CM Fadnavis Unveils Five-Year Maha Blueprint to Tackle Challenges

Nagpur, Dec 25 (NationPress) Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis disclosed the Mahayuti government's ambitious five-year plan on Wednesday, which includes a vision of housing for everyone through the Prime Minister Awas Yojana (PMAY), all powered by solar energy. Residents of these homes will benefit from free electricity, as they will not incur any electricity bills. Furthermore, the government is set to implement a 25-year strategy for the power sector, aiming to reduce power tariffs for various consumer categories. "We will ensure transparent governance. Maharashtra will witness improvements across all sectors," he stated during a press interaction.

CM Fadnavis announced that the Central government has sanctioned an additional 13 lakh houses for Maharashtra this year, resulting in a total of over 20 lakh homes being constructed under the PMAY, as confirmed by Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan. Approximately 26 lakh individuals have registered for the scheme, with 20 lakh set to receive housing, Fadnavis revealed.

The Chief Minister highlighted that 80 irrigation projects in Vidarbha have been successfully completed. Additionally, projects that had been stalled for years across Western Maharashtra, Konkan, Marathwada, and North Maharashtra are now back on track. "We have made significant progress in the past five years. Serving as Deputy Chief Minister for two and a half years allowed me to witness the government’s commendable achievements in the energy and housing sectors. We have even devised a roadmap for the energy department for the next 25 years. In two years, we expect to reduce rates for all electricity consumers, including industries. Our efforts include six river-linking projects in irrigation, which will transform Maharashtra," CM Fadnavis elaborated.

He emphasized that the Maoist-affected Gadchiroli district is poised to become India's next steel city. "Recently, two Naxalites surrendered. We are determined to transform regions like Gadchiroli. The investment opportunities in Vidarbha will foster a robust industrial ecosystem in the area. These are challenges we must overcome while implementing our initiated schemes. The government is also strategizing to mobilize resources to alleviate the financial strain of these initiatives," he added.

CM Fadnavis mentioned that following the announcement of the 'Mukhyamantri Majhi Ladki Bahin Yojana' in the budget last July, the government has credited Rs 7,500 (Rs 1,500 monthly) to the bank accounts of 2.34 crore eligible women from July to November. "The opposition criticized this initiative as merely a pre-election tactic, claiming it would cease after the Assembly elections. However, after the Mahayuti secured a significant victory, we reaffirmed that the Ladki Bahin Yojana and other welfare initiatives will continue. The government has commenced depositing funds for the December monthly installment into the accounts of eligible women," he noted.

"Numerous challenges persist. Political maneuvering occurs at all levels. However, throughout my ten-year tenure, I have faced many obstacles and confronted them with resilience. I view power as a tool for service and will not allow it to corrupt me," stated Fadnavis.

"Challenges and limitations are inherent in our work. Nevertheless, we must strive to fulfill the aspirations of the people. When I assumed the role of Chief Minister in 2014, many doubted my capabilities, questioning my performance given my lack of ministerial experience. Some members of Western Maharashtra were concerned that my focus on Vidarbha would result in neglect of their region. However, during my tenure, I worked diligently for Vidarbha without allowing any part of Maharashtra to suffer injustice," asserted CM Fadnavis.

CM Fadnavis took a serious stance on the misuse of technology to incite hatred among communities and deceive the public, stating that both the central and state governments are promoting cyber awareness. "Efforts in cybersecurity are underway. We have integrated digital and cyber platforms, utilizing the best tools available globally to swiftly address cyber crimes,” he stated.

The Chief Minister announced that the government will take action against individuals who forward unverified WhatsApp messages. This declaration followed the registration of an FIR by the Maharashtra Police’s cyber cell against 12 unidentified social media users for sharing a maliciously edited video of one of his speeches regarding Naxalism.

"I humbly request that everyone understands that not only the person committing the crime is guilty; those who forward such content also become accomplices. False information should not be disseminated. Until we raise awareness, this challenge will persist," he remarked.

"Cybercrime poses a significant challenge for all of us. Technology is accessible to everyone, yet some misuse it. We are conducting a cyber awareness campaign in this regard. Maharashtra has established the largest cyber platform in the country. If we post incorrect information on X, WhatsApp, or Facebook, we can trace its digital footprint. Those who share false information become accomplices," reiterated CM Fadnavis, emphasizing the importance of not forwarding misleading content on social media.

CM Fadnavis urged the opposition to refrain from tarnishing Nagpur's reputation while critiquing him on law and order issues. "I have instructed the Nagpur police to take serious action against every offence," he asserted.

Regarding the allocation of district guardian minister roles among the Mahayuti ministers, CM Fadnavis stated that state BJP chief Chandrashekhar Bawankule will consult with his counterparts in Shiv Sena and NCP before making a decision. "I am quite interested in becoming the district guardian minister for Gadchiroli district," he concluded.