Ahmedabad, Jul 16: The Gujarat government has dismissed Congress leader Ajay Maken's assessment of the state's track record in some sectors as an attempt to "discredit" Gujarat by dishing out "wrong" figures and facts.
"By the statement of Ajay Maken it seems that the ruling party (Congress) feels that Gujarat is not part of the country but is some enemy land," state Education Minister Bhupendrasinh Chaudasama said in a statement here tonight.
"Makan is saying that in the last nine year rule of UPA, they have increased number of Central universities from 17 to 44....(Whereas) In the last 10 year rule of Chief Minister Narendra Modi, the number of universities in Gujarat has gone up from 11 to 44," he said.
Countering the speech made by Modi in Pune yesterday, Maken stated yesterday that Gujarat was lagging behind in areas like education, tourism and sports.
"Gujarat has recently received Best Public Service award from the Manmohan Singh-led UPA government for skill development courses....Can Maken deny this fact?," Chudasama said.
On tourism development, Chudasama said that Central government should explain why it excluded mention of heritage sites in Gujarat and the Gir wildlife sanctuary in 'Incredible India' ad campaign.
"Despite this, Gujarat government on its own efforts has managed to increase tourism in the state by 17 per cent more than the national average," he said.
On sports, Chudasama highlighted the work done by Modi government in improving the sports infrastructure and facilities in the state.
"Facts and figures given by Maken are false and he should read Central government reports before opening his mouth on the issues of mid-day meal scheme and education," Chudasama said.
"Maken said that school dropout rate in Gujarat is 57 per cent but the Planning Commission figures say that the dropout rate is seven per cent. Regarding the mid-day meal scheme, the working days of scheme are 94-95 and not 84 as claimed by Maken," Chudasama said.
The minister said that the Centre should stop step-motherly treatment to Gujarat.
