Mumbai: Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde on Wednesday addressed the Maharashtra Legislative Council, emphasizing the state's commitment to progress and development. He assured that Maharashtra is steadfastly moving forward on the path laid out by the Constitution and that the state will not stop its journey towards a brighter future.
While responding to discussions on the final week proposal under Rule 259, Shinde highlighted the state's significant achievements. "Maharashtra is ranked first in various welfare schemes and will continue to lead in the future. There is no need for anyone to worry about the state's future," he said, outlining Maharashtra's prominent position across multiple sectors.
Maharashtra is currently the leader in GDP, exports, industrial production, GST collection, and startup ecosystems. The state has also attracted the highest foreign direct investment (FDI) and achieved the top rank in cleanliness.
Additionally, Maharashtra is home to the largest infrastructure projects, with Rs10 lakh crore worth of development underway, further strengthening the state's position as a leader in multiple fields.
Shinde also touched upon the ongoing initiatives for farmers, noting the recent meeting regarding crop insurance and e-crop monitoring. He revealed that the state is developing an app and website for a single-window interface for farmers.
Bill Gates of Microsoft, interested in investing in Maharashtra's agriculture, recently met with the Chief Minister to discuss how AI technology can potentially double or quadruple agricultural yields, with Bill Gates offering support in this regard.
Digital governance and the Right to Service are top priorities for the state, and Shinde stated that Maharashtra aims to reach the top spot in these areas nationally.
Maharashtra is focused on strengthening connectivity through metro networks, pod taxis, roads, railways, and water transport. The state is also working on comprehensive tourism policies, including plans for agritourism, adventure tourism, caravan tourism, and beach shacks. Wellness centers will be established at historic forts, and a major tourism festival will be held in Mahabaleshwar this May.
Shinde highlighted the state's efforts to review 19 ambitious projects, including metro, highways, airports, ports, irrigation, and water supply systems. Significant progress is being made with the Van Ganga-Nal Ganga River Linking Project, which is expected to improve irrigation in Vidarbha and Marathwada regions.
With Maharashtra being the second most populous state in India, Shinde proudly mentioned that the state's GDP is the highest in the country. Moreover, Maharashtra’s borrowing ratio stands at just 18%, the lowest in India.
Addressing the issue of law and order, Shinde reaffirmed the government's commitment to ensuring safety and security for women, with a strict "zero tolerance" policy towards crimes against women. He emphasized that the government will continue to take steps to protect women and ensure that they can move freely in society.
In terms of agricultural procurement, Shinde reported that cotton and soybean purchases are progressing smoothly. Maharashtra has successfully procured 18.3 million metric tons of good-quality cotton, with 124 procurement centers in operation. The state is also requesting an extension from the central government for soybean procurement due to significant farmer registrations.
Shinde concluded his speech by stating that Maharashtra’s progress is unstoppable and the state is poised to reach new heights of success. He called for collective efforts to drive the state forward, saying, "Let's welcome this new dawn of development in Maharashtra with open arms and work together for its bright future."
