Govt plans mass outreach through two programmes

Gandhinagar: With less than a year to go for the Lok Sabha elections, the Gujarat government has lined up two major mass outreach programmes — Har Ghar Tiranga and Meri Maati Mera Desh — which are being rolled out across the state. While the Meri Maati Mera Desh programme was launched on Wednesday, the Har Ghar Tiranga programme will be rolled out between August 13 and 15.Sources in the ruling party said these will be the first public outreach programmes to be launched ahead of the 2024 general elections.CM Bhupendra Patel launched the Meri Maati Mera Desh programme from a primary school in Tapi district to coincide with the Azadi Ka Amrut Mahotsav programme, wherein people, with fistfuls of soil, will take a pledge for the country. Sources in the state government said that under this programme, people will take five pledges. These include making the country self-sufficient and developed by 2047, freeing oneself from the slave mentality, taking pride in the country’s heritage, working towards unity and fulfilling one’s responsibilities as a citizen.The Har Ghar Tiranga programme, like in the previous year, will be a drive to encourage people to hoist the tricolour at their homes and places of work. As part of this campaign, programmes have been planned from August 13 to 15 across the state. “The government has arranged to distribute 50 lakh flags across the state. Of these, 25 lakh will be distributed in areas under municipal corporations and municipalities. In comparison, another 25 lakh will be distributed in the state’s rural areas,” a senior government official said.Sources in the state government said that programmes have been planned in all major cities and towns. State ministers and administrative officials will remain present and promote the scheme of hoisting flags on houses and other buildings.Har Ghar Tiranga yatras have also been planned in different cities with participation from students, professionals and others. Sources said that bike and cycle rallies will also be held in various cities to promote the programme.