Surat - Loktej English

Surat: ₹1349 Crore Subsidy to 11,000 Industrialists via 'One Click

Loktej English Team — Thu, 30 Apr 2026 21:53:16 +0530

The state government has provided significant relief to the industrial sector by issuing a subsidy of ₹1349 crore to over 11,000 industrialists through the 'One Click' system ahead of the 'Vibrant Gujarat Regional Conference'. During a visit to Surat, Home State Minister Harsh Sanghvi transferred this amount directly to the beneficiaries' accounts in just a few seconds.

The subsidy distribution included various sectors, with ₹299.75 crore allocated to 7,495 units in the MSME sector, ₹538.76 crore to 3,423 beneficiaries in the textile sector, and ₹510.99 crore to 111 beneficiaries in large industries. During a review meeting, Minister Harsh Sanghvi urged industrialists to adopt a positive outlook, emphasizing the importance of focusing on solutions rather than pointing out minor shortcomings. He stated that the government and industries together can attract more investment to the state.

Meanwhile, a significant Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for a 'Deep Sea Discharge Project' will also be signed during the 'Vibrant Gujarat Regional Conference' in Surat. This project, costing approximately ₹5,000 to ₹6,000 crore, will involve discharging treated water from 7 to 8 treatment plants into the sea, located 8 to 10 kilometers away. The project will be funded 80% by the government and 20% by industries.

To promote environmental protection, the use of 'tertiary treated water' in industries will be encouraged, which will save drinking water and make more water available for domestic and agricultural use. Nikhil Madras, President of the South Gujarat Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SGCCI), welcomed this initiative, noting the tremendous enthusiasm among local industrialists. This conference will serve as an important platform for direct dialogue between industries and the government.

Meanwhile, Jitubhai Vakharia, President of the South Gujarat Textile Processors Association (SGTPA), stated that the convergence of Gujarat Day and the Vibrant Summit will give new momentum to the state's industrial development. He mentioned that the support from the government, pending subsidy payments, and approvals for new projects indicate a bright future for industries in South Gujarat. According to the industrial sector, the proposed 'Deep Sea Discharge Project' will prove to be a game-changer for Surat's industry and will play a crucial role in both environmental protection and water management.

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Surat: Seminar on Export Promotion Mission and India-UK FTA Organized

Loktej English Team — Thu, 30 Apr 2026 21:52:53 +0530

A significant seminar on 'Export Promotion Mission, India-UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA), and Relief Schemes for MSME Exporters' was organized on Thursday under the joint auspices of the South Gujarat Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SGCCI) and DGFT, Surat. The event took place on April 30, 2026, in Samhati, Sarsana, with a large number of exporters and industrialists in attendance.

In the inaugural session, Chamber President Nikhil Madrasi urged MSME entrepreneurs and exporters to take advantage of new opportunities in the changing landscape of global trade. Vice President Ashok Jirawala mentioned that after the implementation of the India-UK FTA, various products from Surat, including textiles, would have easier access to the UK market, thereby giving a new momentum to exports. Abhimanyu Sharma, Development Commissioner of Surat SEZ and Joint Director General of DGFT, provided detailed information about initiatives like 'Export Promotion' and 'Export Direction' under the 'Export Promotion Mission'.

He explained that the India-UK FTA, which will come into effect in May 2026, will simplify, expedite, and broaden trade and investment between India and the United Kingdom. It is expected to reduce or completely exempt import-export duties on several products. He noted that competitiveness in the UK market would increase for textiles, diamonds, jewelry, pharmaceuticals, agriculture, chemicals, plastics, packaging, and engineering products.

Currently, the UK imports approximately 30 billion US dollars worth of textile products, with India's share being relatively low, indicating significant potential for increasing exports. Sharma expressed confidence that after the FTA is implemented, exports from India to the UK could increase by an average of 50 percent over the next 5-6 years. Additionally, this would lead to an increase in foreign investment, technical cooperation, and employment opportunities.

