Ahmedabad/Narmada/Chhota Udepur/Dahod/Tapi/Bharuch/Aravalli, Gujarat – Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MLA from Dediapada, Chaitar Vasava, raised several critical issues concerning farmers and healthcare during a press conference held at the state assembly on February 23, 2026.
Addressing the media, Chaitar Vasava highlighted the lack of electricity in forested areas of Narmada district, which limits irrigation and agricultural productivity. He demanded the installation of Universal Solar Pump Control (USPC) systems under the PM Kusum Scheme, which would allow farmers to not only use solar pumps for irrigation but also store energy for domestic use, livestock management, and running other agricultural equipment. Vasava emphasized that this technology had been demonstrated in Rajasthan and urged the Gujarat government to ensure its implementation for local farmers.
Chhatar Vasava also pointed out that farmers face significant difficulties in repairing their pump sets, as vendors often provide only contact numbers without local service stations. This forces farmers to send their equipment back to the company, causing delays of one to two weeks, which sometimes leads to crop losses. Chaitar Vasava demanded the establishment of tehsil-level service stations for all empaneled vendors to ensure timely repairs.
Chaitar Vasava criticizes vendor irregularities, extra charges, and improper solar pump installations.
Vasava further criticized irregularities in vendor operations, citing reports that some companies charge farmers ₹1,000 during form submission and ₹1,500 for pump installation, despite official guidelines stating that no fees should be collected. He also noted that motors are often installed at incorrect depths, leading to reduced irrigation efficiency, and called for strict adherence to specifications.
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On healthcare, Chaitar Vasava raised concerns about staffing shortages in primary health centers, community health centers, and general hospitals across Narmada and Chhota Udepur districts, stating that approximately 30% of positions remain vacant across all categories (Class 1 to Class 4). He also questioned the implementation of PMJAY, noting that while funds were allocated for treatment—₹30 crore in Narmada and ₹47.21 crore in Chhota Udepur—beneficiaries remain limited compared to the population.
Chaitar Vasava also highlighted a serious lack of ambulance services in Narmada and Tapi districts. The government admitted that no ambulances are available in these districts. He expressed concern that even in Narmada district, home to the Statue of Unity and Narmada Dam, residents have to transport deceased patients using tractors, pick-up trucks, or makeshift means due to the absence of proper ambulances. Chaitar Vasava criticized this as a clear indication of government neglect and failure to prioritize public welfare.
Through these demands, AAP Gujarat is urging the government to provide modern infrastructure for farmers, improve healthcare services, and ensure emergency services such as ambulances are available in all districts, particularly in Narmada, Chhota Udepur, and Tapi.