Gandhinagar: Chief minister Bhupendra Patel on Monday virtually laid the foundation stones of development projects worth Rs 1,600 crore for Tapi district. These include Ukai reservoir-based irrigation schemes for Songadh, Uchhal, and Nizar, as well as the Borisavar Yojana.Speaking at the event, the CM said that priority has been given to holistic development of tribal areas through the Vanbandhu Kalyan Yojana. The state govt has also carried out result-oriented work for education, health, and connectivity of the tribal community. Commenting on the lift irrigation schemes, the CM said that water from the Ukai dam is being delivered to hilly regions. The Songadh, Uchhal, and Nizar lift irrigation schemes, along with the Borisavar lift irrigation scheme, will provide year-round water to farmers, he added.Ashish Kumar appointed secretary to DyCMGandhinagar: The general administration department (GAD) issued a notification on Monday, appointing 2014 batch IAS officer Ashish Kumar as secretary to deputy chief minister Harsh Sanghavi.The notification said that Ashish Kumar will continue to hold the additional charge of the post of director, tribal development, until further orders. This is the first time that an IAS officer has been appointed as secretary to the DyCM.