Saurabh Jain, head of the ECGC Surat branch, informed exporters about various security and guarantee schemes of the Export Credit Guarantee Corporation of India. He stated that these schemes help reduce risks in international trade and provide financial security.

The program was conducted by the Chamber's Honorary Treasurer CA Mitesh Modi, while CA Mukund Chauhan, Chairman of the GST Committee, presented the program outline. DGFT officials present at the seminar provided detailed guidance to exporters and MSME entrepreneurs about various schemes and opportunities.

Surat: Preparations for 'Entrepreneur Conference-2026' Intensify, Grand Event Scheduled for May 3

Loktej English Team — Thu, 30 Apr 2026 21:51:50 +0530

Preparations for the 'Entrepreneur Conference-2026' organized by the Small Industries Bharati (Surat District) are in full swing. A recent meeting finalized the program outline and assigned responsibilities to various committees.

The conference will take place on May 3, 2026, Sunday at 6:00 PM at Shri Narendra Panchasara Bhavan, Parvat Patiya, Surat. The chief guest will be Shri Prakash Gupta, National General Secretary of Small Industries Bharati. Dr.

Jai Ram Gamait (State Minister, MSME, Gujarat) and Smt. Sangeeta Ben Patil (MLA, Limbayat) will also be special guests. Other distinguished guests include Sanvarprasadji Budhia (Saket), Sanjay Sarawagi (Lakshmipati Group), Ishwarbhai Patel (President, Gujarat Small Industries Bharati), J.B.

Dev (Joint Commissioner, Industry), and Hansrajji Jain. During the conference, select entrepreneurs excelling in the industry will be honored with the 'Entrepreneur Award'. This list includes establishments like Vempam Syntex, Gauriputra, Ezin, Yug Fashion, and Devshree, which have achieved remarkable accomplishments in their respective fields.

The meeting established various committees to ensure the event's success and emphasized the importance of maximizing participation from entrepreneurs. Surat Metropolitan President Ramavatar Parik stated that this conference will serve as an important platform for the city's industrial sector, providing entrepreneurs with guidance, networking, and new opportunities.

He urged all entrepreneurs to attend in large numbers. The meeting was attended by several officials including General Secretary Satish Sawani, Rajendra Chaudhary, Pankaj Sharma, Virendra Rajawat, Shishpal Swami, Mahendra Patel, Vinod Saraswat, and Manohar Vaishnav.

Rapid Growth of Shoe Fabric Industry in Surat, MSME Units Creating New Identity

Loktej English Team — Thu, 30 Apr 2026 21:51:29 +0530

The shoe fabric industry is rapidly establishing itself in Surat, known as the textile capital of the country. While the city's textile industry is 30–40 years old, the production of fabric used for shoes began in the last 8–12 years and has seen significant growth in the past 5–6 years.

According to Girdhar Gopal Mundra, associated with the textile industry, the increasing demand for sports and casual footwear and the need for alternatives to imports from China have accelerated this sector. Surat has already been strong in man-made fibers (MMF) like polyester and nylon, which are the primary basis for shoe fabric. The total textile production in Surat is estimated to be around 6.5 million meters per day.

Although the share of shoe fabric in this is still limited, it is rapidly increasing. Industry estimates suggest that currently, about 500,000 to 1.5 million meters of shoe fabric are produced daily in the city, including various categories such as mesh, knitted, PU coated, and non-woven. It was noted that the production of shoe fabric in Surat is primarily done by MSME (Micro, Small, and Medium) units.

Major international brands do not produce directly here but source fabric from local manufacturers. Some of the prominent units active in this sector include Om Textile (PU leather shoe fabric), Praveen Overseas (ladies' footwear fabric), Radiance Spoonbond Pvt. Ltd.

