Page 86 - SocialHarmony

90 Social Harmony

relief, but if perchance he perishes, no eye is free of tears. So
many poor mothers die in childbirth, which goes unnoticed.
Even newly-born infants do not survive for lack of proper
medical facilities. This is a pitiable situation which gives me
great grief. The Gujarati word for delivery is ‘suvavad’, which
literally translates into ‘good news’. How ironic then, that this
good news situation turns into bad news of the death of mother
and child. I am determined to save the lives of mothers in
childbirth and avoid tragic deaths at young age. We have floated
a scheme called, “Chiranjivi Yojna,” under which women who
live below the poverty line will be provided money for
transporting them to the hospital for routine check-ups and the
actual delivery. Also, since a woman cannot work during this
time, she will be given ` 200 per day as maintenance.
Additionally, the entire financial burden of hospitalization and
treatment would be borne by the government. For the first time,
a government has taken steps to save the lives of new-born
babies and their mothers. I want to see prosperity for the poor
by 2010 through the “Garib, Samriddhi Yojna,” which will spend
` 13000 crores for the welfare of poor. In 2010, when Gujarat
celebrates its golden jubilee, I wish to see happiness in the home
of each poor person too.

Government to the Aid of the Suffering
It is only rarely that God gives the chance to serve the

underprivileged. The Government of Gujarat has been given
this opportunity and has taken it up with whim and vigour. I
have a burning desire to make the poor happy. This work should
not get stalled for lack of funds. If we are able to work for the
welfare of even two-three poor persons every day, it will allow
us to sleep peacefully at night. I invite everyone to be a part of
this process of transformation. Those who are working in public
life should be all the more committed to serving the poor. Let
us take up this opportunity to serve and join hands with the,
“Garib Samriddhi Yojna”. Let us create new landmarks in the
landscape of our state.