectoral bilateral relations, particularly in commerce, technology, and cultural exchange—a vision that, according to Modi, reflects India’s growing stature on the world stage.
The contrast between the issues faced by Jharkhand’s rural poor and Gujarat’s developmental ambitions underscores a significant policy divide within India’s governance priorities.
As Jharkhand’s tribals await a potential recalibration of KYC rules to access basic banking services, Modi’s Gujarat initiatives highlight a broader agenda focused on tourism and infrastructure.
These dual narratives reflect the multifaceted nature of India’s development path, suggesting a need for balanced policy approaches that consider the inclusion of vulnerable communities in the country’s economic growth trajectory.