(non-woven fabric), Nimbark Fabrics (knitted fabric), Shriyan Texfab (sports fabric), Sudamo Impex (Madhusudan Group), and Star Knits. Currently, the textile industry is facing challenges such as rising costs and fluctuations in demand. The increase in crude oil and yarn prices has raised production costs, leading some units to slow down production.

Despite this, the shoe fabric sector is in a phase of growth, especially with the continuous increase in demand for sports, casual, and women's footwear. Experts believe that in the next 3–5 years, it could become a significant segment. Several key reasons contribute to the rapid development of this industry in Surat, including a strong base of MMF, with polyester and nylon production making Surat a leading center in the country.

All processes from yarn to weaving, dyeing, coating, and finishing are available in the same city. Additionally, high-speed production is possible with airjet, waterjet, and knitting machines. The advantage of cost-effective production and labor compared to China is also notable.

Footwear hubs in Agra, Delhi, and South India source extensively from Surat. Small units can quickly change designs and produce in smaller quantities. It is clear that Surat's shoe fabric industry is still in its emerging phase, but given the current pace, it could take the city to a new industrial dimension in the coming years.

Surat: 50 lakh robbery in SBI bank in broad daylight, role of gunman suspicious

Loktej English Team — Thu, 30 Apr 2026 13:54:21 +0530

In Surat, a major robbery occurred at the State Bank of India (SBI) branch located on Hanuman Road in the Varachha area on Monday afternoon. Six armed robbers took approximately 50 lakh rupees in cash in just 13 minutes, holding bank employees and customers at gunpoint before fleeing.

According to the police, the robbers arrived at the bank with a complete plan. At 1:13 PM, one of the accused entered the bank under the pretext of opening a current account and inquired about the bank's operations from the service manager. Then, at 1:54 PM, five other accomplices entered the bank with pistols and executed the robbery.

The robbers first took the bank staff and 5 to 7 customers hostage. They assaulted the security guard and threatened him to remain silent. When a customer protested, a pistol was pointed at his head.

The service manager and cashier were then threatened to open the locker, from which approximately 12 lakh rupees were stolen. During this time, employees of the CMS cash van arrived at the bank with nearly 40 lakh rupees. The robbers surrounded them and stole 38 lakh rupees, leaving 2 lakh rupees with the cashier.

The role of the gunman accompanying the CMS cashier is being considered suspicious, as he made no attempt to stop the robbers. After the incident, the accused fled on three different sports bikes (Pulsar, Apache, and Splendor). The number plates on the bikes are reported to be from Jamnagar, Ahmedabad, and Valsad, which the police suspect to be fake.

To mislead the police, the robbers snatched mobile phones from bank employees and customers and discarded them at different locations. These mobiles were recovered from the Shyam Dham, Sarathana, and Khattar areas, indicating that the accused fled via the highway. The police have begun an investigation based on the robbers' language and appearance, with initial inquiries suggesting a connection to the western Uttar Pradesh and Bihar regions.

Additionally, fingerprints collected from the bank are being examined using e-Gujcop and other software. This major daytime robbery has raised serious questions about the city's security arrangements. The police are investigating from various angles and suspect that the accused may be hiding in Velanja and surrounding rural areas.

Surat: Mega Exhibition of Modern Weapons Begins on 66th Gujarat Gaurav Day

Loktej English Team — Thu, 30 Apr 2026 13:54:01 +0530

Surat. A grand three-day mega weapons exhibition has been organized by the police department at the indoor stadium in Athwalines as part of the state-level celebrations for the 66th Gujarat Gaurav Day.

The exhibition was inaugurated by District Collector Dr. Saurabh Pardhi and Police Commissioner Anupamsingh Gehlot. It will remain open to the public free of charge until May 1.

The main objective of this event is to familiarize citizens with the modern capabilities and technical resources of security forces and to strengthen the trust between the police and the general public. A wide range of advanced weapons is being showcased, including assault rifles, sniper guns, sub-machine guns, and grenade launchers. Additionally, the Gujarat Police's special units—Chetak Commando and ATS—are also a major attraction, playing a crucial role in internal security and anti-terrorism operations.

