Mumbai, March 25 (NationPress) The Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra, Eknath Shinde, addressed the Last Week Resolution in the Legislative Council on Wednesday, emphasizing the state government's dedication to comprehensive development. He asserted that initiatives are currently in progress across various sectors, including agriculture, industry, infrastructure, and law enforcement.

As part of the centenary celebrations for Balasaheb Thackeray, the state administration has pledged to eradicate slums in Mumbai and its adjacent regions. To achieve this, the ‘Hinduhridaysamrat Balasaheb Thackeray Urban Public Welfare Campaign’ is set to be launched.

In his remarks regarding agricultural support, Shinde noted that a loan waiver initiative has been enacted for farmers with outstanding loans as of September 30, 2025, providing relief up to Rs 2 lakh. Additionally, farmers who consistently repay their loans are eligible for an incentive of up to Rs 50,000. He revealed that Rs 1,798.78 crore has already been credited to the accounts of more than 89.75 lakh farmers.

Focusing on urban growth, Shinde announced the approval of cluster development for slum areas exceeding 50 acres in Mumbai. These will be officially acknowledged as clusters based on biometric surveys, initiating the tendering process. Furthermore, to enhance the viability of Slum Rehabilitation Authority (SRA) housing, the corpus fund has seen an increase. The previous 30-year restriction on the redevelopment of older homes (180, 225, and 269 sq. ft.) has been relaxed, allowing residents to qualify for 300 sq. ft. residences.

Shinde also mentioned that the government will employ satellite technology to oversee and curb the formation of new slums, while encroachments on land owned by agencies such as MMRDA, BMC, and MHADA will be assessed quarterly.

Regarding law enforcement, Shinde stated that the police force is being modernized with advanced technology. The ‘MahaCrimeOS AI’ system has been introduced to address cybercrime, and a recruitment campaign for over 15,000 police personnel is currently underway.

The response time for the 112 helpline ranks among the best in India. Initiatives like ‘Damini Pathak’, ‘Nirbhaya Pathak’, and ‘Bharosa Cell’ are operational. The government aims to file chargesheets in cases of crimes against women within 60 days.

In the past year, 1,438 drug-related cases were filed, resulting in the arrest of 1,651 individuals. Efforts to combat Naxalism through security measures and development programs have also led to numerous surrenders.

Additionally, Shinde reported that over 12,000 CCTV cameras have been installed across 1,089 police stations, with more than 6 lakh cameras operational statewide.

Reiterating a commitment to a zero-tolerance stance on corruption, Shinde disclosed that 682 anti-corruption cases were registered last year, with actions taken against approximately 1,000 individuals. Over the past two years, 1,304 officials and employees have faced suspension, and six have been dismissed. Complaints can be submitted via the 1064 helpline or WhatsApp.

“The momentum of development established over the last four years will be sustained. We are determined to propel Maharashtra's progress forward,” Shinde concluded.