Narendra Modi turns 62, showers gifts in Rajkot...

Relaxes age limits for govt jobs, increases FSI for Rajkot, Jamnagar cities

BJP workers and supporters on Monday gave a grand welcome to Chief Minister Narendra Modi who turned 62 today.

The function at Swami Vivekanand Yuva Parishad in Rajkot organised by the state government to mark 150th birth anniversary of Swami Vivekanada turned into birthday celebrations for the CM.

As Modi arrived here in an aircraft from Gandhinagar, he was welcomed with beats by 62 dholis accompanied by 62 shehnaies. In the background were 62 youths dressed as Swami Vivekananda.

City BJP president Dhansukh Bhanderi felicitated Modi with a garland made of 62 lotuses.

"I have never celebrated my birthday. Today also, I am not celebrating it. But the kind of arrangements were made here overwhelmed me," Modi said later in his speech.

To ferry 50,000-odd people for the function, 450 buses were hired from Gujarat State Road Transport Corporation.

Meanwhile, while declaring Vinchhiya as the 15th taluka in Jamnagar district, Modi also made other major announcements that included relaxing age limits for government jobs and increasing FSI for Rajkot and Jamnagar cities, the latter one to counter the Congress's promise of cheaper houses and employment.

The Congress had announced on Monday it would extend the age limit in recruitment for government jobs up to 35 years if it came to power. Modi announced to extend the age limit to 28 for department or posts where it is 25 years at present and 30 for posts where it is 28.

He also announced to increase the scholarship amount for top three national champions of any sport to Rs 2,500 from 1,800 and for state champions to Rs 2,000 from Rs 1,200. Travelling allowance per day for PT teachers in the state has been increased to Rs 150 from Rs 30.

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