Furthermore, high-tech robots and special security suits from the Bomb Disposal Squad (BDDS), marine task force and SDRF special boats, diving equipment, and rescue tools related to disaster management are included in the exhibition. Technologies used to combat modern crimes are also being displayed. Information about advanced tools and software used by the Cyber Crime Cell, Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL), and Special Operation Group (SOG) for collecting digital evidence is being provided.

Additionally, activities of the 'She-Team,' which works for the safety of women and children, are also being introduced in detail. The exhibition is proving to be an educational opportunity for students and the general public, where trained police personnel are providing information about weapons and technology in simple language at each stall. The exhibition will be open daily from 10:30 AM to 10:30 PM at the Athwalines Indoor Stadium, and entry is completely free.

Chartered Plane Makes Safe Emergency Landing at Surat Airport

Loktej English Team — Wed, 29 Apr 2026 19:54:05 +0530

A chartered plane flying from Mumbai to Surat declared an emergency due to a technical malfunction on Wednesday, leading to a safe landing at Surat Airport. According to reports, the aircraft, registration number VT-RJA, took off from Mumbai at 10:52 AM.

During the flight, a technical issue occurred in the left engine, prompting the pilot to inform Air Traffic Control (ATC) of the emergency around 11:22 AM. Upon receiving the information, all emergency services stationed at the airport, including CISF, fire brigade, and ambulances, were activated immediately. Subsequently, the plane made a safe emergency landing at Surat Airport around 11:32 AM.

Officials stated that there were no casualties or damages in this incident. There were two captains on board, both of whom are completely safe. After the plane landed safely, all agencies and officials breathed a sigh of relief.

Surat: Experts' Key Advice on 'Profit to Wealth Creation' Program, IPOs, and Private Funding

Loktej English Team — Wed, 29 Apr 2026 19:53:12 +0530

Surat. The Southern Gujarat Chamber of Commerce and Industry, along with Kumbhat Investment Banking, organized a special program on 'Profit to Wealth Creation' aimed at inspiring entrepreneurs to move beyond profit towards wealth creation.

The event took place at Avadh Utopia, attended by a large number of industrialists, entrepreneurs, and investors. The main objective of the program was to encourage businesspeople to enhance enterprise value through structured funding options like private equity and IPOs, rather than being limited to traditional profits. The Chamber's President Nikhil Madrasi stated in his welcome speech that Surat has always been a hub of entrepreneurship, but now it is time for businesses to focus on 'wealth creation' beyond 'profit'.

Neeraj Kumbhat, Founder and CMD of Kumbhat Advisors, highlighted Surat's strong business ecosystem and its growth potential. He mentioned that for the next phase of growth, it is essential for businesses to integrate into institutional frameworks and connect with capital markets. During a panel discussion held at the event, Deven Choksey elaborated on investors' perspectives, capital allocation, and long-term value creation.

In another session, Girish Luthra, Dhruv Luthra, and Vineet Rai provided guidance on various aspects of private equity funding—when, why, and how. The experts explained that private equity investment not only provides capital but also serves as external validation of business and management quality. In the final session of the program, Ashwin Desai and Ketan Jota shared their experiences with IPOs.

They noted that becoming a publicly listed company enhances credibility, facilitates access to capital, and introduces professional governance in business, although it also comes with challenges related to maintaining transparency and regulatory standards. The event saw enthusiastic participation from industrialists, entrepreneurs, and HNI investors.

Through a Q&A session, participants gained practical insights into private and public market funding. Overall, the program proved to be an effective platform for transitioning from profitable businesses to value-driven enterprises, providing Surat's entrepreneurs with new direction and clear perspectives for entering the capital market.

Surat: Lion 'Arya' dies at Sarathana Nature Park, succumbs to kidney disease

Loktej English Team — Wed, 29 Apr 2026 19:51:21 +0530

Surat. The lion 'Arya', a major attraction for tourists at Sarathana Nature Park in Surat, has now fallen silent forever.

