Nagpur, Dec 21 (NationPress) Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis proclaimed on Saturday that Gadchiroli is set to rise as the next 'Steel City', stating that the government is dedicated to combating and ultimately eradicating the threat of Left Wing Extremism (LWE) from the area.

Fadnavis further noted that both Sambhajinagar and Jalna will transform into upcoming industrial centers, mentioning that an investment of Rs 50,000 crore has already been channeled into Gadchiroli.

He highlighted that the northern part of Gadchiroli has already achieved a LWE-free status, indicating that there are no new recruits entering the Maoist movement from Maharashtra.

To date, 1,500 youth, including 150 children from Maoist families, have joined the police force. He also mentioned plans to connect Gadchiroli and Chandrapur via the Samruddhi Mahamarg.

In response to the Opposition's Motion debate last week, Fadnavis revealed that many top Maoists have either been neutralized or have surrendered in the Gadchiroli district.

During the two and a half years under the MahaYuti government, Fadnavis stated that Vidarbha has attracted an investment of Rs 1,23,931 crore across 47 mega projects. He asserted that the current administration continues the trajectory set in 2022, merely with shifts in responsibilities.

The Maharashtra Chief Minister emphasized that the MahaYuti government is focused on accelerating Maharashtra's growth by prioritizing balanced development and equitable justice for all societal segments.

Fadnavis mentioned that the government is dedicated to industrial growth, river linking initiatives, and irrigation projects to hasten development in Vidarbha and Marathwada.

After Pune, the next industrial powerhouse is anticipated to be the Sambhajinagar-Jalna region. He also stated that Vande Bharat coaches will be produced at the Latur coach factory.

The Chief Minister announced that Marathwada has secured Rs 72,839 crore in investments across 34 projects, including the Toyota Kirloskar automobile project, which is expected to create 40,000 direct jobs and 100,000 indirect jobs.

Fadnavis assured that the government will grant a bonus of Rs 20,000 per hectare to paddy farmers, affirming the government’s commitment to fulfilling all pledges made in the manifesto.

He also revealed that Rs 5,000 per hectare has been disbursed to soybean and cotton farmers. Soybean procurement has commenced at 557 centers, with 23.68 lakh quintals already procured.

This procurement will proceed until January, with a guaranteed soybean price of Rs 492 per quintal.

Cotton procurement has started through 501 centers by the CCI, but farmers are opting to sell directly to traders, with prices fluctuating between Rs 7,200-7,500 per quintal. A production estimate of 427 lakh quintals of cotton is expected.

Fadnavis also mentioned that the long-awaited Mumbai-Goa highway will be completed, as work is ongoing at a rapid pace.

Meanwhile, Governor C.P. Radhakrishnan concluded the Winter Session of the state legislature on Saturday.

The state legislature's Budget Session is scheduled to commence on March 3 in Mumbai, as announced by the state assembly Speaker, Rahul Narwekar.