Vice-President Shri C. P. Radhakrishnan today addressed a public function at Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam Government College, Silvassa, during his maiden visit to the Union Territory of Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu.

On the occasion, the Vice-President was felicitated by public representatives, including Hon’ble Administrator Shri Praful Patel and Hon’ble Member of Parliament Smt. Kalaben Mohanbhai Delkar, along with representatives of District Panchayats, Municipal Councils, industry and hotel associations, topper students from various colleges and the Tamil Sangam. He also distributed toolkits to PM Vishwakarma beneficiaries and appointment certificates to newly appointed teachers.

Addressing the gathering, the Vice-President said that the Union Territory is a remarkable example of how innovative governance and people’s participation can drive transformative development. He appreciated the progress achieved over the last decade under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and the sustained efforts of Administrator Shri Praful Patel, with active participation of the people.

Shri C. P. Radhakrishnan said that over 450 infrastructure projects worth more than ₹13,000 crore have been undertaken in the Union Territory during the last decade, including around 800 km of roads at a cost of over ₹4,000 crore.

Highlighting the transformation in healthcare, he noted that the Union Territory, which did not have a medical college before 2019, now has one with 177 seats, besides the 450-bed NAMO Hospital in Silvassa and the recently inaugurated 350-bed NAMO Hospital in Daman. TB cases have declined by 57 per cent and malnutrition by 58 per cent over the last three years. The Union Territory has also achieved 100 per cent saturation of Health and Wellness Centres and institutional deliveries, along with full registration under the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission.

On education, the Vice-President highlighted the construction of 21 new schools at an investment of over ₹700 crore, with 16 more under construction, besides smart classrooms in government schools. He also noted the establishment of institutions and campuses of NIFT, Gujarat National Law University and other professional institutions, expanding opportunities for the youth within the Union Territory.

Highlighting the growing importance of tourism, the Vice-President noted that tourist footfall has increased from around 6 lakh in 2021 to nearly 50 lakh in 2025. He said that initiatives such as the Daman Night Market, Ram-setu Seafront, restored heritage sites, beaches, water sports and eco-tourism projects are creating new opportunities while showcasing the region’s rich heritage and natural beauty.

The Vice-President also highlighted the Union Territory’s industrial strength, with more than 7,500 manufacturing units and over 2.8 lakh employment opportunities through the MSME sector. The inauguration of Namo Airport, Daman has further strengthened air connectivity with Delhi, Mumbai and Ahmedabad. He also appreciated the Union Territory for achieving 100 per cent solarisation of government buildings, with nearly 12 MW of installed capacity.

Referring to the contributions of Gujarat’s three iconic leaders, Mahatma Gandhi, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel and Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, the Vice-President said that Gandhi represents non-violence and the freedom struggle, Sardar Patel symbolises the unity and integrity of India, while Prime Minister Narendra Modi represents development.

The Vice-President said that the Union Territory’s social diversity, cultural heritage and spirit of harmony make it a “mini India”. He said that people from different parts of the country are contributing to the region’s growth and living together in harmony.

*****

PR/ASM/VMJ