December 24, 2020 - The awards were presented today to Managing Director of Gujarat State Electricity Corporation Limited Gurdeep Singh and District Collector of Bharuch Vikrant Pandey by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the occasion of 9th Civil Services Day here.
Pandey, a 2005 batch IAS officer of Gujarat cadre, had started an 'Emotional Drive Campaign' scheme during his tenure as Collector of Valsad till February 2015.
The scheme was started in the district, which has a high tribal population, to reach out to the most backward and neglected sections of the society and handhold them towards upliftment.
After the award ceremony, Pandey, who is at present Collector of Bharuch district, apprised about the scheme launched in Valsad and neighbouring Vapi.
He said the scheme was a systematic convergence of central and state schemes, innovation, new idea and will try to reduce the regional disparity in Valsad district.
He said the campaign was a basket of activities including disbursement of forest land rights to 17,204 individuals, 100 percent financial inclusion and covering 100 percent pension schemes to eligible beneficiaries.
Under the scheme, 2204 orphan and single parent children have been rehabilitated besides organising the Parichaya Sammelan for blind, deaf and dumb.
He said the scheme has developed a feeling of ownership in tribal since it is a transparent, decentralised and participatory model.
The Gujarat State Electricity Corporation Limited had successfully commissioned Photovoltaic technology based One MW Solar plant on branch canal in Mehsana district.
The project was commissioned on March 28, 2012 and is successfully in operation.
Canal top solar power plant does not require land acquisition hence it results in saving of land piece and also saves water by reducing evaporation losses, strengthen grid while generating power near the consumption point.
Power to the tune of 4,852,000 units is supplied to the state grid till date and the project has relatively higher output in comparison to land mounted solar plant.
The award includes a medal, scroll and a cash amount of Rs one lakh.
