Birthday boy Narendra Modi doles out gifts

Travelling across the state, chief minister Narendra Modi continued to dole out concessions, relief and promotional measures en route.

Addressing youths in Rajkot he announced increase in upper age limit for state government jobs in Gujarat, increase in scholarships to young sportspersons and increase in floor space index in Rajkot.

“Upper age limit for state government jobs will be raised to 28 from present 25 and where age limit is 28, it will be raised to 30. Schedule castes, schedule tribes, other backward classes and women will continue to enjoy relaxation of five years,” Modi said while addressing Vivekanad Yuva Parishad at Rajkot on Monday.

He also announced that scholarship would be increased from Rs1,800 to Rs2,500 for youth securing first, second or third position at national level. For students appearing in school level competitions it has been increased to Rs2,000 from Rs1,200.

“Honorarium payment to trainers in physical training will be increased from daily Rs20 to Rs150,” Modi added.

He also announced that floor space index (FSI) for construction in Rajkot would be increased by 25%. Also, ground plus four-storeyed  low-rise building in Jamnagar city would be permitted.

Modi highlighted his government’s achievement in promoting employment among youth. He called upon youth to throw out the Central government which has failed to fulfil its promises.

“Employee strength in Gujarat is six lakh and state government has recruited three lakh youth in last few years. State police has 32,000 young personnel. UPA government has not been able to fulfil the promises it made while coming back to power in 2009.

It is playing politics of vote bank. I call upon youth to show their strength to vote this central government out of power,” he said.
Earlier, local BJP leaders, leading citizens and various local organisations welcomed him and gave him gifts as he was celebrating his 63rd birthday.

Narendra Modi also felicitated Olympic bronze medal winner Gagan Narang and cricketers Cheteshwar Pujara and Ravindra Jadeja at the meet. He also visited a special exhibition on Swami Vivekananda organised by Ramakrishna Mission Trust at Rajkot.