After a long battle with a severe kidney disease, he took his last breath recently. This news has caused a wave of mourning among the park staff and animal lovers. According to reports, Arya was brought to Surat from Raipur in 2020 under the Animal Exchange Program and was housed at the Dr.

Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Zoological Garden. Since then, he had become an identity of the nature park and was extremely popular among the large number of visitors, especially children. Arya was kept with the lioness 'Vasudha', and their pair had become a significant attraction for visitors.

Recently, treatment was initiated after he suffered an injury to his leg. During the medical examination conducted at that time, it was found that the serum creatinine level in his blood samples was continuously rising, confirming severe effects on his kidneys. For the past few days, he had almost stopped eating and drinking.

As his condition worsened, he was given fluid therapy, life-saving medications, and other necessary treatments. The team of veterinarians made every possible effort to save him, but ultimately he lost the battle for his life.

With Arya's death, Sarathana Nature Park has lost an important member. The roar of this lion, which attracted people for years, will now only be heard in memories.

Surat: Important Meeting of GJEPC and DGTS, Discussion on Tax and Refund Issues

Loktej English Team — Wed, 29 Apr 2026 19:48:33 +0530

A significant meeting was organized by the GJEPC regional office in Surat to discuss key issues related to the gems and jewelry industry. Sumit Kumar, Principal Additional Director General of the Directorate General of Taxpayer Services (DGTS), attended the meeting.

The aim was to improve taxpayer services and take steps towards resolving industry problems. The role of DGTS includes monitoring service centers and helplines, conducting feedback surveys, implementing policies, and enhancing communication with the industry to make the tax system more effective. Several senior chartered accountants were present, including representatives from the Surat Diamond Association, Surat Jewelry Manufacturers Association, Surat Jewelers Association, Lab Grown Diamond Association, and the Association of Chartered Accountants (Western Zone).

Many important issues related to the industry were raised during the meeting, including delays in GST credit, delays in IGST refunds, concerns related to enforcement, seizure of goods in consignment-based transfers, and issues with customs duty refunds. Industry representatives indicated that these challenges are affecting business momentum and increasing pressure on working capital.

In response, Sumit Kumar took all issues seriously and assured that a detailed investigation would be conducted into the relevant problems and necessary steps would be taken to address them. The meeting is considered an important initiative to strengthen communication between the industry and government departments, which could help make the tax system more transparent and industry-friendly in the future.

Surat: BJP's historic victory in municipal elections, winning 115 out of 120 seats, AAP 4 and Congress 1 seat

Loktej English Team — Wed, 29 Apr 2026 12:20:06 +0530

Surat. In the Surat municipal elections, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has once again demonstrated a historic performance by winning 115 out of 120 seats.

This overwhelming majority has further strengthened the BJP's dominance in the city's politics. Under the guidance of senior leaders including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Gujarat state president Jagdish Vishwakarma, Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, Union Minister of Jal Shakti C.R. Patil, Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghvi, and Minister Praful Panseriya, the party achieved this significant success.

During the elections, workers reached out to voters door-to-door despite the intense heat, informing them about government schemes and development works. With this victory, the BJP has waved its flag in all 30 wards of the Surat municipal corporation. In the local body elections held in Gujarat, the BJP has also gained an edge over Congress and the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP).

Following the election results, a political situation has emerged in Surat where there appears to be no effective opposition in the municipal corporation. According to the rules, a minimum of 10 percent of seats is required to attain the status of opposition leader, but this time no opposition party reached that figure. A similar situation was observed in 1995 when the BJP won 98 out of 99 seats, nearly eliminating the opposition.

In subsequent years, Congress and then AAP made a strong presence in some elections, but this time both parties proved weak. Several prominent opposition leaders faced defeat in the elections, including AAP's General Secretary Manoj Sorathia. After the results were announced, the victorious BJP candidates celebrated their win with a victory rally in the city.

