From 1876 to 1942, Sir Khengarji ruled single handedly and during that time 139 landlords were divided into four parts and given recognition for more or less distribution. In the entire Kutch tree felling was banned and even grass cutting was stopped. In this way Sir Khengarji has done the right thing overlooking today’s policy of modern culture, and quick gains.

When Kutch was joined in the Union of India, Sardar Vallabbhai Patel has said that if you want to see two hundred years of tradition you should see it in Kutch which has remained untouched by the modern world.

Sir Khengarji : Comparison with present arrangement.

Sardar was right. After his tour of 1925, Gandhiji had also remarked that there are no motorable roads in Kutch. Railway is even less. Villages were difficult to access. One should think of the treasury of that time. Today in the name of progress, State Govts., Corporations, Panchayats and Municipalities are levying huge taxes and enjoying at the cost of the common man.

To date millions and billions have been shelved out by the common man of Kutch and let us evaluate the progress thus far.

In the first five year plan since 1956 in the first eight years for the development of Kutch out of Rs. 3,24,78000 Rs. 2,86,70000 were released. In the next figures they touch millions and billions but in return what has been achieved is break down of dams, break down of bridges in every rain, defective walls, cracking plasters, etc. Inspite of good rains, the position is that of draught and or semi draught.

It does not mean that Maharao Khengarji’s rule was ideal, his speed was proper and his approach was always flawless. From 1901 to 1950 there was no rainless year. The slow policy of Khengarji was in tune with Gandhiji’s slow policy.

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