Vikas Saptah Rajkot city witnessed a vibrant beginning to the Swadeshi Mela inaugurated in Rajkot, organized under the “Vikas Saptah” (Development Week) celebrations by the Rajkot Municipal Corporation (RMC). The event is a part of the larger initiative “Urban Development Year 2025” and the Aatmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan (Self-Reliant India Movement).
The Swadeshi Fair, inaugurated by MLA Ramesh Tilala, aims to promote Indian-made products, local artisans, and self-reliant businesses. Mayor Nayanaben Pedhadiya presided over the ceremony, and MLA Dr. Darshita Shah was also present on the occasion. The fair will continue till October 15, showcasing various traditional and locally manufactured products, encouraging citizens to support indigenous goods.
Mayor Pedhadiya emphasized that in the modern era of technology, it is equally important to preserve and promote traditional craftsmanship. She urged citizens to purchase and use Indian-made products to strengthen the nation’s economic foundation, saying, “Adopting Swadeshi is an act of patriotism.”
MLA Ramesh Tilala further highlighted that the fair is inspired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of a developed and self-reliant India. He appealed to people to make “Har Ghar Swadeshi, Ghar Ghar Swadeshi” a reality by supporting local industries and artisans.
Food Department Launches Raids Before Festivals
Ahead of the festive season, Rajkot’s Food Department has intensified checks to ensure food quality and hygiene across the city. Officials collected around 30 food samples from various areas including Gandhigram, Raiya Road, Amin Marg, Kalawad Road, Kothariya Road, University Road, and Kotcha Nagar Main Road.
Samples were taken from well-known establishments like Lakshmi and Shriram Jambu, Payal Punjabi Food, Jashoda Dairy Farm, Pangat Restaurant, Harbhole Dairy Farm, Papa Louie’s, Diamond Enterprise, Madras Café, Patil Vadapav Misal House, Deepak Sandwich, Bombay Street Food Dosa, Chhotuji Samosa Wale, Wealthy Food, and Shahi Enterprise.
The collected samples include mawa, paneer, dry fruit rolls, pizza cheese, processed cheese, butter, and pure ghee. These have been sent for laboratory testing to ensure purity and safety. The department clarified that this initiative aims to provide citizens with clean and quality food during festivals, and the results of the laboratory reports are awaited.
Civil Hospital Laundry Dispute Settled with ₹8.51 Lakh Recovery
A long-standing dispute involving the Rajkot Civil Hospital’s laundry contractor appears to be nearing resolution. Sources revealed that Sahas Solution, an Ahmedabad-based firm, had taken hospital linens worth over ₹30 lakh for washing but failed to return them in June.
After continuous follow-up, the hospital administration managed to recover ₹8.51 lakh from the contractor. However, officials stated that action against the company is still ongoing and full payment of pending bills has not been made. Previously, the hospital had held back three bills worth ₹9 lakh and issued formal notices. Health authorities may escalate the issue to the Commissioner of Health for further investigation.
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Unauthorized Bus Stop Advertisements to Attract Heavy Penalty
The Rajkot Municipal Corporation has issued strict warnings against unauthorized advertisements at bus stops. Several individuals were found pasting posters and stickers at city bus and BRTS bus stations, damaging public property.
The civic body fined three offenders a total of ₹47,000 as administrative charges. RMC clarified that 238 buses operate on 72 routes, including 100 CNG and 138 electric buses, under Rajkot Rajpath Limited. Officials warned that any future unauthorized advertising on bus stops will result in legal penalties and financial fines.
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Congress Accuses BJP of Making False Promises Over Animal Hostels
The Rajkot Congress Committee has accused the ruling BJP administration of misleading the Maldhari (cattle-herding) community. Congress leaders, including Ranjit Mundhwa, Komalben Bharai, and Haresh Bharai, submitted a letter to the Municipal Commissioner stating that despite the 2025 municipal budget provision for three new animal hostels at Raiya, Kothariya, and Sokhda, no progress has been made.
They alleged that BJP leaders had promised these hostels to gain votes but failed to even initiate site selection or tender processes. The Congress claimed that while BJP leaders seek political mileage by thanking workers publicly, the actual budget details for these hostels remain undisclosed.
A Week of Civic Progress and Public Awareness:Vikas Saptah
The Inauguration of Swadeshi Fair in Rajkot symbolizes not only the celebration of Indian craftsmanship but also a broader civic effort to ensure cleanliness, transparency, and responsibility. From food safety inspections to anti-vandalism measures and hospital accountability, Rajkot’s “Vikas Saptah” reflects the city’s commitment to self-reliance and sustainable development.
As the Swadeshi Fair continues till October 15, residents are encouraged to visit, explore local products, and contribute to India’s growing Swadeshi movement, aligning with the vision of a Viksit Bharat (Developed India) by 2047.