With this overwhelming mandate, the BJP will now have a one-sided rule in the Surat municipal corporation. For the first time since 1995, there will be no official opposition in the Surat municipal elections. The BJP has secured power for the seventh consecutive time with a historic performance, winning 115 seats and breaking all previous records, while the opposition has nearly vanished.

According to the election results, AAP had to settle for just 4 seats, while Congress managed to win only 1 seat after a long time. With this result, there will be no official opposition in the Surat municipal corporation for the first time since 1995, as at least 7 seats are required to attain opposition status. Political analysts suggest that in this election, voters rejected party switching and the rhetoric of leaders.

AAP suffered significant losses, especially when many of its elected corporators from the previous term joined the BJP, leading to increased public dissatisfaction and weakening the party's support base. Although AAP's rallies attracted crowds, this support did not translate into votes. In contrast, the BJP's 'silent voting' strategy and strong organizational structure proved decisive in the election.

Now, the BJP will have unilateral rule in the municipal corporation, with all administrative decisions remaining in its hands. Discussions have already begun regarding the accountability and transparency of the ruling party in the Surat municipal corporation, which has a budget of approximately 11,000 crores, in the absence of an opposition. These results clearly indicate that the people of Surat have maintained their trust in the BJP on development issues, while opposition parties need to reconsider their strategies.

After five years, Congress has opened its account, while AAP has been reduced to 4 seats. In the municipal elections held in Surat, the BJP has once again proven its dominance with a historic victory, winning 115 out of 120 seats and achieving a massive majority. The election results show that the opposition is completely fragmented.

The BJP's strong strategy and organizational capability were clearly visible in this election. Meanwhile, the Indian National Congress has succeeded in opening its account after a long time, while AAP has been reduced to just 4 seats. It is noteworthy that in the last municipal elections, AAP had won 27 seats, emerging as a strong opposition, while Congress did not open its account.

At that time, the BJP had won 93 seats. In this election, the BJP has improved its performance and nearly eliminated the opposition. The election results clearly show that the BJP's booth-level network, micro-planning, and voter outreach campaign were highly effective.

The page committee model and active participation of workers had a direct impact on voter turnout and election results. It is significant that the BJP has held control over the Surat municipal corporation for nearly 30 years.

With this massive victory, the party has once again strengthened its dominance in the municipal power. The weak performance of opposition parties has further solidified the BJP's grip on the city's politics.

Surat: Embracing Gratitude Brings Positive Change in Life: Anyuta Modi

Loktej English Team — Wed, 29 Apr 2026 12:19:23 +0530

A special session on 'The Magic: The Power of Gratitude' was organized by the Ladies Wing of the Southern Gujarat Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SGCCI). The event took place on Thursday, April 23, 2026, at the auditorium in Samriddhi, Nanpura, featuring Anyuta Modi, CFO of IIM Indore, as the keynote speaker.

The program began with a welcome speech by Mrs. Mayuri Mevawala, Chairperson of the Ladies Wing, who mentioned that in today's fast-paced life, the simple yet powerful feeling of gratitude promotes mental peace and positive thinking. The keynote speaker, Anyuta Modi, shared that the feeling of gratitude has the power to change a person's perspective.

She explained that when individuals express gratitude for both small and large achievements in life, their minds remain more calm, balanced, and joyful. This habit not only brings positive changes in personal life but also in professional life. She further stated that regularly expressing gratitude leads to positive thinking, strengthens relationships, and improves the workplace environment.

She encouraged the attendees to adopt gratitude in their daily lives through her experiences. During the event, Ms. Reshmaben Mandalewala, advisor of the Ladies Wing, introduced the keynote speaker, while Vice Chairperson Mrs. Alpaben Madarasi presented the vote of thanks. The session was conducted by Ms. Seema Makhania. A large number of members were present and appreciated the session.