CM Bhupendra Patel Cracks Down on Encroachments and Delays at State SWAGAT
CM Bhupendra Patel directs collectors to issue farmer certificates and clear government land encroachments during the State SWAGAT programme.
In a decisive move to streamline public administration and address the needs of the common man, Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel presided over the October 2026 State SWAGAT programme. The online platform, designed to bridge the gap between the government and its citizens, saw the Chief Minister taking a hard line against administrative delays and illegal land seizures.
Directives for Farmers and Land Protection
A key highlight of the session was the Chief Minister's focus on agricultural welfare. After hearing a specific request from a farmer in Shinay village of Gandhidham taluka in Kutch district regarding the Khedut Khatedar Pramanpatra (farmer certificate), CM Patel directed the District Collector to issue the document according to the rules. Expanding this mandate, he instructed all district collectors across Gujarat to ensure that such certificates are issued promptly to farmers at the local level.
Turning his attention to the protection of public assets, the Chief Minister addressed an issue of encroachment on government land in Sugariya Modsar village of Anjar taluka, Kutch. He issued a stern directive to the concerned District Collector and all other collectors statewide to ensure that government land is strictly protected from illegal occupation.
Rapid Response to Local Grievances
The State SWAGAT programme functioned as a high-speed resolution hub, tackling a variety of infrastructure and utility issues:
- Water Crisis: For the residents of Orma village in Olpad taluka, Surat, the CM ordered the local administration and the Water Supply Board to implement proper planning to ensure an adequate supply of drinking water.
- Road Infrastructure: In response to a plea from Mota Zinzavadar village in Botad district, the Roads and Buildings Department was ordered to take immediate action to construct the requested road.
- Agricultural Safety: To protect farmers from the devastation of overflowing lakes, the Irrigation Department was tasked with implementing technical measures to prevent crop and land losses.
Strict Orders for Local Governance
Chief Minister Patel did not mince words regarding the performance of local officials and the management of rural finances. He issued a series of administrative mandates, including:
- The rationalization of Panchayat taxes specifically for rural industries.
- Strict action against non-performing Sarpanches who fail to deliver on their duties.
- The registration of FIRs against repeat offenders who encroach upon government land.
The Scale of the SWAGAT Initiative
The sheer volume of the programme underscores the scale of public engagement. More than 170 applicants visited the Chief Minister’s Office in person to submit their representations. In total, action was taken on over 4,953 applications across the state, which included 2,200 cases handled during District SWAGAT and 2,583 addressed during Taluka SWAGAT.
The session was attended by high-ranking officials, including Additional Principal Secretary to the CM Vikrant Pandey, and Officers on Special Duty Dhiraj Parekh and Rakesh Vyas. While senior secretaries joined from Gandhinagar, district collectors participated in the proceedings via video conferencing to ensure real-time coordination and resolution.